Stanford University is one of the top universities in the world. It attracts tens of thousands of applicants to apply for the university due to its unique academic atmosphere, innovative research results, and outstanding faculty. For many students who aspire to attend, knowing the Stanford University acceptance rate and information about it is one of the most important factors in deciding whether or not to apply. This blog will tell you about the Stanford acceptance rate, analyze the key factors affecting admissions, and offer practical advice and strategies for prospective applicants to help you stand out.
Overview of Stanford University Acceptance Rate
Stanford University has received 53,733 applicants for the class of 2027, and 2099 students have been accepted, and the Stanford acceptance rate of last year is 3.9%. For the class of 2026, 56,378 students applied to Stanford, and the university has received 2075 students. The acceptance rate of Stanford for the class of 2026 is 3.6%. Even though Stanford University set the test-optional policy for the class of 2027, many students still submit their test scores, and the SAT scores are usually between 1510 and 1580. For the students who submit ACT scores, it ranges from 33 to 35. The table below tells you the Stanford University acceptance rate for the past 5 years.
| Class of | Overall Applications Accepted | Overall Applications Received | Overall Admissions Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028 | NA | NA | NA |
| 2027 | 2,099 | 53,733 | 3.91% |
| 2026 | 2,075 | 56,378 | 3.68% |
| 2025 | 2,190 | 55,471 | 3.90% |
| 2024 | 2,349 | 45,227 | 5.19% |
| 2023 | 2,062 | 47,498 | 4.34% |
Stanford Restrictive Early Action (REA) Program
Stanford University has a Restrictive Early Action (REA) policy, and this type of application is restrictive in that the applicants cannot simultaneously apply to other private universities’ early application programs. Still, they can apply to public universities’ non-binding early applications (e.g., the University of California system).
Stanford’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate
Stanford’s REA acceptance rate is higher than Stanford’s regular decision acceptance rate. Usually, the Stanford REA acceptance rate is between 7%-10%, and the Stanford RD acceptance rate is much lower at 4%. The results show that the early applicants have a relative advantage over the competition because this group usually has stronger academic backgrounds, more prominent extracurricular activities, and a higher interest in Stanford.
| Class of | REA Applicants | REA Admits | REA Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8,500 | 700 | 8.24% |
| 2022 | 8,400 | 750 | 8.93% |
| 2021 | 7,822 | 721 | 9.22% |
Why Start Your Stanford Application Early?
Key Note: The application deadline for Stanford’s Early Decision Program is November 1st
- Increase Your Stanford University Acceptance Rate
To prepare your application documents, you will have enough time to polish your personal statement, improve standardized scores, and ensure the integrity of all application material. Applying early can increase your chance of Stanford admission during fierce competition.
- Planning Earlier
To start early to apply to Stanford University means you can get the offer earlier than others. After you receive the offer from Stanford, you can plan for your future student life. uhomes.com is your first choice for finding apartments near Stanford University. Our platform provides kinds of student apartments for you to look at, and you can filter the student housing based on the price range, room types, location, and apartment amenities. Our professional consultants teams are happy to help you find the best Stanford off-campus housing.
- Show Your Keen Interest in Stanford
Stanford University likes to recruit students who are truly passionate about the school. Especially if you choose Stanford’s Restrictive Early Action, which shows that it is your school of choice, admissions officers may be more inclined to admit applicants who strongly desire to attend Stanford.
Stanford Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
Key Note: What time is Stanford’s regular decision due? January 5th
Stanford’s regular decision rates are generally below the overall Stanford admission rate and even much lower than Stanford’s early decision program. The table below shows you the recent year’s regular decision acceptance rate of Stanford University. Stanford’s regular decision acceptance rate usually ranges from 3-4%.
| Class of | RD Applicants | RD Admits | RD Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 40,500 | 1,357 | 3.35% |
| 2022 | 39,050 | 1,321 | 3.38% |
| 2021 | 36,251 | 1,329 | 3.67% |
Stanford University Acceptance Rate Key Trends
Stanford University’s acceptance rate has been below 5% in the past 10 years, and after the class of 2025, the Stanford admission rate has dropped to 3.95%, while the acceptance rate for the class of 2024 is 5.19%. In the future, as the number of applicants increases, the Stanford acceptance rate will remain lower than 4%.
Key Trends of Acceptance Rate of Stanford:
- High Competition: In the past 4 years, Stanford University’s acceptance rate has been lower than 4%, and the competition is fierce. Even the acceptance rate of Stanford University is a little higher, around 5%, considering the ranking and reputation of the university, the Stanford admission rate will continue to be extremely low.
- Advantages of REA: The overall Stanford acceptance rate for the class of 2028 is supposed to be lower than 4%, and the acceptance rate of Stanford will be lower than 3.7%. It would be a good choice to participate in the Stanford Early Decision Program to increase your acceptance rate.
- Uncertainty of Test-Optional Policy: Stanford maintains a standardized optional policy at least through Fall 2025 admission. If the mandatory requirement is reinstated in the future, it could significantly impact Stanford’s acceptance rate.
Stanford Admission Requirements
The admission requirements of Stanford University are restricted by high competition. As one of the top colleges worldwide, Stanford will pay attention not only to the applicant’s academic performance but also to general qualities, leadership skills, innovative spirit, and personal qualities. The admissions process emphasizes comprehensive assessment. Besides the standardized test scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and interview performances are also the key factors to increase your Stanford University acceptance rate.
1. Academic Performances
- Stanford GPA requirements: 3.9 or higher
GPA is an important academic factor for applicants to increase their chances of acceptance to Stanford. A 3.9 GPA means you must get an A+ for almost all your courses to keep a high GPA.
- SAT Scores: 1510-1580
The average score of Stanford’s applicants is 1540, which means you need to get 730-780 for your reading part and 770-800 for the mathematics part.
- ACT Scores: 33-35
The average score of ACT of Stanford’s applicants is 35, and you need to get 35-36 on reading and 32-36 on Math.
2. Extracurricular Involvement
Stanford University pays attention to the applicant’s extracurricular activities and is concerned about their interests, leadership, and effectiveness. Stanford would like to see deep engagement and long-term commitment, such as making a breakthrough in a particular area, organizing a meaningful project, or demonstrating a spirit of innovation.
3. Letters of Recommendations
Letters of recommendation provide an objective evaluation from a third party demonstrating the applicant’s academic ability, character, and potential. Stanford University requires two recommendation letters, usually from teachers who know the student well. Excellent letters of recommendation describe the applicant’s accomplishments and demonstrate his or her ability to think, cooperate, and be curious through specific examples.
4. Essay
Each applicant’s personal statement shows the individual quality, way of thinking, and outlook on life. The essays of Stanford University often encourage students to self-exploration. The questions usually include “What is your favorite thing?” or “What is the one thing that has impacted you the most?” Great essays tell authentic, in-depth personal stories that showcase unique experiences and values.
What kinds of students enter Stanford University?
Take the class of 2027 at Stanford University as an example.
- 50.2% of students are female, and 49.8% are male.
- 20% of the overall class of 2027 students are first-generation college students.
- The overall GPA is 3.9, and 70% of applicants submit their SAT or ACT scores.
- 12% of the class of 2027 student bodies are international students, and the university advocates accepting students from all over the world to have a diverse student body.
Tips for Applying to Stanford University
The acceptance rate of Stanford is much lower than other colleges, and you need to know how to stand out in the application process.
- Start Early: Prepare your application documents and start applying early to increase your chances of getting into Harvard University, and you will have more time to optimize your materials.
- Focus on Essay: Spend more time on your essay and stand out your advantages and goals. You need to use the chance to express yourself and avoid pomposity.
- Find Good Recommendation Letters: To find professors who know you very well and you get the perfect grades on the courses. To ensure the recommendation letters are specific and substantial.
- Prepare for Interviews: To know more about Stanford University and your ideal programs, the common questions that the interviewer will ask, and manifest your confidence and interest in Stanford.
Conclusion
Stanford University’s acceptance rate is always the lowest globally, reflecting the high admission requirements and fierce competition. Recently, the Stanford acceptance rate has dropped below 5%, which means the applicants need to perform outstanding academically, in extracurricular activities, in recommendations, and personal statements. Thus, students need to prepare early, highlight their unique strengths, and demonstrate true passion and potential to Stanford. Every applicant has a chance to get into Stanford University!
FAQ
Admitted students usually have a weighted GPA of 3.9 to 4.0. Admission to Stanford is extremely competitive and usually requires applicants to maintain an extremely high GPA in high school. Stanford does not have an explicit minimum GPA requirement, especially for those who take a large number of AP or IB courses.
Stanford University is not a member of the Ivy League. The Ivy League is a group of eight private universities in the northeastern United States, including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Stanford is known for its excellence in engineering, business, and computer science and is perennially ranked among the top universities in the world.
Stanford University currently has a test-optional policy. The policy means that applicants can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores, and failure to do so will not affect admissions chances. However, submitting high scores may benefit applicants, especially international students or students looking to make up for other academic deficiencies.
Yes, Stanford reviews applicants‘ senior-year high school grades. Although applicants may typically have only partially completed their senior year at the time of application submission, Stanford University will still require midterm grades to be submitted and will request final transcripts upon acceptance.
