Stanford University is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of Stanford University is 3.68%. This means that only 4 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Stanford University Admissions?
- Extremely competitive: Applicants require excellent academic record and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to excel in every aspect to be selected. Your GPA, AP, IB, SAT, and ACT scores should be in the top range to increase your chances of admission. Below, we have listed all the requirements and score ranges needed for admission to Stanford University to help you prepare in advance. Meeting their general GPA and test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial because without these, you won't proceed to the second round of admission processing. These requirements act as automatic filters, so failing to meet them makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.
Note that admission staff look beyond academic performance. In addition to maintaining a high GPA and strong test scores, your personality, aptitude, and interpersonal communication skills also play a significant role in the admissions process. Participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, community events, leadership activities, and your capacity to play leadership roles are also significant.
Stanford University Admission Requirements
Stanford University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Stanford University is 3.95. It means that Stanford University is extremely selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.95, Stanford University requires you to be at the top of your class. You need to score straight A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.95 and higher than 3.65 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.55 GPA, to secure admission at Stanford University. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into Stanford University Without SAT Or ACT?: Stanford University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Stanford University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Stanford University Average SAT Score: 1553
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Stanford University is 1553 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Stanford University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1553 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1580 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Stanford University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1500, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Stanford University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Stanford University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 785 | 770 | 800 |
SAT Reading | 755 | 730 | 780 |
SAT Composite | 1553 | 1500 | 1580 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1500 then you are below most of the admitted students at Stanford University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1580 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into Stanford University with a 1600 SAT?
With a 1600 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Stanford University are good but the admission staff at Stanford University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Stanford University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Stanford University is 34.
Stanford University ACT Competitiveness

This score makes Stanford University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
Stanford University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 34 | 32 | 36 |
ACT English | 36 | 35 | 36 |
ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into Stanford University with a 35 ACT?
With a 35 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Stanford University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Stanford University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 34.Stanford University Profile
Name: Stanford University
City: Stanford
URL: www.stanford.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 94305
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Stanford University
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: Stanford University values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for Stanford University but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for Stanford University, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with Stanford University’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of Stanford University on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with Stanford University Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from Stanford University Worth It?
Getting into Stanford University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Stanford University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Stanford University is USD: 80275.59 and unemployment rate is 3.45%.
How much does a degree from Stanford University Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Stanford University is USD: 78898. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Stanford University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
18.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 5.59 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Stanford University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Stanford University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Stanford University as your choice in the form.
How much a Stanford University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Stanford University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 124080. An average Stanford University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Stanford University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Stanford University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
Harvey Mudd College | Harvey Mudd College, CA | 1539 | 35 |
Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
University of Southern California | University of Southern California, CA | 1520 | 34 |
Georgetown University | Georgetown University, DC | 1507 | 34 |
University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1532 | 35 |
Northwestern University | Northwestern University, IL | 1526 | 34 |
University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1515 | 34 |
Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1520 | 34 |
Amherst College | Amherst College, MA | 1513 | 34 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Stanford University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Stanford University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1547 | 34 |
Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
Harvard University | Harvard University, MA | 1553 | 35 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1560 | 36 |
Princeton University | Princeton University, NJ | 1546 | 34 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Stanford University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
Harvard University | Harvard University, MA | 1553 | 35 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1560 | 36 |
Duke University | Duke University, NC | 1554 | 35 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Archeology
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
Full list of All degree programs offered by Stanford University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.