Last Updated on August 21, 2022
Are you interested to know about Stanford University Acceptance Rate? Stanford University is known for offering its students the best education and world-class learning resources. This has attracted students from all over the world to pursue their studies in the United States. It is safe to say that the University of Stanford has created a quality standard for higher education around the world.
Many famous people graduated from Stanford University; from the ones you see on television to authors of the books that you read, you’d be surprised that they are actually Stanford alumni.
Are you looking to apply for admission to study at Stanford University or need to know about Stanford University admission requirements? Below, we’ve put together everything we know about the Stanford University admissions process. Read on to find out if you’re a competitive applicant and tips to increase your chances of going from applicant to admitted student. Good luck.
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Stanford University Acceptance Rate
During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Stanford had an acceptance rate of 4.3%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 4 students were admitted, making Stanford’s admissions process highly competitive.
Admissions Statistics (2018-19) | |
Number of Applicants | 47,498 |
Percent Admitted | 4.3% |
Percent Admitted Who Enrolled (Yield) | 82% |
SAT Scores and Requirements
Stanford requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 67% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.
SAT Range (Admitted Students) | ||
Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
ERW | 700 | 770 |
Math | 740 | 800 |
ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
This admissions data tells us that most of Stanford’s admitted students fall within the top 7% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Stanford scored between 700 and 770, while 25% scored below 700 and 25% scored above 770. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 740 and 800, while 25% scored below 740 and 25% scored a perfect 800. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1570 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Stanford.
Requirements
Stanford does not require the SAT writing section. Note that Stanford participates in the score choice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. At Stanford, SAT Subject tests are optional; applicants may submit scores if they believe they will add to their application.
ACT Scores and Requirements
Stanford requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 50% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.
ACT Range (Admitted Students) | ||
Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
English | 34 | 36 |
Math | 30 | 35 |
Composite | 32 | 35 |
This admissions data tells us that most of Stanford’s admitted students fall within the top 3% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Stanford received a composite ACT score of between 32 and 35, while 25% scored above 35 and 25% scored below 32.
Requirements
Stanford does not require the ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, Stanford superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.
GPA
In 2019, Stanford University’s incoming freshman class had an average high school GPA of 3.96, and over 95% of incoming students had average GPAs of 4.0 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Stanford have primarily A grades.
Final Thoughts About Stanford University Acceptance Rate
Stanford University has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average SAT/ACT scores. However, Stanford has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside Stanford’s average range.