Stanford / How to get in
How to Get Into Stanford
3.61% (Class of 2028, 2,067 of 57,326) Here is the academic profile that keeps you in the running, what Stanford weighs most, and where to put your energy.
- 3.96-4.00
- GPA (middle 50%)
- 1500-1570
- SAT (middle 50%)
Every college publishes how heavily it weighs each part of your application in its Common Data Set. Here is how Stanford reads applicants, most important first.
- Course rigor
- Grades (GPA)
- The application essay
- Character and personal qualities
- Class rank
- Test scores
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular activities
- Talent or ability
- First-generation status
- Legacy relation
- Geographic origin
Stanford requires SAT or ACT scores.
Restrictive Early Action Nov 1 · Regular Decision Jan 5. Applying early (Early Action or Early Decision, where offered) can modestly improve your odds and signals commitment.
Your grades and course rigor are mostly set by now. The highest-leverage things left are your essays and how you frame your activities. Stanford reads holistically, so a specific, well-told essay is where you separate yourself from other qualified applicants.
How to get into Stanford: FAQ
Is Stanford hard to get into?
3.61% (Class of 2028, 2,067 of 57,326). At Stanford, applicants clear a high academic bar first, then stand out through essays, activities, and character.
What GPA do you need to get into Stanford?
Admitted students at Stanford typically have a GPA around 3.96-4.00 (middle 50 percent). A strong GPA in demanding courses is the foundation, though it never guarantees admission.
What SAT score do you need for Stanford?
The middle 50 percent of admitted students at Stanford score about 1500-1570 on the SAT. Scores in or above that range keep you competitive.
What does Stanford look for in applicants?
Stanford weighs course rigor, grades (gpa), the application essay, and character and personal qualities most heavily, alongside a strong academic record. The parts you most control late in the process are your essays and how you present your activities.
See your real chances at Stanford and every school.
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