About Stanford
Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. Founded in 1885, Stanford offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, across seven schools.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, Stanford has a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research, offering double degree programs, unique majors and academic flexibility in 66 fields of undergraduate study.
As of 2025, Stanford is ranked as #4 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report. It is also ranked #6 in the world by Times Higher Education and #6 on the QS World University Rankings.
#4
Ranked by US News
~3.8%
General Acceptance Rate
33.3%
Crimson Acceptance Rate
7,841
Undergraduate Enrollment
Crimson has helped 129 students get into Stanford
Read some of their stories below!
Admissions Overview
Application Deadlines
Restrictive Early Action: Nov. 1
Regular Decision: Jan. 5
Accepted Applications
Common App
SAT/ACT
Required starting Fall 2025
Recommendation Letters
2 from a teacher, 1 from a counselor
Class Rank Considered?
Yes
Tuition
$65,127
Popular Majors
18% Computer and Information Sciences
Stanford's computer science majors undertake research in areas of artificial intelligence, robotics, foundations of computer science, scientific computing, systems and more.
17% Social Sciences
Branches of social science include anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. The students examine the economic aspects of modern society.
16% Engineering
Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed IT, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond.
15% Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Stanford's Interdisciplinary Programs offer some of the most popular majors on campus, combining interests across the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.
6% Mathematics
Students are taught to appreciate the practical and creative aspects of mathematics. As they learn, they see that the logical structure of theorems, proofs and classifications has an aesthetic appeal.
5% Physical Sciences
Physical science is the study of the inorganic world. The four main branches of physical science are astronomy, physics, chemistry, and the Earth sciences, which include meteorology and geology.
Essay Requirements
In addition to the personal essay, Stanford requires applicants to complete the Stanford Questions. These essays offer a unique opportunity to share your story, showcase your personality, and help the admissions team gain a deeper understanding of who you are.
FAQs
Does Stanford offer merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students?
No, Stanford does not provide merit-based scholarships and instead focuses on need-based financial aid.
Can I apply to other schools if I apply Restrictive Early Action to Stanford?
With REA, you may not apply to other private colleges under Early Action, Early Decision, or Restrictive Early Action plans. However, you can apply to public universities or non-binding rolling admission programs simultaneously.
Can I apply to a specific major at Stanford as an undergraduate?
No, Stanford does not admit undergraduates to specific majors. Students apply to the university as a whole and declare their major at the end of their sophomore year.
Does Stanford allow double majors or dual degrees?
Yes, students at Stanford can declare a double major. However, both majors must be completed within the same degree program (e.g., Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). Stanford also offers coterminal programs, which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree simultaneously.
Does Stanford accept AP, IB, or other advanced credit?
Stanford may grant credit for high AP or IB exam scores, but the policies vary by subject. While some credits can fulfill general education or major prerequisites, they rarely count toward the total number of units needed for graduation.
Does Stanford offer interviews as part of the admissions process?
Yes, Stanford offers optional alumni interviews to some applicants, depending on the availability of alumni interviewers in the student’s area.
What is the average class size at Stanford University?
The average class size at Stanford University is around 20 students.
What is Stanford’s policy on gap years?
A: Stanford encourages admitted students to take a gap year if they wish. Students can defer their enrollment for a year after admission, allowing them to pursue personal growth, travel, or other enriching experiences.
What is the campus culture like at Stanford University?
Outside of the classroom, Stanford has a wide range of student organizations and activities, including clubs for various sports, arts, and hobbies. The university is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit, and many students are involved in startup ventures or other entrepreneurial activities.
Overall, Stanford's campus culture is known for being collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating, with a strong emphasis on innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Who are some notable alumni of Stanford University?
Some notable alumni of Stanford University include Google founder Larry Page, golfer Tiger Woods, actress Reese Witherspoon, US President Herbert Hoover and writer Issa Rae, among others.
Learn more about Stanford
How To Get Into Stanford: Crafting A Successful Application
How To Answer Stanford's Supplemental Essays?
Harvard vs Stanford: Top Universities Go Head-to-Head
The Battle of California’s Top Colleges: Stanford vs UCLA vs USC
Top 10 US Universities That Are NOT Ivy League Schools
