Hey guys! I've been quite interested in Stanford and I'm thinking about applying as a math major. Can anyone give me some insight into what the requirements for that program are like? Specifically, any prerequisites, core classes, or GPA cutoffs? Thanks!
Stanford does not have specific prerequisites that you need to complete in high school in order to apply for the math major. You'll be applying to Stanford University as a whole, and you won't be declaring your major until after your first year.
Stanford does not publish any GPA cut-offs for specific majors, but they generally look for strong academic achievement, including in math if you intend to major in it. If you've taken higher-level math classes in high school or participated in math-related extracurriculars showing your passion for the field, it could potentially strengthen your application.
Once you're in Stanford, your math major’s requirements will vary based on the specific track of the Mathematics major you choose, which could be Mathematics, Mathematical and Computational Science, or Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics or Teaching. Generally, these majors will require you to take a set of core math courses including single-variable calculus (MATH 19, 20, 21), multivariable calculus (MATH 51), linear algebra and differential calculus of several variables (MATH 52), and integral calculus of several variables (MATH 53), though students often take these classes in their first year before declaring their major. You'll also likely take some upper level math classes, but these would depend on the specific track of the major you choose.
As a side note, during the application process, you might consider referencing any passion projects, competition participation, or research in the field of math. This gives evidence of your enthusiasm and dedication to math, which Stanford would desire in a math major. The admissions office will look for evidence that you can handle Stanford's rigorous maths program, so any tangible proof of this in your application (like strong math grades, participation in math clubs, or academic honors related to math) will be beneficial.
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