Stanford University: Overview

Study at Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.

Founded in 1885,  Stanford University  plays a vital role in transforming  modern education  . Located near Silicon Valley in California, Stanford maintains close ties with leading technology companies such as Google, HP, Apple, etc. The university is one of the largest in the US and has 18 institutes and 7 schools.

The university’s annual research budget is $1.6 billion. It is one of the leading universities in the field of research worldwide. Moreover, the university provides an excellent atmosphere for learning and research as it has 20 huge libraries.

Keeping pace with online education, the university also has 2.5 million e-books for student use. The university has 2,180 faculty members and a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, making the learning process very efficient.

Here is a list of Stanford schools offering  world-class quality education  in their respective fields:

• Business
•  Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences
• Education
• Engineering
• Humanities and Sciences
• Law
• Medicine

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Stanford University Acceptance Rate

Is it difficult to get into Stanford University? Yes! However, is this impossible? Definitely not! Stanford, one of the greatest colleges in the world, is looking for high-achieving students. However, Stanford welcomes students with active  extracurricular activities  who have experienced and overcome adversity and demonstrate potential for the future.

Admission requirements for Stanford University are the same as for other  Ivy League universities:  very high. Stanford University requires prospective students to be engaged, imaginative, and imaginative outside of the typical classroom context, as well as maintain a good GPA.

Stanford University’s acceptance rate  is 3.68%, which means only 4 out of every 100 applicants are accepted. To be accepted, you need to put in your best effort from the very beginning. A statement  of purpose  is one of the things that sets you apart. Make it fun and educational, and provide a good overview of your profile.

What is Stanford looking for?

Stanford recruits people who excel intellectually and challenge themselves by taking challenging courses such as AP, IB, and honors courses. To determine academic performance, an institution looks at metrics such as grades, test scores, and class rank.

Intellectual frustration

Intellectual curiosity is highly valued at Stanford University because it is a critical motivator of innovation and creativity. Intellectually curious students are more likely to think outside the box, challenge existing ideas and conventions, and find fresh and creative solutions to difficult situations. Intellectual curiosity is an important component  of personal development  . Intellectually curious students are more likely to be open-minded, adaptive and flexible, and to have a diverse set of interests and experiences.

Initiative and leadership

Leadership and initiative are highly valued at Stanford University as they are critical to achieving the university’s goal of promoting good social change and making a meaningful impact on society. Students who are proactive and leaders are more likely to take on challenging initiatives, collaborate with others, and make a difference in their communities and around the world.

Diverse and unique opinions

Stanford University celebrates diversity in all its forms and is committed to creating a community of students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and opinions. Unique and diverse perspectives are highly valued at Stanford because they bring new ideas, insights, and perspectives to the academic community.

Students from different backgrounds and experiences are more likely to have different perspectives and problem-solving methods, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions to difficult situations.

Achievements outside the classroom

Experiences and accomplishments outside of the classroom are highly valued at Stanford University because they enable students to develop important abilities such as leadership, teamwork, and problem solving. Students who have participated in extracurricular activities, internships, community service, or other experiences outside of school are more likely to develop these abilities and be better prepared to solve real-world problems.

Personal characteristics

Personal qualities are highly valued at Stanford because they demonstrate a commitment to ethical and moral principles. Students who demonstrate the qualities of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior are more likely to contribute to a strong academic community and have a positive impact on the world.

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Qualification requirements

If you are planning to experience the atmosphere of studying at one of the best universities in the world, you need to follow a certain procedure. Stanford has a very low acceptance rate, with an average of 3.68%. In 2017, the university received 44,073 applications for the 2021 session, of which 2,050 were admitted.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of Stanford admissions requirements.

Requirements for test results

Stanford University requires standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs, and GRE or GMAT for graduate programs. International students whose first language is not English must also provide English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE). The table below shows the minimum required test scores.

Test	Check
ACT	32-35
SAT	1440-1550
GRE	166-172
GMAT	760+
TOEFL	100
IELTS	7.0
PTE	68

Application process

Even if you meet Stanford’s admissions criteria, if you are careless during the application process, your chances of getting into Stanford decrease exponentially. Thus, it is important to visit the university website and review the necessary information regarding courses, eligibility, deadlines and tests before proceeding to apply online.

Please ensure that you have all the documents requested by the university for your specific course in addition to your application. Additionally, applicants can visit the alumni page and, if possible, contact any of them to clear any doubts regarding the admission process. Alternatively, you can contact the university office for detailed information or take the help of good advice.

If you would like one of our advisors to personally evaluate your candidacy for Stanford, apply for an admissions consultation with  Leverage Edu  now!

Strong academics

Each application is carefully processed and board members take various aspects into account when reviewing applications. One such factor is  the applicant’s academic performance  . If you have yet to apply to college, you can take advanced placement tests to improve your grades, since Stanford prioritizes good grades. Also, make sure that you have obtained the required qualification from a recognized institute. But you shouldn’t be disappointed if your scores are low if you have experience  in extracurricular activities and volunteering on your side.

Good SAT score

Getting into Stanford is critical to getting a good SAT score. The university does not set a specific score, but on average the 25th percentile, which is around 1390, is expected to get you into university. If you want more information about preparing for the SAT, read our in-depth blog on  how to prepare for the SAT  .

Strong portfolio

When it comes to studying at Stanford, the university produces industry-standard professionals and world-renowned academics, so the admissions team ensures that they go beyond the applicant’s academic background. The university is determined to recruit a huge number of students and therefore student applications are processed at different levels using different parameters. The university is said to be ”  needs blind  “, allowing board members to evaluate candidates from wealthy families and homeless immigrants with equal objectivity. A strong  portfolio  is what you need to get into Stanford.

Essay and SOP

To determine the seriousness of an applicant, essay and SOP play a vital role   . Stanford expects students to write compelling essays for their applications. When writing an essay, you need to be honest and realistic: making assumptions and bragging will only put you in the wrong situation. It is extremely important to be professional when writing your essay and maintain a formal tone. To make your SOP and essay stand out, take your time and take the time to write, review and edit it several times until it is concise and error-free.

ENT

A Letter of Recommendation  , or LOR, allows a Stanford University admissions officer to gain a complete understanding of your candidacy for admission to a particular course. Any candidate planning to study abroad requires a minimum of 2-3 LORs, regardless of the course.

Read also:

ENT samples

Sample letter of recommendation for a student to study abroad

Step-by-step guide to getting into Stanford

In the previous part, we discussed the Stanford admission standards that you must meet to get into Stanford. Now let’s move on to the most important question: “How do I get into Stanford?”

To answer your question, we have outlined the steps you need to take:

Take the ACT/SAT

International applicants to Stanford University must submit their SAT/ACT scores for admission evaluation.

Take the GRE/GMAT

International applicants seeking admission to Stanford University must submit their GRE/GMAT scores.

Pass the required English language exam

If you are a native of a non-English speaking country, such as India, you must take an English proficiency test to demonstrate to Stanford University that you are proficient in written and spoken English. The university can accept TOEFL, IELTS and PTE tests as tests.

Finish the essay

Any essays required by the university must be written by students.

Fill out the application form

You can apply online on the official website of the university. Must provide a high school diploma, English language test scores, SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, essays, statement of purpose, and any other required documents.

Submit your application after paying the application fee.

After paying the application fee, wait until you receive your acceptance letter. Keep an eye out for your acceptance letter.

Interview

If you are selected, you will be interviewed by the university’s board of directors.

Start your term

Once you’ve  successfully interviewed  and been accepted into your chosen program, all you need to do is pay the tuition fee to get started.

Must Read: Knight-Hennessy Fellowship Program at Stanford University (USA)

Additional Stanford Essay Prompts

Applicants must write 8 essays to satisfy Stanford University’s additional requirements. Their tips are listed below:

TIP #1

What is the most serious problem facing society today? (50 words)

TIP #2

How did you spend the last two summers? (50 words)

TIP #3

What historical moment or event would you like to witness? (50 words)

TIP #4

Briefly describe one of your extracurricular activities, a job you have, or responsibilities to your family. (50 words)

TIP #5

Name one thing you are looking forward to about Stanford. (50 words)

TIP #6

The Stanford community is very curious and eager to learn both in and outside of the classroom. Think of an idea or experience that makes you genuinely interested in learning. (250 words)

TIP #7

Almost all Stanford students live on campus. Write your future roommate a note that tells you something about you or helps your roommate—and us—get to know you better. (250 words)

TIP #8

Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character will help you make outstanding contributions as a student at Stanford University. (100-250 words)

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Truth and myths

Stanford, along with  UC Berkeley  and  Cornell  , is one of the toughest schools to get into. However, all of these schools follow the same model: they are highly ranked and have little engineering bias, and they all follow the same admissions pattern.

Because these three universities are so outstanding, it is very important to remember  the following three truths  :

• You must have a strong academic foundation with SAT scores above 600 (preferably 750 in each subject).
• You should have a wide range of extracurricular activities that you are good at (but not necessarily proficient at).
• You should have a “jump” that will put you (hopefully) in the top 100-1000 students.

At the same time, be sure to dispel the following two  myths about getting into Stanford  :

• Getting into Stanford is all about academics.
• Stanford wants you to be as well-rounded as possible.

Remember that Stanford has a small  STEM  (engineering) concentration. So, if your focus is not on STEM, you should put all your efforts into that area and, if possible, try to tie those efforts into some promising interdisciplinary STEM work.

If you are already studying STEM, you should seriously consider taking part in a prestigious math or science competition to demonstrate your superior abilities.

Pro Tips for Getting into Stanford

Here are some tips to help increase your chances of getting into Stanford University:

1. Achieve a GPA of at least 3.95 while taking your most challenging classes.
2. Aim for a 1540 SAT score or 33 ACT score.
3. Conduct at least one or two level 1-2 extracurricular activities.
4. Write engaging essays
5. Apply  Early Actions
6. Letters of recommendation from high school teachers

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Stanford Application Dates

Stanford 2024 applications will open in mid-September 2023.  However, Stanford application submission dates vary depending on the type of application, such as Restricted Early Action or Regular Decision.

The table below provides a brief breakdown of application types and application deadlines to Stanford:

Application type	Early action deadline	Normal decision time
Standard application	November 1	January 5
Art portfolio app	October 15	December 5
Transfer Student Application (with or without arts portfolio)	March 15	March 15

Is Stanford right for you?

Stanford is a fantastic university with many academic and professional opportunities. However, this is not for everyone. Don’t apply to Stanford because of its prestigious name or rankings. Stanford admissions officers can determine whether you are truly interested in the school or just interested in the name. Choose Stanford because it appeals to you in a way that no other school does and because it offers the courses and programs you need to succeed in your future career.

However, keep in mind that Stanford only accepts a small number of applicants. Don’t be upset if you are not accepted. Some of the world’s brightest and most gifted students are rejected from this prestigious institution. Consider an Ivy League school or one of the top universities in the  University of California system  .

Make a list of schools that are safe, targeted, and affordable based on your academic and career goals. If you decide to reapply to Stanford, work on improving the weak areas of your application to make it stronger than last time!

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Final thoughts

Your reasons for attending Stanford are as varied as the school itself. The admissions committee is eager to learn more about you through your application, so consider why you chose Stanford, what you expect to achieve during your time there, and how you will contribute to the campus community.

Stanford seeks students with diverse backgrounds, interests, and abilities. Stanford may be a good fit for you if you are hardworking, open-minded, and passionate about your hobbies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1. How can I get into Stanford for free?

Answer. Nearly half of all Stanford students receive need-based financial aid. Tuition is waived for families with incomes under $150,000 and assets typical of that income range. Tuition, room and board are waived for families with incomes under $100,000 and assets typical of that income range.

B2. How can I get into Stanford for a master’s degree?

Answer. Documents required for admission to Stanford University.
Confirmation of secondary education.
ACT/SAT scores.
GRE/GMAT scores.
Results of English language tests such as TOEFL/IELTS/PTE.
Essay.
Letters of recommendation.
Declaration of intent.
RESUME.

Question 3: How can international students get into Stanford University?

Answer. Stanford University requires standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs, and GRE or GMAT for graduate programs. International students whose first language is not English must also provide English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE).

Related readings:

Best Programs at Stanford University: Acceptance Rate, Cost, Eligibility	What is a good SAT score for Stanford University?
Top 5 Reasons to Study in an Ivy League	How did a PhD at Stanford University help shape Parag Agrawal’s career?
Stanford University Scholarships for International Students	Learn everything about Stanford’s 2023 MBA admissions class

. If you’ve decided to study at one of the world’s top universities,  Leverage Edu  offers personalized, expert service to guide you through every step of the international admissions process. I almost forgot,  applications for January 2021 are open  !  The deadline is December  , book your free 30-minute career consultation now!