Stanford Summer Session: A Complete Guide

Thinking of what you can do over the summer? Why not try taking a class or two in the Stanford Summer Session? This program lets you experience studying various disciplines at the prestigious Stanford University. You can even live on campus if you want.

This guide will tell you all you need to know about the summer program, from the subjects you can study to how you can apply.

• What Is the Stanford Summer Session?
• Stanford Summer Session Acceptance Rate
• Stanford Summer Session Application Deadline
• Stanford Summer Session Requirements
• How to Get into the Stanford Summer Session
• Why Join the Stanford Summer Session?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Stanford Summer Session?

The Stanford Summer Session is technically considered Stanford’s fourth academic quarter. During this time, advanced high school, gap year, undergraduate, and graduate students get a unique experience to engage in university-level coursework at Stanford University during the summer.

You’ll take courses taught by Stanford faculty and earn official Stanford University credit. You can experience extracurricular opportunities, explore resources and campus spaces, and interact with a community of Stanford students and visiting students across the country and around the world.

For 2025, the Stanford Summer Session will run from June 23 to August 14.

Stanford Summer Session courses

The Stanford Summer Session offers courses in various disciplines. Below is a quick overview of the different courses you can enroll in:

Stanford Summer Session Acceptance Rate

Stanford University doesn’t officially disclose its acceptance rate for the Summer Session.

However, it’s generally considered to be more accessible than the regular undergraduate admissions at Stanford, with estimates ranging from 15% to 30%. Regardless, this program is still highly competitive, attracting a limited number of students, typically around 300 to 550 high school students each summer.

If you’re a high school student who really wants to experience the Summer Session, we recommend applying through Early Decision. That’s because Stanford says that slots for high school students are typically filled by Early Decision already.

Stanford Summer Session Application Deadline

The application for the Stanford Summer Session is December 13, 2024 for Early Decision and February 12, 2025 for Regular Decision.

Here’s a quick look at other important dates:

Stanford Summer Session Requirements

Stanford accepts high school, gap year, undergraduate, and graduate students, each with slightly different requirements. We’ll discuss them below.

Eligibility

If you’re a high school student, you must:

• Be a sophomore, junior, or senior at the time of application
• Be at least 16 years old at the start of the program and no more than 19 by the last day
• Not be enrolling at Stanford as a first-year

If you’re a gap year student, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
• Be a high school or secondary school graduate
• Not be enrolling at Stanford as a first-year

If you’re an undergraduate student, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
• Be a high school or secondary school graduate
• Currently be a university student or have some university or post-secondary experience

If you’re a graduate student, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
• Be a university or post-secondary graduate

Required documents

Applicants have generally the same requirements with just a few differences. For high school and gap year applicants, you’ll need to submit the following:

• High school transcripts
• English proficiency exam (for international students who aren’t native English speakers)
• SAT and/or ACT scores (optional)
• One recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor
• High school/gap year essay
• Activities list (optional)

Meanwhile, for undergraduate and graduate applicants, you’ll have to submit the following:

• University transcripts
• English proficiency exam (if your native language isn’t English)

Program costs

The Stanford Summer Session cost depends on factors like the number of units, whether you’ll be living on campus, and if you’ll be waiving Cardinal Care Health Insurance.

However, in general, if you’re taking at least 3 units as a commuter, your program will have a starting cost of $5,177. Meanwhile, if you’re a residential student taking at least 8 credits, your tuition starts at $18,443.

To have an idea of what your Stanford Summer Session will cost, you can check their tuition & fees calculator.

How to Get into the Stanford Summer Session

Interested in joining the Stanford Summer Session? The application process is quite simple. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Create your account.

You can create your account by registering on the application page. You’ll be sent a verification email to confirm your email address. Then, click the red “Start a New Application” button to start the process.

For high school and gap year students, you’ll also need to enter your parent/guardian’s contact information. They’ll also receive an email telling them that you’ve started an application.

Step 2: Submit your requirements.

Upload the requirements required of you accordingly (whether you’re a high school/gap student or undergraduate/graduate student).

Step 3: Provide additional information.

This is actually optional, but if you want to provide some context on your transcript, explain any special circumstances, or include extra qualifications that aren’t mentioned in the application, you’ll have the space to write about them.

For example, you can explain inconsistencies in grades or why there’s a gap in your schooling. You can talk about anything that can help admissions officers evaluate your application with the right context.

Step 4: Submit your application.

When you’re done, you’ll be brought to the “Review” page, where you’ll be alerted if you have missing or incorrectly entered information. After double-checking all your information, click the “Finalize Application and Pay” button so you can continue and pay the nonrefundable application fee.

Step 5: Secure your spot.

Did you receive an offer of admission from Stanford’s Summer Session? Congratulations! But you’re not done yet. You should submit additional required documentation as early as you can to secure your spot. Otherwise, you risk getting waitlisted.

When you accept the offer, undergraduate/graduate students should also submit the following:

• Non-refundable program fee payment
• Emergency contact information (and local contact if you will be a commuter)
• Acknowledgement of access to OAE services
• Copy of passport valid through the November after the Summer Session (for international students)
• Acknowledgement that you may waive Cardinal Care coverage

Aside from those requirements, high school and gap year students will also need to submit these:

• Completed Student Profile (for roommate matching, if you plan to live on campus)
• Proof of insurance and medical information
• Signed Assumption of Risk form
• Acknowledgement of access to OAE services

Why Join the Stanford Summer Session?

Joining the Stanford Summer Session offers many academic and personal benefits, such as:

1. Academic enrichment

You’ll experience the challenge of university-level courses taught by Stanford faculty, which can improve your academic skills. Earned Stanford credits can also be transferred to other universities, giving you a head start on your college education. Exposure to various disciplines can also let you discover new interests and refine your academic goals.

2. Enhanced college applications

Participating in the Summer Session shows that you have the ability to handle demanding coursework at a prestigious institution. Building relationships with Stanford faculty can also lead to strong letters of recommendation.

3. Personal growth and development

Living and studying in a university environment can foster independence and self-reliance. You’ll be able to build connections with fellow students and faculty and create valuable long-term relationships. Interacting with a diverse student body from around the world can also broaden perspectives and cultural awareness.

4. Campus experience

You’ll be able to utilize Stanford’s libraries, labs, and other academic resources. Experiencing Stanford’s environment can also inspire and motivate students. High school and gap year students will gain firsthand experience of college life, easing the transition to higher education.

5. Future career advantages

Stanford has a commitment to academic excellence, and experiencing that in the Summer Session can improve your career prospects. After all, you’ll cultivate essential skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, which are important to succeed in any field. Connecting with peers and faculty can also connect you to future opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Stanford Summer Session free?

No, the Stanford Summer Session isn’t free. Tuition starts at $5,177 for commuting students and $18,443 for residential students.

2. Is the Stanford Summer Session hard to get into?

Yes, the Stanford Summer Session is relatively hard to get into with an estimated acceptance rate of around 15% to 30%.

3. Who can join the Summer Session at Stanford?

High school (except freshmen), gap year, undergraduate, and graduate students are eligible for the Summer Session at Stanford. However, you should also check the age and education requirements according to your level.

4. How long is the Stanford Summer Session?

The Stanford Summer Session is eight weeks long, starting from June 23, 2025 to August 14, 2025. There will also be final exams on August 15 and 16, 2025.

5. Is the Stanford Summer Session worth it?

Yes, the Stanford Summer Session is worth it. It offers unique learning opportunities and the chance to study (and live) within the Stanford campus. You’ll also be able to interact and network with peers from around the world and expert faculty.

Takeaways

The Stanford Summer Session is an eight-week summer program that takes place at Stanford University.

• The Summer Session offers courses in eight different interest areas: natural sciences, creativity and design, innovation and entrepreneurship, math and data science, computer science and engineering, personal development, social sciences and humanities, and writing and public speaking.
• Stanford doesn’t release acceptance rates for the program, but it’s estimated to be around 15% to 30%. When you receive an offer, submit additional documents as early as possible to prevent getting waitlisted.
• There are many benefits that go with attending the Stanford Summer Session. These include academic enrichment, enhanced college applications, personal growth and development, experiencing the Stanford campus, and possible future career advancements.
• Interested in joining the Stanford Summer Session to improve your college application? A private consultant can give you more tips on what other opportunities you can take advantage of to get admitted to top universities.