Transferring To Stanford: Is It Possible?

Stanford University does accept transfer students from other universities, but it is highly selective. The transfer acceptance rate for the fall of 2022 was just 1.8%, with 57 students accepted out of 3,141 applicants. The process is open to students who have completed one or more years at another institution of higher education, including community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities. To apply, students must submit a range of documents, including a Common App for Transfer, official college transcripts, final high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and letters of recommendation.

Stanford's transfer acceptance rate is 1.15% to 1.8%

Stanford University is one of the most competitive schools in the world, with a reputation equal to that of Ivy League schools. The acceptance rate for new students is extremely low, and it only seems to get more competitive. In 2021, Stanford admitted a record low number of new students, with an acceptance rate of 3.95%.

Stanford does accept transfer students from other universities. However, the transfer acceptance rate is even lower than the already minuscule rate for new students. Stanford accepts only a small number of transfers each year. For example, in 2019, Stanford accepted only 27 transfer students out of 2352 applications, a rate of 1.15%. The following year, in 2020, the rate was even lower, at 1.7%. In 2022, the rate was 1.8%, with 57 students accepted out of 3141 applicants.

The transfer acceptance rate for male applicants to Stanford was 1.9% in 2022, while the rate for female applicants was 1.5%.

Given the incredibly competitive nature of transferring to Stanford, it is recommended that applicants start the process well in advance of the March 15 deadline.

The university accepts transfer applications from students with a minimum college GPA of 3.5

Stanford University is a prestigious institution with a reputation equal to that of Ivy League schools, thanks in part to its excellent research and achievements. The school has a very low acceptance rate, making it extremely competitive for new students applying for the first time. For example, in 2021, Stanford admitted a record-low number of new students. Out of the 55,471 students who applied for entry that year, Stanford sent offers of admission to only 2,190 students, giving them an extremely low acceptance rate of 3.95%.

Stanford University accepts transfer students from other universities. However, it is important to note that the school is very selective and accepts only a small number of transfer students each year. For instance, in 2019, Stanford accepted only 27 transfer students out of 2,352 applications, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of 1.15%. The following year, the transfer acceptance rate was 1.8% with 57 accepted out of 3,141 applicants. The university's transfer acceptance rate remains fairly stable, with the only notable exception being the year 2020.

Stanford University has no minimum GPA requirement for its transfer applications. However, most transfer students accepted to Stanford have a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.33 point scale. Additionally, Stanford requires a minimum high school GPA of 3.5. It is important to note that Stanford only allows grades of C- or higher from a previous institution to transfer and count for credit.

To apply for a transfer to Stanford University, students must submit the following documents:

• A Common App for Transfer.
• Official college transcripts.
• Final high school transcripts.
• ACT or SAT scores (testing is optional for transfer students for the 2024-2025 application cycle).
• Two letters of recommendation from college instructors.
• Portfolios (for some majors).
• A $90 non-refundable application fee or fee waiver request.
• A College Report, which is a form completed by a school official providing information about the applicant's standing at their current or most recent institution.

In addition to the required documents, Stanford University also evaluates transfer students using a holistic process. They consider the applicant's academic potential, as well as their personal qualities, passions, and desires for the Stanford experience. This is assessed through application essays and letters of recommendation.

Stanford University has a transfer deadline of March 15 for all academic programs. Students applying to programs requiring a portfolio, such as music or fine arts, have a deadline of March 20. Transfer applicants will typically receive a decision from Stanford by mid-May.

Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from every college/university attended

Stanford University is one of the most competitive schools in the world, with an extremely low acceptance rate for new students. The transfer acceptance rate is even lower, at less than 2% in some years. The school accepts only a small number of transfers, making it challenging to get accepted as a transfer student.

To apply for a transfer to Stanford University, applicants must submit several documents, including official transcripts from every college or university they have attended. This is a crucial requirement, as it provides the admissions committee with essential information about the applicant's academic performance and standing at their previous institutions.

Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended should include detailed information about the courses completed. This information typically comprises course codes or numbers, course titles or descriptions, final grades earned, and course credits earned. Applicants must ensure that their transcripts are up-to-date and sent directly from the previously attended institutions to Stanford University.

Additionally, Stanford University requires transfer applicants to submit other supporting documents, such as a Common App for Transfer, final high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores (optional for 2024-2025), letters of recommendation from college instructors, portfolios for specific majors, and application essays.

It is important to note that Stanford University evaluates transfer applicants holistically, considering not only their academic achievements but also their personal qualities, passions, and potential contributions to the university community. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, most accepted transfer students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Stanford requires letters of recommendation from two academic instructors

Stanford University is one of the most competitive schools in the world, with a transfer acceptance rate of less than 2% in some years. The school accepts only a small number of undergraduate transfer students each year—for instance, in 2019, Stanford accepted only 27 transfer students out of 2352 applications.

Stanford requires transfer applicants to submit a variety of documents, including official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Specifically, Stanford requires two letters of recommendation from academic instructors. These letters should speak to the student's academic potential and personal qualities, indicating their passions and what they would bring to Stanford.

It is important to note that these letters must come from college instructors who have seen the applicant's work at the college level. College professors generally have higher standards for writing letters of recommendation and tighter schedules than high school teachers, so applicants should contact their potential letter writers as early as possible.

In addition to letters of recommendation, Stanford's holistic admissions process considers other factors such as grades, test scores, application essays, and extracurricular achievements.

The transfer application deadline is March 15

Stanford University Transfer Students

Stanford University is one of the most competitive schools in the world, with an acceptance rate of 3.95% for new students. The school accepts a small number of undergraduate transfer students each year. In 2019, Stanford accepted only 27 transfer students out of 2352 applications, a rate of 1.15%. For entry in the fall of 2022, the rate was 1.8%.

The Transfer Application Process

The transfer application process at Stanford is holistic. While academic transcripts and test scores are important, Stanford also considers the personal qualities applicants will bring to the school. Therefore, applicants are required to submit application essays and letters of recommendation.

The Transfer Application Deadline

The transfer application deadline for Stanford University is March 15. This deadline applies to all academic programs. Students applying to programs that require a portfolio, such as music or fine arts, have until March 20 to submit their materials.

Preparing Your Application

Given the competitive nature of transferring to Stanford, it is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the deadline. Crafting a strong application and securing letters of recommendation takes time. It is recommended that applicants contact potential letter writers as soon as possible after the previous semester, or by January 15 at the latest.

Transfer Credit

Stanford may grant transfer credit for work completed at regionally accredited institutions or internationally recognised colleges and universities. However, no more than 45 quarter units of credit for external work may be counted toward a Stanford bachelor's degree. Credit is officially allowed only after the student has been unconditionally admitted to Stanford.

Frequently asked questions