Stanford University is a highly prestigious institution that is known for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Find out more about Stanford University below.
What is Stanford University ?
Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California, USA. Stanford is known for its academic strength, research excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, and is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and the natural sciences, as well as its highly regarded professional schools in business, law, and medicine.
The university has seven schools: Business, Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law, and Medicine. It offers over 125 undergraduate majors and minors, and more than 200 graduate programs. Stanford is home to many world-renowned research centers and institutes, including the Hoover Institution, the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, and the Stanford Humanities Center.
The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 90 countries. It also has a highly accomplished faculty, including many Nobel laureates and members of the National Academy of Sciences.
In addition to its academic programs, Stanford is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit and its role in the development of Silicon Valley, the world-famous technology hub located nearby. Many successful startups have been founded by Stanford alumni, and the university has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Stanford History
Stanford University was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford as a memorial to their son, Leland Stanford Jr., who died of typhoid fever at the age of 15. The university was initially located on the family's Palo Alto Stock Farm, which was once the largest horse farm in the country.
Stanford's early years were marked by tragedy and financial uncertainty. In 1906, the San Francisco earthquake destroyed much of the university's original campus, including its main building and library. The university quickly rebuilt and expanded, however, and by the 1920s had become one of the leading research universities in the United States.
During World War II, Stanford played a significant role in scientific research and development. The university's researchers contributed to the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb, and also made major contributions to radar technology and other military technologies.
In the decades following the war, Stanford continued to expand and innovate. It became a major center for computer science research in the 1960s and 1970s, and played a key role in the development of Silicon Valley. Today, Stanford is known for its academic strength, research excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit, and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world.
How the Stanford University Works ?
Stanford University is a private research university that operates as a non-profit institution. The university is overseen by a Board of Trustees, which is responsible for setting overall strategy and policy. The day-to-day operations of the university are overseen by the president and provost. The university has seven schools and each school has its own dean and faculty, who are responsible for setting academic policies and standards for their respective programs.
Stanford employs over 2,000 faculty members, who teach and conduct research in a wide range of fields. The university also employs a large number of staff members, who provide support services for students and faculty, as well as maintaining the campus and facilities.
Stanford is a research university, and research is a major focus of the institution. The university receives significant funding from government agencies, private foundations, and industry partners to support research projects in fields ranging from medicine and engineering to the humanities and social sciences.
The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, which focus on specific areas of study or interdisciplinary research. These centers and institutes are often funded by external sources and work closely with faculty and students to advance knowledge and develop new technologies.
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Stanford University Courses
Stanford University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in a variety of fields. Here are some examples of courses offered at Stanford :
1) Business :
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations, Information & Technology
2) Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences :
- Atmosphere/Energy
- Earth System Science
- Energy Resources Engineering
- Environmental Earth System Science
3) Education :
- Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education
- International Comparative Education
- Learning Sciences and Technology Design
- Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies
4) Engineering :
- Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science
5) Humanities and Sciences :
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Comparative Literature
- Economics
6) Law :
- Constitutional Law
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Law
- Intellectual Property Law
7) Medicine :
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine
- Biomedical Informatics
- Cancer Biology
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
In addition to traditional classroom-based courses, Stanford also offers a number of online courses and distance learning options, as well as opportunities for independent study and research.
Stanford University Requirements
Admission to Stanford University is highly competitive, with the university typically admitting only a small percentage of applicants. Here are some of the requirements and factors that are considered during the application process :
1) Academic Achievement :
Stanford looks for students who have excelled academically in high school, with a strong record of achievement in challenging coursework. This includes taking advanced courses in subjects such as math, science, and foreign languages.
2) Standardized Test Scores :
Official test scores, such as SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants, or GRE or GMAT scores for graduate applicants. These scores should be sent directly from the testing agency.
3) Extracurricular Activities :
Stanford values students who have demonstrated leadership, creativity, and achievement outside of the classroom. This includes participation in clubs, sports, volunteer work, research projects, or other activities.
4) Essays and Personal Statements :
Applicants are required to submit essays and personal statements that demonstrate their writing ability, personality, and interests.
5) Letters of Recommendation :
Stanford requires two letters of recommendation from teachers or other individuals who can speak to the student's academic ability and character.
6) Interviews :
While not required, some applicants may be invited to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process.
7) Resume or CV :
A summary of your academic and professional experiences, highlighting relevant skills and achievements.
It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to Stanford, as the university takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications and considers many factors beyond academic achievement. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your desired program on the Stanford University website, as they may vary depending on the program and department.
How to Get Admission in Stanford University ?
Getting admission to Stanford University is a competitive process that involves meeting certain academic and non-academic requirements. Here are the general steps to apply for admission to Stanford University :
1) Research the admission requirements :
Visit the Stanford University website and research the admission requirements for your desired program. Make sure you understand the admission deadlines, required documents, and test scores.
2) Choose your program :
Decide which program you want to apply for at Stanford, whether it is undergraduate or graduate.
3) Create an account :
Go to the Stanford University website and create an account. You will need an email address and password to create your account.
4) Complete the application form :
Fill out the application form for your desired program, providing your personal information, academic background, test scores, and any other required information.
5) Submit the required documents :
Submit all the required documents for your application, which may include official transcripts, test scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and application fee.
6) Check the application status :
Check the status of your application regularly through your account on the Stanford website. You will be notified of any updates or additional requirements.
7) Wait for a decision :
Wait for the admission decision, which can take several weeks or even months. Once you receive a decision, you will have a deadline to accept or decline the offer.
Keep in mind that the application process and requirements may vary depending on the program you are applying to. Be sure to check the Stanford website and follow the specific instructions for your program of interest.
Stanford University Application Fee
The application fee for Stanford University is $125 for both undergraduate and graduate programs. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application submission. However, if the application fee presents a financial hardship for you, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Fee Waivers
Stanford University offers fee waivers to eligible students who are unable to afford the application fee. The fee waiver program is designed to ensure that all qualified students have an equal opportunity to apply to Stanford University regardless of their financial situation.
To request a fee waiver, you must submit the fee waiver application along with your Stanford application. The fee waiver is not guaranteed and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
To be eligible for a fee waiver, students must meet certain criteria, which may vary depending on the program and level of study. Typically, fee waivers are available to:
- US citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented/DACAmented students who have demonstrated financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.
- International students who have demonstrated financial need and have been approved for financial assistance from Stanford.
- Students who are currently participating in certain programs, such as the QuestBridge National College Match or the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR).
Cost of Studying at Stanford University
The cost of studying at Stanford University varies depending on the program of study, enrollment status, and other factors. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs for undergraduate and graduate students for the 2022-2023 academic year :
Undergraduate :
- Tuition and fees: $59,042
- Room and board: $16,171
- Books and supplies: $1,554
- Personal expenses: $2,430
- Total estimated cost: $79,197 per year
Graduate :
- Tuition and fees: varies by program, but can range from $23,310 to $64,554 per year
- Room and board: varies depending on housing and meal options
- Books and supplies: varies depending on program
- Personal expenses: varies depending on lifestyle and other factors
Keep in mind that these costs are only estimates and do not include additional expenses such as travel, health insurance, or other fees. It is important to research the specific costs associated with your program of interest and to consider financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, which may be available to help cover the costs of attending Stanford University.
Stanford University Scholarship
Stanford University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students pay for their education. If you need financial assistance, make sure to submit the required financial aid documents by the deadlines. Here are some of the most common types of scholarships available at Stanford :
1) Need-based financial aid :
Stanford offers need-based financial aid to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. This aid can cover tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses. To apply for need-based financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.
2) Merit-based scholarships :
Stanford offers a number of merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students based on academic achievement, leadership, and other factors. These scholarships are typically awarded at the time of admission, and do not require a separate application.
3) Graduate fellowships :
Graduate students may be eligible for fellowships, which provide funding for tuition, living expenses, and research. These fellowships are typically awarded by the individual departments or schools within Stanford, and may be based on academic merit, research potential, or other factors.
4) Athletic scholarships :
Stanford offers athletic scholarships to student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent in their sport. These scholarships are awarded by the individual sports teams and are based on athletic ability, academic achievement, and other factors.
5) External scholarships :
Students may also be eligible for external scholarships, which are offered by organizations and foundations outside of Stanford. These scholarships can be based on a variety of factors, such as academic achievement, community service, and leadership.
It is important to note that the availability and amount of scholarships can vary from year to year, and not all students may be eligible for every type of scholarship. Students should check with the Stanford University financial aid office or the specific department or school they are applying to for more information on available scholarships and application requirements.
Stanford University Applications Deadlines for 2023
Based on previous years' application deadlines, the following are the approximate application deadlines for Stanford University for the academic year 2022-2023 :
- On September 15, 2022, the online application for entrance into 2023 went live.
- Undergraduate Regular Decision: January 2, 2023
- Undergraduate Restrictive Early Action: November 1, 2022
- Graduate School of Business: Round 1 - September 14, 2022; Round 2 - January 4, 2023; Round 3 - April 6, 2023
- School of Law: Early Decision - November 15, 2022; Regular Decision - February 15, 2023
- School of Medicine: MD Program - October 1, 2022; PhD Programs - varies by department
- Other graduate programs: varies by program and department
Please note that these dates are subject to change and may vary by program or department. It is always best to check the official Stanford University website or contact the specific department or program for the most up-to-date and accurate application deadlines.
How to Contact Stanford University ?
You can contact Stanford in several ways depending on your query :
1) General Inquiries :
If you have general questions or inquiries about Stanford University, you can visit their website at www.stanford.edu and navigate to the "Contact Us" page for a list of relevant phone numbers (Campus operator : 650-723-2300) and email addresses.
2) Admissions :
If you have questions about the admissions process, you can contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (650) 723-2091 or email admission@stanford.edu. For graduate admissions, you can contact the specific department or school to which you are applying.
3) Financial Aid :
If you have questions about financial aid, you can contact the Financial Aid Office at (650) 723-3058 or email financialaid@stanford.edu.
4) Registrar's Office :
If you have questions about transcripts, course registration, or other academic matters, you can contact the Registrar's Office at (650) 723-7772 or email registrar@stanford.edu.
5) Alumni Relations :
If you are an alumni and have questions about events or other alumni-related matters, you can contact the Stanford Alumni Association at (650) 723-2021 or email alumni@stanford.edu.
6) Specific Department or School :
If you have questions about a specific department or school within Stanford, you can find their contact information on the Stanford website or in the Stanford directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stanford University known for?
Stanford University is known for its academic excellence, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world and is particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, computer science, business, and law.
Where is Stanford University?
Stanford University is located in Stanford, California, USA. It is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, approximately 35 miles south of San Francisco and 20 miles northwest of San Jose.
How many students attend Stanford University?
As of fall 2021, Stanford University had a total enrollment of 17,178 students, including 7,087 undergraduates and 10,091 graduate and professional students.
What is the acceptance rate at Stanford University?
For the class of 2025, the acceptance rate for Stanford University was 2.2%, which was the lowest in the university's history.
What is the cost of attending Stanford University?
The estimated cost of attendance for one year at Stanford University, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal expenses, is around $80,000 for undergraduate students and varies for graduate students depending on their program.
Does Stanford University offer online courses?
Yes, Stanford University offers a wide range of online courses through its Stanford Online platform. These courses cover a variety of topics and are open to anyone who wants to enroll.
What sports teams does Stanford University have?
Stanford University has 36 varsity sports teams, which compete at the NCAA Division I level. The most successful sports teams at Stanford are the men's and women's swimming and diving teams, which have won numerous national championships.
Am I eligible to apply to Stanford?
To be qualified for Stanford graduate study admission :
- A U.S. bachelor's degree or its international equivalent from a college or university of recognized status is required, or you must anticipate having one before enrolling at Stanford.
- You must possess the bare minimum level of English proficiency required by the university.
All nationalities, including those without legal status, are welcome to apply for graduate studies and enroll at Stanford University. For information on how to complete the citizenship component of the application if you do not have legal status, see the Personal Background section of this website.
What documents are required to apply for Stanford?
The documents required to apply for admission to Stanford University vary depending on the program you are applying for.
What is the mascot of Stanford University?
The mascot of Stanford University is the Stanford Tree, which is a mascot unique to Stanford and known for its distinctive and quirky appearance.