What kind of students does Stanford want?
Asked by: Annette Fay | Last update: October 22, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (27 votes)
We look for students who will make a strong contribution to the Stanford community by demonstrating intellectual vitality and academic leadership, qualities not entirely captured by grade point averages and test scores.
What type of student does Stanford look for?
As one of the world's leading educational institutions, Stanford seeks students who have demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities and a genuine passion for learning. When evaluating academic performance, Stanford takes into account high school transcripts and standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT.
What type of person goes to Stanford?
The primary criterion for admission to Stanford is academic excellence. We look for your preparation and potential to succeed. We expect you to challenge yourself throughout your educational journey and to do very well by maintaining a strong academic record.
What qualities does Stanford value?
Stanford Values Integrity, Diversity, Respect, Freedom of Inquiry and Expression, Trust, Honesty and Fairness and strives to integrate these values into its education, research, health care and business practices.
What classes does Stanford look for?
When you apply to Stanford, you apply to the university as a whole, not to a particular major, department or school. As a result, no specific courses are required.
How to Get Into Stanford in 5 Minutes
What kind of student does Harvard look for?
There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.
What subject is Stanford best for?
- #1. in Computer Science (tie)
- #4. in Artificial Intelligence.
- #3. in Programming Language.
- #6. in Systems.
- #4. in Theory.
What kind of people does Stanford accept?
The two most important criteria for admission to Stanford are distinguished academic achievement and significant potential to achieve at a high level during the undergraduate years.
What are Stanford's ideal values?
IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Learning community) IDEAL strives to ensure that diversity is represented across the university—from the makeup of our faculty, staff and student communities to how we work together to create a community free of bias and discrimination.
What does Stanford focus on?
We offer broad and deep academic programs across multiple fields, including the arts and humanities, natural and social sciences, engineering, sustainability, medicine, law, education, and business.
What is the personality of a Stanford student?
Stanford students are driven and ambitious, but also highly engaged with the world around them and deeply concerned about making an impact. They are high-achievers but also some of the most driven to give back to the places they came from and the people that allowed them to find their success.
What is the most popular degree at Stanford?
The most popular majors at Stanford University include: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Social Sciences; Engineering; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Mathematics and Statistics; Physical Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Engineering / Engineering-Related Technologies / ...
What makes Stanford stand out?
Extensive research opportunities: Undergraduates at Stanford have numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful research experiences with faculty, often as early as their freshman year. Research is highly valued and well-funded, allowing students to make meaningful contributions to their fields of interest.
Does Stanford accept average students?
To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT. You should also have a 3.9 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.
Does Stanford care about demonstrated interest?
Stanford does not track demonstrated interest as part of the admission process. Engagement through our programming is optional and will not be part of the review of your application.
What is Stanford's academic reputation?
Stanford University is ranked #4 out of 436 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.
Who is Stanford's most famous alumni?
Tiger Woods tops the list of prominent Stanford University alums.
What is Stanford unique for?
With leading educators in the humanities, arts, sciences, and engineering, Stanford is unique in its disciplinary diversity, and each field offers opportunities to enhance learning through physical design and making.
What kind of students go to Stanford?
Additional typical qualities of Stanford students are those that are determined, innovative, social justice-oriented, committed, and unafraid to venture beyond their comfort zone.
What is the hardest university to get into?
Harvard University
The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.
Does Stanford accept Lgbtq?
LGBTQIA+ people have been part of the Stanford community since its inception. Over the years, Stanford has been home to many queer faculty, students, and staff, whether or not they were public about their identities.
What is the #1 university in the world?
Harvard University
United States|Cambridge (U.S.)
What is the most accepted major at Stanford?
- Computer science.
- Economics.
- Engineering.
- Human biology.
- Symbolic Systems.
Is Stanford better than Harvard?
Stanford University is one of the top private universities in Stanford, United States. It is ranked #3 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Harvard University is one of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #5 in QS World University Rankings 2023 and ranked #1 in US UNI.