Regular Decision

If you’re applying to Stanford through the Regular Decision process, you must submit your application by December 1. The application fee is $80, but if you are eligible for an application fee waiver (based on financial need), it will be waived for you automatically.

The Stanford supplement includes two short answer questions: “What matters most in your life?” and “What qualities do you think make a successful leader?” 

You also have the opportunity to write about any topic of your choice in 500 words or less; this essay should reflect who you are as an individual rather than just describing what happened during high school sports season last year.

Fee Waiver

To apply to Stanford, you must be eligible for a fee waiver. If you are low-income, an international student or an American Indian, you are likely eligible for one of these waivers. To receive a fee waiver from Stanford University:

• You must have been born in the United States or its territories (the District of Columbia is not considered part of the U.S.).
• Your parents’ combined annual income must be less than $65,000 (including taxes). If only one parent meets this criterion but lives with another person who earns more than $65k annually, they may still be eligible if their combined income does not exceed $130k per year ($65k + $65k). 
• If neither parent meets this criterion but lives with another person who earns more than $130k annually ($130k), neither can claim financial need; however, both could still qualify for other types of assistance, such as scholarships based on merit rather than need alone.