Stanford University
Stanford, CA
A private research university in Silicon Valley with deep, practically unmatched ties to the tech industry — a huge share of Silicon Valley's founders and executives are Stanford alumni. Interdisciplinary strength across engineering, computer science, and the humanities is paired with a huge, sunny suburban campus, a broad and successful Division I athletics program (Stanford routinely wins the most NCAA titles of any school), and dorm-centered social traditions like Full Moon on the Quad.
4%
Acceptance rate
1470–1570
SAT range
32–35
ACT range
4.18
Average GPA
7,800
Undergrads
$58,400/yr
In-state tuition
$58,400/yr
Out-of-state tuition
What are your chances at Stanford University?
Collegator estimates your admission chances from your GPA and test scores, builds your college list, and tracks every deadline — free to start.
See my chancesEssays you'd write for Stanford University
Applies via Common App. Plan for the personal statement (650 words) plus whatever is below. Our standing advice: optional essays are optional in name only — write them.
Supplemental essays: 3 required
- Required250 words · The Stanford community is deeply curious. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
- Required250 words · Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — get to know you better.
- Required250 words · Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution to Stanford.
Scholarships: Stanford undergraduate aid is entirely need-based — no undergrad merit scholarships. Athletic scholarships are the one exception.
Spot an essay we're missing? Add it yourself in Essays → "create a custom essay" — it files under this school on your list.
Data is approximate and changes yearly — confirm on the college's official site.