Stanford University

Stanford University Admission Processes

Admission Standards - Exceptional

SAT	1420/1570
ACT	31/35
GPA	3.96

Applications Accepted - 5.2% 

Applications Due	Jan 3, 2023
Applicant Competition	Extreme
Application Fee	$90

Stanford University International Undergraduate Admission

More than 65 major subjects of study are available in Stanford's undergraduate bachelor's programmes. 14 percent of Stanford University's 6,994 undergraduate students are international students from over 66 countries. Every year, the university admits around 1,700 undergraduate students and 30 transfer students.

How to Apply: Undergraduate applicants from outside the United States can apply using either the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

Application Fee: 90 USD (Non-refundable)  

Academic Requirements for International Students: International undergraduate students must have finished high school and have a solid academic record. International pupils who excel in a school curriculum that includes the following subjects are well-suited for university academics:

• English: four years, with emphasis on writing and literature.
• Mathematics: four years, with emphasis on fundamental mathematical skills such as algebra, trigonometry, plane, solid and analytic geometry.
• History/Social Studies: three or more years.
• Science: three more years of laboratory science including biology, chemistry, and physics
• Foreign Language: three or more years of the same foreign language.
• Standardized Test Scores:
  • In addition to the application, applicants must submit an ACT or SAT score. For a period of five years, these results are valid. Although there is no minimum score requirement for admittance, the following are the average student scores for the Stanford class of 2023:
  • The average SAT score is 1440–1560, with 78 percent of students reporting tests.
  • The average ACT score is 32–35, with 61 percent of students providing ACT scores.

 

• English Language Proficiency:
  • Non-native English speakers must also present confirmation of English competence via a standardised examination such as the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or other comparable exam. The university accepts the following minimum needed scores:

English Test	Minimum Scores Required
TOEFL (IBT)	100
TOEFL (PBT)	570
IELTS	7.0
PTE	68

Supporting Documents:

• Completed online admission application form
• Academic transcripts from senior secondary school along with their English translations
• Essays
• 2 Letter of Recommendation (from a teacher)
• School Report and Counselor Letter of Recommendation
  • Applicants must identify recommenders and email addresses.
  • 2-3 LORs are required at Stanford.
• ACT or SAT Scores
• English proficiency scores
• Resume: Aspirants must make sure to mention any of their publications in the CV.

Note: Transfer students must meet the same entrance requirements as undergraduate students. The only difference is the deadlines. The students' courses are first compared to those offered by the university, and if they are judged to be compatible, they can transfer to Stanford.

Stanford University International Graduate Admissions

There are 9,390 matriculated students at Stanford, with 34 percent of them being overseas students enrolled in 90+ graduate fields. Each course has its own set of prerequisites and application procedures.

In a given academic year, international students applying for admission to Stanford University can only apply to one graduate programme. It is suggested that students select the appropriate programme based on their interests and abilities.

How to apply: The applications are submitted through the website of the particular school.

Application Fee: 125 USD (for all master programs except MBA)

Academic Requirements for International Students:

• Students from outside the United States must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university or college.
• It is also necessary to show proof of standardised tests such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT.
• Although there is no minimum score requirement for graduate studies at Stanford, candidates who achieve high scores have a considerably better chance of being accepted.
• TOEFL scores are the only proof of English competence accepted by Stanford. The university does not accept IELTS or other tests.

The minimum TOEFL scores required for graduate admission:

Graduate Program	Minimum Required scores
Humanities, Social Sciences, Education	100 (iBT); 600 (PBT)
Engineering	89 (iBT); 575 (PBT)

*It must be noted that graduate business programs do accept other English proficiency test scores such as IELTS or PTE in place of TOEFL.

Supporting Documents: While applying for a graduate program, applicants are required to submit the following as specified by their program:

• Scores of GRE or GMAT exams. GRE scores are not compulsory for 2020-2021 applicants due to COVID-19.
• Concise & well-written SOPs must be included with the graduate application. An SOP for US universities must include:
  • Reasons for applying for the proposed program
  • Preparation for the field of study
  • Research interests
  • Future career plans
  • Other background information that may aid in the evaluation of admission applications
• 2-3 Letters of recommendation
• Supplemental Form: A few graduate master's programmes (primarily in engineering) ask students to submit a supplemental form with additional information such as a list of publications, websites, and other information.
• Interview: Only a few programmes, such as the MBA, need this. The admissions committee may contact you for an interview after reviewing your application.