99 Successful Stanford Essays
Updated for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.
About Stanford
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University is one of the most storied and prestigious institutions in the world. With an endowment of nearly $40 billion, Stanford offers students the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in academia, while also providing access to cutting-edge technology and research facilities. This combination makes Stanford a great school for a wide variety of disciplines: from economics to engineering to English, you really can’t go wrong on the Farm! The campus itself is also stunning. Gorgeous Spanish-style architecture and greenery engulf the whole campus, and students are frequently seen basking in the Palo Alto sun. Stanford’s student culture is thriving. Hundreds of clubs—including sports teams, music groups, and community service organizations—are active on campus.
At a glance…
Acceptance Rate
4%
Tuition
$56,169
Average Cost
$12,894
Average SAT
1491
Average ACT
33
Location
Stanford, CA
Real Essays from Stanford Admits
Prompt: Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
In Mock Trial, there’s nothing more satisfying than poking holes in my opponents’ case, organizing and presenting a compelling argument, and getting the judge to rule in our favor. I adore the art of storytelling and persuasion, so competing in these trials allows me to manifest these loves of mine.
Essay by Jasmine C.
Incoming Political Science Major at Stanford University
Prompt: Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford
I am looking forward to having creative freedom to pursue individual passion projects in my spare time. Stanford offers this through its several makerspaces, such as Lab64 and the Product Realization Lab. These makerspaces will provide me with the equipment and resources I need to dream, tinker, and create.
Essay by StanfordJon
Tony Stark Wannabe; Love Engineering, Robotics, Cooking, and Our Planet
Prompt: What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
Homogeneity. The global team that captured the groundbreaking first image of a black hole comprised 347 scientists, encompassing diverse cultures, genders, races, ages, and beliefs. Each unique background and perspective increased their joint intellectual potential. We need to start seeing our individual differences as collective strengths rather than insuperable barriers.
Essay by Sarah J.
CS @ Stanford | Sharing the essays that got me into top schools (14 acceptances, 2 waitlists, and 0 rejections)!
Prompt: How did you spend your last two summers?
Illuminated . Under the sunlight helping out my grandma in the greenhouses, watering the grass, and stuffing my cheeks with raspberries, behind the blue-light of my computer screen watching anime and reading the Backpackers-Guide-To-The-Universe, and smiling back at the delight on my students’ faces realizing they were mastering the English language.
Essay by Ninjin Bayarjargal
International Mongolian student studying Psychology and Education studies!
Prompt: What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
Witnessing the historical Battle of MyeongNyang 1597 where Admiral Yi Sun-sin defended Korea by defeating 133 Japanese battleships with only 13 ships using the sea currents, I wish to learn from his wisdom, indomitable will, and compassionate leadership – where he protected his people even while framed as a traitor.
Essay by Stanford Yogi
Admitted to Stanford and GT as CS major / $150,000 in scholarships / Involved in AI & Robotics
Prompt: Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why.
Collaboration. One might think stressed college kids frantically getting their group project done. I was privy to another side of collaboration mentoring Circo-Latino Circus camp participants. If you've ever worked with kids or even most adults, you notice not everyone likes to work together. Niko was no different. As the littlest of my group, only 6, he spent most of our time alone, nose stuck in a book. My responsibility was to help Niko with unicycling. Although he didn't know how to ride a bike yet, he was more than determined to make it across the stage alone. When we started, he would make it a few turns, flail around, and fall, optimistic he would get it on his own. Little by little, while we were speaking back and forth in Spanish, discussing Roblox, he began to shift his weight into me and accept my help. Despite his dedication, he still couldn't make it past the cement wall. We had to think of something else, and to my surprise, his older classmates offered their help. With a third-grader on each side, Niko finally made it down the hall. The three of them squealed with joy and burst into a fit of high fives. My heart swelled with pride. Their shared joy in Niko's success reminded me of how impactful collaborating is when we want to grow, not just succeed. When we accept help, even if we fail countless times, we can achieve much more.
Essay by Hawthorn BW
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