Stanford Admissions: A Guide For Indian Students

Stanford University is one of the leading universities in the world, with top-quality academics, a focus on research, and a vibrant student life. Getting admission to Stanford from India can be challenging, but with the right strategy and planning, it is achievable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help Indian students navigate the admissions process and increase their chances of getting into Stanford University.

Documents Required for Stanford University Admissions:

- Common Application with a fee of USD 90 for undergraduate programs and USD 125 for graduate programs.

- SAT or ACT scores (optional for undergraduate programs).

- School Report form and counsellor's letter of recommendation.

- Official transcripts or academic records.

- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from two teachers.

- English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) scores are not required for undergraduate admissions, but those willing to submit scores can provide IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores.

- For graduate programs, GRE/GMAT scores are required.

- Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing your motivations and aspirations.

- Strong Letters of Recommendation that highlight your leadership capabilities.

Stanford's Admission Requirements:

- Academic Excellence: Stanford seeks students with a high GPA (above 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale) and a rigorous curriculum.

- Standardised Test Scores: While test-optional policies exist, strong SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate programs and GRE/GMAT scores for graduate programs can strengthen your application.

- Extracurricular Activities: Stanford values well-rounded individuals who demonstrate leadership and community engagement.

- Personal Statement and Essays: Reflect your genuine self in your writings, share personal stories, and showcase how you align with Stanford's values.

- Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed endorsements.

Stanford's Selection Criteria:

- Holistic Admission Approach: Stanford considers academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and the potential contribution to the Stanford community.

- Academic Performance: While there are no strict GPA or standardised test score requirements, Stanford values intellectual curiosity and academic rigour.

- Intellectual Vitality: Demonstrate a passion for learning and a commitment to various activities.

- Extracurricular Activities: Showcase your impact in community engagements and diversity initiatives.

- Diversity and Context: Stanford fosters a diverse student body, considering each applicant's unique circumstances and background.

Tips for a Compelling Stanford Application:

- Research Stanford's values and culture, and naturally incorporate them into your application.

- Highlight your academic and extracurricular activities without boasting.

- Craft authentic and intriguing essays that showcase your intellect and aspirations.

- Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide enthusiastic endorsements.

- Be authentic, specific, and grammatically correct in your writings.

- Demonstrate your fit with Stanford's community and express your enthusiasm for becoming a part of it.

- Start early, stay organised, and meet all deadlines.

Academic Excellence

Stanford University places a strong emphasis on academic achievements. Here are some of the requirements and recommendations for academic excellence:

• High GPA Score: While Stanford does not give a minimum GPA requirement, applicants should aim for a score above 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale.
• Rigorous Coursework: It is recommended to take challenging courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or A-Levels, to strengthen your application.
• Standardised Test Scores: Although Stanford has adopted a test-optional policy, strong standardised test scores can enhance your application. For undergraduate programmes, SAT/ACT scores are required, while for graduate programmes, GRE/GMAT scores are necessary.
• Academic Criteria for Undergraduate Applications: In addition to the standardised test scores, you need to have completed your high school diploma, which is 10+2 years of schooling in India. There is no particular board or cut-off score requirement, but it is essential to be in the top percentile. Building a diverse profile that balances curricular and extracurricular activities, as well as demonstrating leadership, is advantageous.
• Academic Criteria for Graduate/Postgraduate Applications: Stanford requires a four-year bachelor's degree for graduate programmes. This can be a challenge for Indian students, as bachelor's programmes in India are typically three years long. In such cases, Stanford expects you to complete a two-year master's degree in India before applying. Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher is essential. While the GRE or GMAT is not mandatory, it is recommended, with average scores of 161 in quantitative and 162 in verbal for the GRE, and a GMAT score of 650+.

Standardised Test Scores

While test-optional policies are becoming more common, submitting test scores can still strengthen your application. There are no minimum test scores required for admission to Stanford, and there is no score that guarantees admission. However, if you feel your scores are a positive reflection of your academic preparedness, you are welcome to self-report them.

If you are applying for the Fall 2025 entry term, ACT or SAT scores are not required for first-year or transfer students. However, for the Fall 2026 entry term and beyond, Stanford will require ACT or SAT scores for all undergraduate applicants.

If you are offered admission and choose to enrol, official scores will be required. You can have official scores sent to Stanford using the following codes:

• SAT PROFILE/TOEFL Code number: 4704
• ACT Code number: 0434

Extracurricular Activities

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and its admissions process is highly competitive. The university seeks well-rounded applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to extracurricular activities. Here are some tips for Indian students to strengthen their extracurricular profile when applying to Stanford University:

• Leadership Roles: Seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles within your school or community. This could include participating in student government, leading clubs or community projects, or organising events. Demonstrating your ability to initiate and manage projects will leave a positive impression.
• Unique Talents and Achievements: Stanford values students with diverse interests and talents. If you excel in sports, music, art, or any other extracurricular activity, make sure to highlight your achievements in these areas. Whether you're a star athlete, a concert pianist, or a volunteer leader, showcase your unique talents and the impact you've had in these fields.
• Community Engagement: Get involved in community service and social initiatives. Stanford values applicants who are actively engaged in making a positive impact in their communities. Look for opportunities to volunteer, participate in social projects, or join community organisations.
• Demonstrating Impact: It's not enough to simply list your extracurricular activities. Explain how your involvement has positively impacted your community, school, or field of interest. For example, if you started a club, explain how it benefited your peers or promoted a cause.
• Authenticity: Be genuine in your application. Choose extracurricular activities that genuinely interest you and reflect your passions. Admissions officers can spot insincerity, so it's important to showcase your authentic self and explain how these activities have shaped your experiences and goals.
• Depth Over Breadth: Instead of spreading yourself too thin by participating in numerous activities, focus on a few key areas and strive for depth and leadership within those. Demonstrating commitment and impact in a few activities will leave a stronger impression than a long list of superficial involvements.
• Academic Competitions: If you have a passion for academic competitions such as quizzes, debates, or Model UN, highlight your participation and any awards or recognition you've received. These competitions demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and ability to apply knowledge in a competitive setting.
• Work Experience: If you've had the opportunity to gain work experience through internships, part-time jobs, or summer programmes, include this in your application. Explain how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth and how they align with your academic and career goals.

Remember, Stanford University seeks students who can contribute to a dynamic and diverse campus environment. Demonstrating your involvement and impact in extracurricular activities is a crucial aspect of your application.

Personal Statement and Essays

Stanford University requires applicants to submit a personal statement and several short essays. The personal statement should showcase your motivations and aspirations, while the essays allow admissions officers to get to know you better and understand your unique perspective. Here are some tips for crafting compelling and authentic personal statements and essays:

• Start early: Give yourself ample time, ideally a year, to work on your essays. This will allow you to explore different topics and themes, refine your writing, and ensure you don't miss any deadlines.
• Be authentic: Write about your genuine interests, experiences, and aspirations. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, so be honest and unique in your essays.
• Seek feedback: Don't hesitate to ask for help. Get your teachers, counsellors, or professional consultants to review your essays and provide feedback. This can help you improve your writing and ensure your personality shines through.
• Showcase your passions: Write about something you're truly passionate about. Whether it's books, social work, or research, showing your enthusiasm and depth of interest will make your application stand out.
• Connect the dots: Try to connect your essays to other parts of your application, such as your academic interests, family background, or extracurricular activities. This helps admissions officers see how your experiences and interests align with Stanford's values.
• Demonstrate self-awareness: Reflect on your experiences and how they have shaped your perspective. For example, if you've faced economic challenges, write about how they've influenced your outlook and made you more thoughtful and empathetic.
• Highlight your impact: Discuss how your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community service have positively impacted your community or field. This shows that you have the potential to contribute to Stanford's vibrant and diverse community.
• Tell your story: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice, experiences, and challenges you've overcome. Be honest and vulnerable, as this will help admissions officers understand your perspective and what makes you a strong candidate.
• Follow instructions: Pay close attention to the essay prompts and word limits. Ensure your essays address the specific questions or topics requested, and stay within the specified word count.
• Be creative: Feel free to add a touch of creativity to your essays, especially when discussing your interests and experiences. This can make your application more memorable and engaging.
• Proofread and edit: Take the time to review and edit your essays for clarity, grammar, and spelling. Ask someone else to proofread your work as well to catch any errors you may have missed.

Remember, the key to successful personal statements and essays is to be authentic, showcase your unique perspective, and demonstrate how you align with Stanford's values and community.

Letters of Recommendation

Stanford University requires letters of recommendation as part of the application process. The number of letters of recommendation needed depends on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or graduate program.

Undergraduate Program

For undergraduate programs, Stanford University requires two letters of recommendation from academic instructors or professors. At least one of these letters must be from a college professor. In cases where the applicant has only attended large lecture courses, a teaching assistant may be the only option. If you have been out of college for several years and have been working, you can submit one work reference in place of a faculty recommendation. Similarly, veteran applicants can submit a commanding officer's reference instead of a faculty recommendation.

You may also submit one optional letter of recommendation from another person who knows you well and can provide new insights about you. This can be a personal or professional recommendation.

Graduate Program

For graduate programs, Stanford University requires three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who know you well and can evaluate your potential for graduate study. It is strongly recommended that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work.

Submission Process

Frequently asked questions