Stanford University Complete Information
Undergraduate Admissions
Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford, who were committed to creating an institution of higher learning that would be “open to all qualified applicants.”
Stanford has grown into one of the most selective universities in the world, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 5 percent and a student-faculty ratio of 7:1.
First-Year Applicants
To be considered for admission, first-year applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a high school graduate or have earned a GED certificate
- Have taken the SAT or ACT exam with a minimum score of 1200 on each test (or 2300 for SAT Reasoning)
- Have completed an approved course in algebra and one year of English, including composition, at an accredited high school or college. These two courses may be waived if you demonstrate proficiency through AP or other qualifying exams.
Transfer Applicants
Transfer applicants are considered for admission in the same way as first-year applicants. Transfer students are eligible for financial aid, and must have completed at least one year of college coursework with a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
International Applicants
Internation Applicants requirements that differ from those for domestic students.
- TOEFL or IELTS score: All international applicants must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score by the deadline of December 1st (for Early Action) or February 1st (for Regular Decision).
- Financial statement: International students must also provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while at Stanford University. This can be done either through submitting an official bank statement showing at least $50K in liquid assets OR completing a financial aid form indicating how much money will be needed over four years at Stanford University.
Undocumented Applicants
Undocumented students are eligible for financial aid and in-state tuition. Undocumented students may also qualify for federal loans, depending on their residence.
If you’re an undocumented student who has applied or plans to apply to Stanford University as an undergraduate student.
QuestBridge
- QuestBridge is a non-profit organization that helps high-achieving, low-income students gain admission to selective colleges and universities.
- Stanford University has a partnership with QuestBridge.
- Students admitted to Stanford through QuestBridge are eligible for need-based financial aid.
Stanford welcomes all students who are ambitious, curious, and dedicated to academic excellence.
Stanford is a selective institution, but the admissions process is less competitive than you might think. They are looking for students who have demonstrated their ability to perform at a high level inside and outside the classroom; applicants should demonstrate some combination of intellectual vigour, leadership potential and engagement in extracurricular activities or service work.