Prospects of Getting into Stanford

Hi everyone! I'm really interested in applying to Stanford, but I've heard it's really tough to get into. Can anyone shed some light on how hard it is to get accepted? What kinds of GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars do I need to be a strong candidate?

You're right that Stanford has an extremely competitive admissions process, with a very low acceptance rate. To give you an idea of the strength of an applicant's profile, I'll lay out the typical academic and extracurricular achievements of a strong candidate.

Academics:

1. High GPA: Stanford applicants generally should aim for a high unweighted GPA (near a 4.0) or a strong weighted GPA (4.3+). Your school's rigor and your program of study will both be considered in their evaluation of your GPA.

2. Test Scores: Stanford returned to requiring SAT/ACT scores for the 2024-2025 application cycle. To be competitive, aim for 1500+ on the SAT or 34+ on the ACT. Note that these are only benchmark scores; a lower score doesn't disqualify you, nor does a higher score guarantee admission.

Extracurriculars:

Admissions officers often assess extracurriculars using the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars. They prefer "spiky" applicants, who have a strong focus in an area and have impressive achievements related to it.

1. Tier 1: Exceptional achievements at the national/international level. Examples: winning a major science fair, excel in a national sports team, or winning national business competitions.

2. Tier 2: High levels of achievement and leadership in more common activities. Examples: student body president, editor-in-chief of school newspaper, or captain of a varsity sports team.

3. Tier 3 & 4: Membership and leadership in clubs, sports, and volunteer work. Examples: NHS, Key Club, or music ensembles.

But remember, Stanford uses a holistic admissions process, which means they will consider your application as a whole, including essays and recommendation letters. Your essays should reflect your personality, passion, and a deep connection to your extracurricular activities or your chosen field. Strong recommendation letters from teachers who know you well can also make a big difference.

Additionally, applying through the Restrictive Early Action (REA) program could give you a slight advantage, as it shows your strong interest in attending Stanford.

Although the chances of getting into Stanford might be daunting, if you have a robust academic profile, well-developed extracurriculars, and genuine passion in your field, you may stand a chance. Just know that top schools like Stanford often reject extremely qualified applicants, so it's important to have multiple options and apply to a balanced list of schools. Good luck!