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Students who get into Stanford are usually at the top of their class, have notable achievements in curriculars and extra-curriculars, and have that X-factor. But it doesn’t mean that only a 1400 on the SAT, or 5 years of work experience, can get you in. Each profile is different and should bring a unique flavour and perspective to the class. So if you’re one of these people, you should study at Stanford. 

Here are some of the objective reasons to study at Stanford:

• Worldwide ranking: The worldwide QS ranking for Stanford University is 6 for the year 2025. 
• Employment rate: The average employment rate for graduates from Stanford University is more than 90% within 4 months of graduation. 
• Alumni network:  Stanford offers an alumni network mentoring opportunity for its current students through the Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM). There are over 2 lakh Stanford Alumni connected all over the world. 
• Research centers: Stanford has 15 independent laboratories, centers, and institutes providing cutting-edge research technology to students. 

The acceptance rate at Stanford University is a low 3.7%, meaning that only 3/4 out of every 100 candidates are admitted. One needs to work hard from the start to be accepted. You can also get admission into Stanford through transfer as well, the acceptance rate for transfer students is 1.8%. 

The Statement of Purpose is one of the things that makes you unique. Make sure to give a thorough synopsis of your profile and to make it interesting and educational! 

Let’s look through some of the decision type details and when you should apply:

• Early Decision - apply by mid-December 
• Early Action - apply by November 1 
• Regular Decision - apply by Early April 

One of the most important things to understand is: What kind of students does Stanford seek? While the rest of this blog discusses how to get into Stanford, let’s first understand what Stanford expects from you.

Beyond intellectual vitality, passion, and leadership, Stanford values curiosity and a vision that goes beyond your chosen field of study. Do you take responsibility for your own learning and support those around you? Can you overcome challenges and solve problems independently? If yes, you're already on the right path.

In addition to these qualities, Stanford considers three key criteria when selecting students:

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is considered the primary criterion for admission. Though they don’t specify any test scores, the institute does state that the most important credential is the academic record. 

Intellectual Vitality

The institute looks for individuals who will provide valuable inputs at seminars, research, and be a part of the community with energy and a certain depth of commitment. 

Extracurricular Activities

Another major part of your application is your extracurricular activities. These include various things from participation in clubs to work or family responsibilities. Anything that adds value to your overall personality can be considered. 

Getting into Stanford University requires more than just some test scores and certifications. Every year, around 500 Indian students attend Stanford for higher education. Like every other top-ranked university in the world, Stanford looks for one thing - value addition. What value do you bring to the university, to your class? Will you have a positive impact on the Stanford community? 

To get into Stanford, you will need an outstanding academic record, competitive standardised scores (320+ for GRE and 720+ for GMAT), GPA of 3.5/4.0, and well-written personal statements to understand your story and what you wish to accomplish post the degree. 

Although the list is not exhaustive, here are some basic requirements you need to fulfil as an international student:

Eligibility

You need a bachelor's degree in a related discipline (3-4 years), a good GPA (usually 3.5/4.0) and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL - 90+ / IELTS - 7.0+)

Admission requirements

You need competitive GRE/GMAT scores depending on your program and the weighted class average, strong essays, 2-3 professional and academic LORs, and a statement of purpose. 

Documents Required

An updated CV, Proof of Funds, US Student visa, and all academic transcripts. 

Work Experience

Work experience is not required for most Stanford programs, and you can apply as a fresh graduate. However, the requirements vary according to the programs, and it also adds a competitive edge to your application.

To get into Stanford University, you need a GPA of 3.9+/ 4.0. Although Stanford does not maintain a minimum GPA requirement, the average class usually has an average GPA of 4.0. This is higher than other universities, but getting into Stanford is very competitive. You have to be at the top of your class to gain admission here. 

Because Indian students receive their grades in percentage formats, we’ve listed the American GPA and their corresponding acceptance percentage rate below:

Nearly 1.9 million students take the SAT each year, whereas only around 7500 of them get into Stanford. Although it’s true that not everybody is trying to make it to Stanford as an undergraduate, wouldn’t you love that? Studying at Stanford can change the course of your life - education, research, networking - you name it!

Here’s an overview of what a freshman Stanford class’s SAT scores look like: 

If you’re not taking the SAT as a freshman, you can opt for the ACT. The highest possible score on the ACT is 36 (as it is calculated in average). Start preparing for the tests while you’re still in high school, and you can also take the PreACT for a practice run.

Let’s go through the average ACT scores required for getting a Stanford admit:

The application process at Stanford is fairly simple and straightforward, with basic documents and eligibility requirements. However, you must ensure that you provide all the correct information and submit your application on time. 

Here is an overview of Stanford’s application process to help you prepare:

• Step 1: Research the course and choose which resonates with you the most. Do not give in to peer pressure, take your time and find the course that you actually want to study. 
• Step 2: Once you have decided on your coursework, the next step is to know the eligibility requirements and the deadlines for the application form of the required course. 
• Step 3: Create an account on Stanford’s university portal for your application. Complete your form with relevant details.
• Step 4: Pay the application fee of USD 90 (INR 7900) and complete your application with honesty and before time. 
• Step 5:  Submit your application with all the requisite documents. 

While speaking with a Stanford alumnus, we realised that the essays play a more pivotal role than we’d originally imagined. Let’s consider this: if you’re applying to Stanford, you’re probably good enough. But what makes the admissions committee select one good student from a pool of thousands of good students?

The Stanford alumni put it this way - “If it’s not on your application, it doesn’t exist.”

This means that Stanford wants you to communicate your value, greatness and achievements directly to the admissions committee. How? That’s where the essays come in. 

When writing your essays for Stanford, follow these steps:

• Be honest: Don’t try to oversell anything or show off any experience; you want to make them like you, not get bored with you. 
• Check previously accepted essays: Read essays of already accepted students and try to find a pattern, writing style, engaging sentence formation, or paragraph structure. 
• Follow a smooth structure: You will have a word limit of only 250 words, utilise these words, and present a smooth flow in your essays. Make sure your essay doesn’t look rushed or too full. 
• Stick to your topic: When writing your essay, stay on the main topic; do not add unnecessary details or quotes. Your essay should look clean and professional. 
• Cross-check: Have other people in your surroundings read your essay and see what needs to be changed. Compare your essay with previously accepted essays to gain a better understanding of a good and influential essay.

Stanford’s application deadline for undergraduate students is usually on November 1. They offer 2 intakes for students, restrictive early action and the regular decision. If you’re applying for financial aid, make sure you submit that by 15th March.

The various deadlines for regular decision and early action programs are as follows:

Stanford has more than 150 graduate programs for national and international students. The institute maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1 and 15 laboratory centers, ensuring that students get proper attention and opportunities. Stanford also offers more than 20 joint degree programs ranging from bioengineering to business management. 

However, here are some of the most popular courses at Stanford University:

The cost of studying at Stanford can be divided into two major categories: the tuition fee and the basic living costs. The tuition fee ranges from USD 67,730  (INR 59 lakhs) to USD 108,470 (INR 94 lakhs), whereas the living costs average around USD 3,000  (INR 2.61 lakh) per month. 

Here is a breakdown of the living costs to give you a better idea:

Though the cost of studying at Stanford as an Indian student is almost 10 times the living costs of a student in India, you don’t have to worry. Stanford offers various financial aid and scholarship options for students, such as the Tata Scholarships for Indian students and the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, averaging around USD 62,900 (INR 54 lakhs). You can also get a tuition waiver, while the stipend covers your living expenses, depending on your academic profile and test scores.

Here are some of the top scholarships for studying at Stanford University

Is admission to Stanford University difficult? Indeed! Is it, however, impossible? Definitely not! Stanford University, one of the top colleges in the world, is eager to accept applicants who have maintained a strong academic record over time. On the other hand, Stanford frequently accepts students who have strong extracurricular records, have surmounted obstacles, and exhibit potential for the future.

Similar to other Ivy League universities, Stanford University has extraordinarily stringent admissions requirements. Prospective students at Stanford University must not only have an outstanding GPA but also demonstrate engagement, creativity, and innovation outside of the regular classroom.

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