How to Get into Stanford: Admission Requirements and Tips

Ranked 4th nationally by U.S. News and World Report and 6th globally by the QS World University Rankings, Stanford University draws top talent from every corner of the world. With its prime location in Silicon Valley, Stanford is a go-to for students aiming for a future in business, technology, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

But getting into Stanford is tough. The Class of 2027 had an acceptance rate of just 3.9%, which means you’re up against thousands of applicants who all have stellar grades and impressive extracurriculars. Don’t get discouraged, though. There are ways to boost your chances.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get into Stanford. Wondering about required GPA and test scores? Tips for writing application essays? How to crack Stanford admissions? We’ve got you covered. You’ll get practical advice on standing out in your Stanford application.

• How Hard Is It to Get into Stanford?
• Stanford Admission Requirements
• Stanford GPA Requirements
• Stanford SAT Requirements
• Stanford ACT Requirements
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Stanford
• Stanford Application Deadline
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Stanford?

Stanford has a well-earned reputation for being one of the hardest schools to get into. The numbers speak for themselves: for the Class of 2027, Stanford had 53,733 applicants and accepted just 2,099. That puts the acceptance rate at a slim 3.9%, making it one of the most selective universities in the world.

To give you some perspective, here’s a look at Stanford’s acceptance rates over the past few years:

As you can see, the numbers have stayed consistently low, with just a slight uptick in recent years. But even with that minor bump, getting into Stanford is still extremely tough. It’s clear that the competition is fierce, and applicants need to bring their A-game to stand out.

When you compare Stanford to Ivy League schools, it’s right up there in terms of difficulty:

Compared to Ivy League schools, Stanford’s 3.9% acceptance rate is right in the mix with the toughest schools out there. Harvard edges it out with an even more selective 3.4%, while Princeton and Yale aren’t far off, sitting at 4.5% and 4.4% respectively. Dartmouth (6%) and Cornell (7.9%) may give you a bit more breathing room, but those numbers still mean you’re up against serious competition.

In short, getting into Stanford is simply challenging. If you want a spot, you’ll need more than just good grades. It’s about presenting a standout, well-rounded application that shows you’re smart and also ready to contribute something unique to the Stanford community.

Stanford Admission Requirements

To apply to Stanford, you’ll use either the Common Application or Coalition Application. Both let you submit your application and keep track of everything you’ve sent in. It’s also where you can see what’s still pending or make updates.

Knowing exactly what Stanford wants will help you understand how to get into Stanford by giving them a clear, complete picture of who you are. Here’s what Stanford looks for:

• Transcript of records. Your grades and GPA matter a lot. Stanford wants to see your academic history and how you’ve performed throughout high school.
• Letters of recommendation. You’ll need two letters from teachers and one from your school counselor. Your counselor will also send in a school report.
• Essays. Besides the usual personal statement (via Common App or Coalition App), Stanford has its own set of essays. For 2024-25, you’ll tackle five quick questions (50 words each) and three short essays (100-250 words).
• Extracurriculars. Stanford loves to see a strong commitment to activities outside of class. This is where you show what you’re passionate about and where you’ve taken the lead.
• Standardized test scores (optional). SAT or ACT scores are optional, so it’s up to you whether you want to submit them.
• Interview (optional). Totally optional, but if you do it, it’s a great way to showcase your personality. The interview process is conducted by Stanford alumni.
• Arts portfolio (optional). If you’re into the arts—like visual art, music, theater, or dance—this is your chance to submit a portfolio. Optional, but worth it if it highlights your talents.

Stanford uses a holistic review process, meaning they look at the entire picture—your academics, extracurriculars, personal qualities, and more. If one area isn’t perfect (like your GPA), other strengths (like your essays or leadership roles) can balance it out.

Stanford also weighs a few other factors:

• Very important: The rigor of your classes (e.g., did you push yourself with AP or IB courses?), your class rank, your personal traits, and any standout talents you have.
• Important (but less so): Being a first-generation student, having family connections to Stanford, where you live, and any volunteer or work experience.

What doesn’t matter to Stanford? State residency, religion, and how much you’ve interacted with the school don’t factor in at all.

Academically, Stanford doesn’t have hard-and-fast course requirements, but they recommend taking these subjects in high school:

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math
• 3 or more years of Science
• 3 or more years of Foreign Language
• 3 or more years of Social Studies

By understanding and hitting these key points, you’ll know exactly how to boost your chances of getting into Stanford.

Stanford GPA Requirements

Stanford doesn’t have a set minimum GPA, but you shouldn’t brush off how important it is. If you’re trying to figure out how to get into Stanford, keep in mind that most applicants have stellar academic records. While your GPA won’t single-handedly secure your spot, it definitely helps set the stage for your overall academic profile.

Stanford’s average GPA

According to Stanford’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, the average GPA for admitted students is 3.9.

To give you a clearer picture: 75.2% of admitted students had a perfect 4.0, and another 15.5% had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99. So, over 90% of admits were rocking a GPA of at least 3.75. Plus, 96.2% of these students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class—meaning class rank matters, too.

Your target GPA should be around 3.9 or higher if you’re serious about applying. But admissions officers also want to see that you’ve taken tough courses—like AP, IB, or honors classes—to show you’re ready for Stanford’s academic intensity. A solid GPA paired with challenging coursework and a high class rank will demonstrate your academic strength.

What to do if your GPA is below average

If your GPA is a bit lower than average, turn your attention to the other parts of your application. Strong essays, standout extracurriculars, glowing recommendations—these can help fill in the gaps and highlight your strengths.

Remember, Stanford cares about who you are beyond your grades. Understanding this holistic approach is key to figuring out how to get into Stanford, especially if your numbers aren’t perfect.

Stanford SAT Requirements

Even though Stanford has gone test-optional for the 2024-2025 cycle, submitting strong SAT scores can still give you a boost. Stanford doesn’t have a strict cutoff for scores, but many applicants still submit them—and competitive scores definitely help.

If your SAT falls within or above Stanford’s average range, it can make your application stronger, especially given the intense competition. Knowing what the average SAT scores are for admitted students helps you figure out where you need to be.

Stanford average SAT

According to Stanford’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, admitted students had some pretty impressive SAT scores. Here’s how they break down:

For individual sections:

Most admitted students score at the top of the range. Around 96% of them have total SAT scores between 1400 and 1600. When it comes to individual sections, about 95% of students score between 700 and 800 on the EBRW section, and 96% hit that range on the Math section. Basically, doing well on both sections is key, since most students who get in excel across the board.

If you want your SAT scores to stand out, aim for the 75th percentile or higher, meaning a composite score of 1560 or above. High SAT scores show you’re ready for the academic challenges at Stanford.

But don’t worry if your scores fall a little short. Plenty of students have been admitted with lower scores, especially if they shine in other areas—like essays, extracurriculars, or recommendations. Remember, Stanford takes a holistic approach to admissions.

Does Stanford require SAT?

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Stanford has kept its test-optional policy, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply. The key thing to note here is that choosing not to submit scores won’t put you at a disadvantage. In past test-optional cycles, Stanford admitted students with and without standardized test scores, so it’s really up to you.

Starting with the 2025–2026 cycle, however, Stanford will go back to requiring SAT or ACT scores for first-year and transfer applicants. So, if you’re aiming for Fall 2026 or later, you’ll need to submit test scores as part of your application.

If you’re applying during the test-optional period, consider submitting your SAT scores if they’re in the higher percentile ranges or if they reflect your academic strengths well. If not, you can focus on other parts of your application, like your essays and extracurricular activities.

Stanford ACT Requirements

Stanford doesn’t have a set minimum ACT score, but if you want to stand out in such a competitive pool, having a strong score definitely helps. For the 2024-2025 cycle, submitting ACT scores is optional, but knowing where your score should land compared to admitted students gives you a clearer picture of what you’re up against.

Stanford average ACT

Based on Stanford’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, here’s how admitted students typically scored on the ACT:

Basically, 99% of admitted students scored between 30 and 36, so the bar is set pretty high. Let’s break it down by subject for a clearer idea:

If you want to give yourself the best shot, aim for the 75th percentile—a composite score of 35 or higher. While Stanford is test-optional right now, having a strong ACT score can only help your case, especially if the rest of your application is solid.

Does Stanford prefer ACT or SAT?

At Stanford, both the SAT and ACT are accepted equally. For the Class of 2027, though, more students submitted SAT scores (47%) than ACT scores (22%).

At the end of the day, whether you go with the SAT or ACT depends on which test plays to your strengths. If your ACT score falls within that competitive range, it can definitely boost your application and complement your academic and extracurricular achievements.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Stanford

Getting into Stanford is ultra-competitive. But with the right strategy, you can improve your odds. Focus on nailing your academics, shining in your extracurriculars, and crafting a well-rounded application, and you’ll be in a better position to stand out in the crowd.

1. Maintain a high GPA.

Stanford likes to see applicants who are at the top of their class, so keep your GPA high. The average admitted student has around a 3.9 GPA, and most are in the top 10% of their graduating class. That means you should aim for at least a 3.9 if you want to stay competitive.

Keeping your grades up requires consistency, so establish some solid study habits early. Instead of cramming the night before, try breaking your study time into smaller, manageable chunks. Use flashcards, practice tests, or study groups to lock in what you’ve learned. Time management is key—set goals for each session and stay focused.

If you’re struggling in any subject, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Lean on teachers, tutors, and peers for support, and make a habit of asking for feedback to stay on top of your performance.

Focus on the advanced courses that genuinely interest you, especially if they align with the major you’re eyeing for college. Stanford takes the rigor of your high school coursework seriously, so challenging yourself with tough classes is a big plus.

2. Excel in extracurricular activities.

Stanford values innovation, entrepreneurship, and community involvement, so if you’re showing leadership, creativity, and passion in your extracurriculars, you’re on the right track. It’s important to align your activities with Stanford’s culture, but at the end of the day, it’s more about pursuing things you genuinely care about.

If you want to stand out, look for top-tier extracurriculars that fit your interests:

• Into science or engineering? Joining something like the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) or MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) could help.
• If entrepreneurship is your thing, getting involved in LaunchX or even launching your own business project can showcase your innovative side.

Other ways to stand out include taking on leadership roles, starting new initiatives, or doing meaningful volunteer work. Running your school’s robotics team or launching a non-profit are great examples of dedication and initiative.

Just make sure your activities show depth—Stanford prefers students who have stuck with something and made an impact. Your extracurriculars should tell a story about what you’re passionate about and how you’ve grown. These experiences are key to how you can stand out and get into Stanford.

3. Write compelling essays.

Stanford wants to know who you really are, and that’s where your essays come in. These are your chance to tell your story and show Stanford what makes you unique. You’ll need to write one personal statement through the Common or Coalition Application, plus a few supplemental essays specific to Stanford.

For your personal statement, think of it as storytelling. Don’t list your accomplishments here—share something that shaped you.

Pick a specific moment. Maybe that one time in science class where an experiment went wrong but sparked a curiosity you couldn’t shake? Use vivid details, describe what happened, and reflect on how it changed you. Show, don’t just tell. The more personal and emotionally connected you are to the story, the more memorable your essay will be.

Stanford essay prompts

On top of the personal statement, you’ll also answer some quick questions and a few short essays for Stanford. Here’s a rundown of what to expect for the 2024-25 cycle:

Short response questions (50 words each):

• 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.

Essay questions (100-250 words each):

• 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—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.

These essays give you the space to show off different sides of who you are. Be honest, thoughtful, and make each piece count. That’s how you stand out.

4. Get strong letters of recommendation.

Stanford asks for three recommendation letters—two from your teachers and one from your school counselor. If they’re well-written, they can make your application shine. That’s why it’s so important to build good relationships with your recommenders long before you ask them for a favor.

Here’s how:

• Focus on classes where you excel and really connect with the material.
• Engage in discussions, ask thoughtful questions, and show interest in learning.
• Go to office hours if you can—that’s a great way to build a rapport.

By the time you ask for the letter, your teachers should already know your strengths, personality, and how hard you’ve worked.

When it’s time to request a recommendation, do it in person if possible, and make sure to ask at least a month ahead of the deadline. Be respectful and explain why you’d like them to write your letter, making it clear that you value their perspective on your academic journey.

Make it easy for them by providing helpful materials like your resume, a list of projects you’ve done in their class, or a summary of your goals. The more context you give, the better equipped they’ll be to write a detailed, personal letter that highlights what makes you unique.

5. Take the ACT/SAT and score high.

While Stanford is test-optional right now, submitting a high ACT or SAT score can definitely give your application a boost. Based on Stanford’s averages, aim for a 1560 or higher on the SAT or a 35 on the ACT to land in the top 75th percentile of admitted students. Hitting these numbers shows that you’ve got a solid grasp of the academic material Stanford expects.

To get there, start prepping months in advance. Use official prep materials from the College Board for the SAT or the ACT’s own guide. Take multiple practice tests to get familiar with the format and pacing, and make sure to review any wrong answers to learn from your mistakes.

Plan to take at least three or four full-length practice exams so you can fine-tune your strategy. If you find certain sections tough, focus your energy there. Consider strategies like eliminating obviously wrong answers to increase your odds on tough questions, and don’t waste too much time on a single tricky question—skip it and come back later.

If you’re having trouble hitting your target score, it might be worth signing up for a prep course or getting a tutor. And don’t forget the basics: get a good night’s sleep before the test and fuel up with a solid meal to keep your brain sharp on test day.

6. Apply through Early Action.

Stanford offers something called Restrictive Early Action (REA), which lets you apply early without locking you into a commitment to attend if accepted. The catch? You can’t apply early to other private schools at the same time. So, if Stanford’s your number one pick and you’re ready to submit by the November 1 deadline, this might be a good move for you.

The main perk of applying early is that it can boost your chances of getting in—at least a little. Stanford hasn’t shared specific early admission stats recently, but in the past, the REA acceptance rate was around 8%. Compare that to the regular decision rate of 3.5%, and you’ve got almost double the odds. While 8% might still sound tough, it’s definitely better than the regular decision chances.

That said, applying early only works in your favor if you’ve got a few things lined up:

• First, you should be absolutely sure Stanford’s your top choice.
• Second, your academic record through 11th grade needs to be solid because they won’t see your senior year grades.
• And lastly, you’ll need to have enough time to put together a well-thought-out application that shows off your best work.

Even though REA doesn’t mean you have to attend Stanford if you get in, it does give you an early decision. This can take a lot of pressure off as you figure out the next steps. So if you’re confident in your application and know Stanford is where you want to be, going with REA might be the right move.

Stanford Application Deadline

When you’re applying to Stanford, keeping track of those key deadlines is everything. Miss one, and you could put your whole shot at getting in on the line. Here’s a quick timeline of the big dates you should be ready for:

Starting your application in the summer before senior year is a solid move. It gives you time to write thoughtful essays, chase down those recommendation letters, and make sure everything’s ready well before crunch time.

Applying early (by the November 1 deadline) can give you a bit of an edge, and you’ll find out if you got in by mid-December. If you need more time, the January 5 regular decision deadline is your last call.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the acceptance rate for Stanford?

For the Class of 2027, Stanford’s acceptance rate was 3.91%. In short, it’s one of the toughest schools to get into, admitting just a tiny fraction of applicants each year.

2. Is Stanford test-optional?

Yes, Stanford is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle. This means you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores, but if you think it’ll boost your chances, you can send them in. Just a heads-up: starting with the 2025-2026 cycle, submitting test scores will be required again.

3. What GPA do you need to get into Stanford?

Stanford doesn’t set a minimum GPA, but most admitted students have an average unweighted GPA of 3.9. If you’re hitting that number and taking tough classes like AP or IB, your chances will look much better.

4. What is Stanford known for?

Stanford is all about academic excellence and innovation, especially with its close connection to Silicon Valley. It’s famous for programs in engineering, computer science, entrepreneurship, and social sciences. Basically, if you’re curious, driven, and ready to lead, Stanford’s the place to be.

5. How much is Stanford tuition?

Stanford’s tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $21,709 per quarter, totaling around $65,127 for the year. But Stanford is known for offering generous financial aid, making it possible for students from all kinds of financial backgrounds to attend.

Takeaways

When thinking about how to get into Stanford, here are five key points to keep in mind:

• Stanford’s acceptance rate is seriously low—only 3.9%. You’ll need to bring your A-game because competition is fierce.
• Aim for a GPA of 3.9 or higher. On top of that, take the toughest courses you can (think AP or IB) to show you’re ready for the academic challenge Stanford expects.
• Stanford is test-optional, but if you’ve got a solid SAT score (1560) or ACT score (35), go ahead and submit it. It can still give your application a boost, especially if it’s in the top range.
• Extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters really count. Stanford looks at the whole picture, so leadership roles, thoughtful essays, and glowing recommendation letters can make a huge difference.
• Consider working with a college admissions consultant. They can offer personalized guidance to help fine-tune your application and maximize your chances of getting into Stanford.