Hey everyone, I'm just a worried junior starting to narrow down my college list and Stanford is one of my dream schools. I get that it's super competitive and they probably look at a lot more than just stats, but does anyone know their requirements or what they're typically looking for in an applicant? Thanks, fam.
Hello, your interest in Stanford is quite understandable. It's indeed a highly competitive school with several requirements. Here's a quick breakdown:
1. Academics: Stanford doesn't have a specific GPA requirement but applicants typically present very strong academic profiles. Given the competitiveness, most successful applicants are within the top 10% of their high school class. In recent years, the average GPA of accepted applicants has been around 3.95.
2. Course Rigor: They also expect that you have taken the most challenging curriculum available to you in high school, as evidence of your capacity to engage with highly rigorous college work. This often includes taking numerous AP courses and achieving high grades in them.
3. Standardized Testing: For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Stanford has returned to requiring the SAT or ACT. You may self-report these scores, meaning you can simply input them into your application without having to send an official score report. You can submit all of your scores and Stanford will consider the highest one. The middle 50% SAT range among accepted applicants is 1470-1570 according to recent data.
4. Recommendation letters: You need two teacher evaluations from teachers who taught you an academic subject in high school, as well as a secondary school report which includes a guidance counselor letter. These letters are important as they provide color and context to your academic and personal skills.
5. Extracurricular Activities: While Stanford has no specific requirement about the type or number of extracurriculars, students typically have a proven track record of involvement or leadership in their areas of interest. They're seeking students who can demonstrate a 'spike' or deep commitment to a particular field, instead of a spread of unrelated activities.
6. Essays: Stanford requires three short essays and one longer essay from the Common App. All these essays are an opportunity to express your unique story, values, and what you’d bring to the Stanford community.
7. Application Form: Stanford accepts both the Common Application and Coalition Application. So you can choose which form you want to use.
8. Interview: Once you submit your application, you may be offered an alumni interview. It's not guaranteed for all applicants, but if offered, it's a chance to learn about Stanford and express your interest in the school.
Remember that these are only pointers to guide you. It's essential to approach the application holistically as Stanford's admissions process is exactly that - holistic. They look at each of these components in the context of your overall application. As you prepare your application, explore ways in which you can showcase your unique identity, potential for success, and willingness to contribute to Stanford's diverse community.
Wishing you the best of luck on your college journey!
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