Admissions To:
Stanford University
Stanford is the Princeton of the west. This is so because, like Princeton, Stanford typically houses professors who are at the forefront of theoretical physics. This leads them to often tie with Princeton, which houses the famed Institute for Advanced Study—a renowned independent research institution closely tied with Princeton—for having the best physics undergraduate and graduate programs in the world. Also like Princeton, just because Stanford is arguably the best place in the world to study what is happening at the forefront of math and science, doesn't mean their humanities departments aren't impressive either.
Typical Admitted Student Profile:
GPA:
3.9–4.0 unweighted
Test Scores:
SAT: 1530–1580
ACT: 34–36
Course Rigor:
Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential equations, AP sciences, AP English, social science electives, interdisciplinary coursework (e.g., CS + art)
Research:
Research blending fields (e.g., AI for healthcare), social science research, entrepreneurship-based research projects
Competitive Achievements:
National or international recognition in science, entrepreneurship pitch competitions, hackathons, national debate, prestigious art/music awards
Quantifiable Local Impact / Leadership:
Founding social ventures, launching apps/startups addressing community issues, building educational content platforms, advocacy or policy work with tangible quantifiable outcomes
If you have this profile, working with us is your best bet to get into Stanford. If you want to attend Stanford, whether you will be starting your freshman year soon or have just started your freshman or sophomore year, contact us, and we'll guide you in acquiring a similarly competitive profile that will get you into Stanford.
In the same way Princeton has strong traditions of leveraging the humanities toward facilitating civic engagement, Stanford is world-renowned for the focus of their humanities departments. If you want to study the humanities to contextualize the qualitative change rapid advances in AI will bring to the world, then there is no better place to do it than Stanford. They do an amazing job integrating the humanities with STEM, and it is for these reasons that they are at the forefront of the humanities just as they are in STEM.
One advantage they have over Princeton is that their engineering program is a top-tier program also, coming in regularly in the top 5 highest ranked programs. Stanford is in a class of its own when it comes to providing unparalleled world-class education in almost every major field of study. Despite being so prestigious, its student body is relatively grounded compared to the children of old money that attend Ivy League schools. The atmosphere there is described as "relaxed" as students bask in the wonderful weather and beautiful campus, enjoying the time they get to spend at Stanford and explore their diverse interests to their heart's content knowing that all of Stanford's offerings are world class.
It is for these reasons it is a dream school for many to attend. At Cosmic College Consulting, we have lots of experience guiding students through Stanford's admissions application, and know exactly what answers they are looking for in their supplemental essays. Our Stanford admits this year have brought us nothing but pure joy.
We also know how to best leverage the exceptions in their restrictive early action policy, so that you are applying to the best round of early action colleges possible.
In terms of admissions practices, Stanford, despite excelling in the quality of academic breadth it offers, is nothing special.
Stanford, like almost every elite college, is looking for students who have a singular passion that they have dedicated a lot of time and energy into honing over the years, and who have proven themselves capable of elevating the academic and social experiences of other students on campus. The former would be demonstrated by consistently conducting research in a single field and placing competitively in academic competitions. It would also be indicated by taking the most rigorous classes you could, including classes at 4-year colleges, that are related to your primary interest. The latter would be achieved through showcasing that you have made a concerted effort to make a tangible positive impact in your local community or high school. Such impact could include helping elderly business owners integrate contemporary technology into their business, or creating a club at your school which demonstrably and tangibly impacts the lives of a large number of students. Oh, and they love people who score highly on standardized tests, 1500+/35+, and perfect to near perfect GPAs.
One thing to note about Stanford's admissions rate is that they don't take into account legacy due to California law. However, parents of applicants can still tip the scale in their favor by donating huge sums of money to Stanford. So in our opinion, this in effect doesn't distinguish it from the admissions practices of Ivy League universities, unlike that of MIT, which has data backing their approach towards meritocracy
Their acceptance rate for the class of 2029 was xx%.
When Stanford’s 2025-2026 essay prompts are revealed. We’ll give you in depth coverage of how to respond to them. To see our recommendations for tackling their 2024-2025 supplemental essay, see our blog post: Acing Stanford’s 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays.
We will also include a breakdown of their latest Common Data Set when it is released, so you understand the nitty-gritty of who gets into Stanford.
So stay tuned!
If you want to learn how we can help you get into Stanford, or any college for that matter, schedule a complimentary consultation with an admissions expert today.
Here is a list of Stanford traditions you can cite in your essays and mention in your interview during an opportune time.
The Stanford Axe:
Originally stolen from UC Berkeley in 1899, the Axe is now a trophy awarded to the winner of the annual Big Game between Stanford and Cal.
Full Moon on the Quad:
A tradition where students gather on the Main Quad during the first full moon of the academic year to exchange kisses, evolving from a simple tradition where senior men would kiss freshman women.
Fountain Hopping:
Students visit and jump into various fountains across campus, especially popular during hot days and after finals.
Band Run:
The Stanford Band performs impromptu "runs" through libraries and dorms, particularly during Dead Week before finals.
Junior Museum:
Engineering students attempt to place objects (like cars or pianos) atop Hoover Tower or the Stanford Engineering Building.
Big Game Week:
The week leading up to the football game against UC Berkeley features rallies, pranks, and the lighting of the Red October bonfire.
Stanford Marriage Pact:
A more recent tradition where students fill out a questionnaire and an algorithm matches them with their most compatible fellow student.
The Time Capsule:
Each graduating class buries a time capsule beneath the Main Quad to be opened during their 100th reunion.
Lake Lagunita Mud Run:
When the seasonal lake fills with water, students participate in mud runs around its perimeter.