Stanford University, located in Palo Alto, California, is one of the most prestigious universities in the nation. Stanford has a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,049 students and an acceptance rate of less than 4%. While Stanford remains test-optional for those applying this cycle, applicants to the Class of 2030 will once again be required to submit a standardized test score.
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TTA Top Tip: Aside from the required letters of recommendation, applicants may submit a maximum of one optional letter of rec if there is another person — not a teacher or counselor — who knows you well and will provide new insights about your background and candidacy. We counsel our students carefully on this choice, as colleges really don’t want random recommendations from a friend of a friend or a professor who taught you for two weeks in a summer class. However, if you have had a meaningful internship or work experience with a supervisor who you believe could write an effective recommendation, this could be an excellent opportunity.
Expert advice from Dr. Eliza Fox, TTA Senior Private Counselor and Stanford alum:
Many applicants struggle with Stanford’s “note to your future roommate” essay. As you are writing it, remember that your audience isn’t actually your future roommate — it’s a Stanford admissions officer. With that in mind, don’t use this space to talk about the quirks or habits that might shape the experience of someone living with you (e.g., you wake up early, you sing off-key in the shower, etc.). Instead, use this space to tell a story that shows why you would be an interesting person for anyone to get to know.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS
Required for all applicants:
50 words
- What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
- How did you spend your last two summers?
- What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
- Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
- List five things that are important to you.
100-250 words
- 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 to Stanford University.
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APPLYING TO STANFORD UNIVERSITY?
Are you thinking about applying to Stanford University? Not sure how to start writing these essays? Contact us to secure a spot in our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp and improve your odds of admission with expert guidance.
Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!
Interested in reading more about Stanford?
- Discover Stanford
- Breaking News: Stanford Reinstates Standardized Testing
- Stanford’s Supplemental Essays (2023-24)
- Stanford University: Early Acceptance Rate
- What Are the “Ivy Plus” Schools?
- Ivy Plus Acceptance Rates
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