How To Get Into Stanford | Acceptance Rate

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, CA. It's a highly-ranked college, often compared to Ivy League schools like Harvard and Princeton.

As a result, Stanford University has a low acceptance rate, accepting only 4% of students last year. Below, we'll break down what you need to know about the acceptance rate and admissions at Stanford University.

What Is the Acceptance Rate at Stanford University?

The acceptance rate at Stanford University is 4%. That's one of the lowest in the nation, with only a couple of schools, including Harvard University, having lower acceptance rates.

Enrollment at Stanford University is currently over 18,000 students, with less than half of those in undergraduate programs. Almost all Stanford students are full-time students who study on campus.

Stanford University Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements at Stanford University vary slightly depending on what type of student you are: a first-year student, a transfer student, or a graduate student.

Requirements for first-year students include:

• filling out the common application
• $90 application fee (fee waivers available)
• personal essays
• high school transcripts
• school report form
• counselor letter of recommendation
• letters of recommendation from two teachers

Stanford University does not require students to submit their ACT scores or SAT scores in recent years, although students can if they feel that would help their application.

There is also no minimum test score needed or a test score that guarantees admission. There is also no minimum GPA required for applicants.

Transfer applicants have most of the same requirements. However, they will also need to submit their transcripts from all colleges and universities that they've attended.

Graduate students will need to have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. They will also need to pay a $125 application fee. Additional requirements vary by program.

How To Apply at Stanford University

The applications and admissions process at Stanford University has several steps with some steps required and some steps optional. We've broken these steps down below.

Step 1: Check Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

Before you begin your application to Stanford, you want to ensure that you have everything you need for your application. For undergraduate students, this means the items listed above.

Graduate students, however, will need to check the requirements for their specific program. They may need to submit things like a resume or test scores.

The early action deadline for undergraduate students is October 15, and the regular application deadline is January 5. For graduate students, deadlines range from November to March depending on your program.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application

For undergraduate students, Stanford accepts applications through the Common Application. The Common Application is a centralized college application system that allows students to apply to over 1,000 colleges and universities.

The Common Application asks students questions about things like:

• family background and responsibilities
• school information and academic honors
• extracurricular activities
• work experience
• military experience

Again, test scores are not required for admission to Stanford, but students with high scores may still want to submit them.

Graduate students don't use the Common Application. Instead, they'll use Stanford's application system. The graduate application will cover things like:

• personal background
• your intended graduate program
• academic history
• research and work experience
• recommendations from academic or professional references

Depending on your program, you may be asked to submit additional information, like GRE test scores.

Step 3: Complete Essays or Personal Statements

Undergraduate students will have several short answer questions to complete as part of their common application. They also need to write essays between 100-250 words for the following prompts:

• The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
• Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. 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.
• Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate at Stanford University.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee or Request a Waiver

The application fee for undergraduate students is $90, and for graduate students is $125. However, fee waivers are available for students who qualify.

There will be a question on the common application that allows you to request a fee waiver. You'll also need your school counselor to verify your eligibility through the common application. You can and should submit your application while you wait for your waiver request to be confirmed.

Information for fee waivers for graduate students is available from each program. Waivers are also available to reduce the fee of the GRE standardized test.

Step 5: Submit Required Documents

Undergraduate students will need to submit their high school transcripts as well as transcripts for any college courses they've taken. They'll also need to submit a School Report form, counselor recommendation, and letters of recommendation from two teachers.

These documents can all be uploaded within the common application. They must be submitted by the school, counselors, and employees themselves.

Graduate students will need to submit their:

• transcripts
• experiences
• recommendations
• anything required of their program through the Stanford application

Tips for Applying to Stanford University

Stanford uses a holistic admissions process, meaning that it takes into account not just grades but also your:

• extracurriculars
• achievements
• experiences

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing to apply.

First, while there is no minimal high school GPA, the average GPA at Stanford is 3.95. Stanford also suggests, but does not require, the following high school courses:

• four years of English
• four years of mathematics
• three or more years of history and social studies
• three or more years of science
• three or more years of the same world language

Participating in extracurriculars or life experiences in high school will also boost your chances of acceptance. However, there are no specific experiences the school looks for.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in an application interview. While not required, it gives the administration more of an opportunity to learn about you and your accomplishments.

FAQs About Getting into Stanford University

Below, we've addressed some frequently asked questions about getting into Stanford University.

What Is the Cost of Tuition at Stanford University?

Undergraduate tuition for full-time students, before financial aid is applied, is $20,577 per quarter. Graduate tuition depends on the number of credits you take each quarter.

Students taking 8-10 credits are charged $12,720 per quarter, and those taking 11-18 are charged $19,582 per quarter. Some programs, like the medical school, have higher rates.

What Is the Graduation Rate at Stanford University?

The graduation rate at Stanford University is 95%. Graduation rate is a metric that looks at how many first-time, full-time students graduate within six years for a bachelor's degree or three years for an associate degree.

Can I Get Into Stanford University With a Low GPA?

While Stanford University doesn't have a minimum high school GPA for undergraduate admissions, it's a very competitive school and you are unlikely to get in with a low GPA. The average GPA for acceptance to Stanford is 3.95.