Overview
Stanford University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Stanford, California. The school accepts 3.7% of applicants and enrolls 7,841 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 3.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,540
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,500–1,580
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 7,841
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Stanford admits students who will shape the future, not just excel in it. Your essays need to show how you think about problems differently and what you want to build or change in the world.
Stanford differs from other elite schools by prioritizing entrepreneurial thinking over pure academic achievement. Write about projects you've started, systems you've improved, or problems you've tackled in unconventional ways. The admissions committee wants to see evidence that you create rather than just consume.
Reference specific Stanford programs that align with your goals. Mention the d.school if you're interested in human-centered design, the Haas Center for Public Service if you want to combine social impact with your field, or the Symbolic Systems Program if you're drawn to interdisciplinary work. These aren't just name-drops but should connect to concrete experiences or projects in your application.
Stanford's Duck Syndrome culture means students appear calm on the surface while working intensely underneath. Your essays should acknowledge this balance between high achievement and mental wellness. Show that you can handle pressure without burning out and that you support others doing the same.
Don't write about wanting to be the next tech billionaire or change the world through your startup idea. Stanford has heard this thousands of times. Instead, focus on specific problems you've noticed and small-scale solutions you've tested. The school wants builders, not just dreamers.
Your "What matters to you and why?" essay is important. Stanford uses this to understand your values and decision-making process. Pick something genuinely important to you, not what you think sounds impressive. The best responses connect personal experiences to broader principles that guide your choices.
Stanford reads applications carefully and completeally. Your intellectual vitality shows through how you approach learning outside requirements, not just your course list. Discuss books you've read independently, problems you've researched on your own, or skills you've developed because you were curious.
Submit all supplemental essays even if they're optional. Stanford gives you multiple opportunities to share different aspects of yourself, and leaving any blank suggests you don't have much to say about your interests or experiences.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $12,136/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $62,484
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 92.8%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $124,080/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 97.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Stanford has a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. You can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of your application.
Does Stanford University offer early admission options?
Stanford offers Restrictive Early Action with an application deadline of November 1. This is a non-binding early option that restricts you from applying early to other private universities.
Can you transfer to Stanford University from another college?
Stanford accepts transfer students for sophomore and junior year entry. Transfer applications are due March 15 for fall admission only.
What is the application deadline for Stanford University?
The regular decision application deadline is January 5. All required materials including test scores and transcripts must be submitted by this date.