99 Successful Stanford Essays
Updated for the 2024-2025 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.
My grandmother moved in. As the oldest grandchild, her health became my responsibility. I meet her every morning with a cup of pills and herbal remedies. I administer injections, her painful shriek as the needle penetrates her skin shatters my heart every time, but her loving hugs always comfort me.
Essay by Jaden Botros
Economics & Political Science student at Stanford University | 800K in Scholarships | Profile includes Resume and Summer Research Email Templates
Prompt: Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford
Stanford’s research opportunities at the Hopkins Marine Station near the Monterey Bay appeal to me; more specifically, Professor Barbara Block’s project examining unregulated fishing with new technology. Using my understanding of bycatch gillnets as the main threat to Hawksbills, I aspire to learn more about the consequences of unsustainable fishing.
Essay by Erick Angelo Ramirez
CS Major, Bio Minor, FGSS Honors Thesis, FLI @ Stanford
Prompt: What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
The youth mental health crisis necessitates action, not just from governments and legislation, but from local communities. The greatest challenge society faces is to center marginalized groups when designing equitable solutions to support the mental health of young people in community settings.
Essay by Mango
Healthcare Equity, Mental Health, and Music @ Stanford
Prompt: How did you spend your last two summers?
2020: 5k training to improve fitness and self-confidence. Zooms with international teens to discuss global issues like climate change and fast fashion. Family Marvel movie marathon. Increasingly-frequent hospital trips.
2021: Leukemia research. DnD to engage my imagination. Mental-processing of cancer. 13 [Place Redacted] lab tours. Last moments with my great-grandmother.
Essay by StanfordStudent
Low-income, disabled pre-med Human Biology major/Creative Writing minor with additional interest in humanities
Prompt: What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
The studio audience recording of “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, which I have watched many times over the last ten years, has always captivated me. I wish I could experience the same comforting feeling the crowd that sang the “na-na-na” refrain on the stage with The Beatles did.
Essay by Stanford Student
Symbolic Systems @ Stanford
Prompt: Virtually all of Stanford‘s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better.
Dear Roommate,
My bedroom is my refuge, and I hope ours will be the same. Through immersive design, there are countless possibilities to personalize our room. All it takes is the simple command: “Alexa, it’s Christmas time,” and we teleport from a hot, stuffy room in June to a winter wonderland. The ceiling lights turn red and green, Christmas lights begin to sparkle, “Jingle Bells” bounces through the speakers, and The Christmas Story is cued. My friends giddily sing along to Christmas carols, and we joke about Alexa’s unquestioning loyalty. When my friend [Name Redacted] got dumped last summer, he asked for “Christmas time” in my room to cheer him up. And, when my basketball team won the semi-finals, we said “Alexa, it’s party time” and celebrated as disco lights whirled and “Bohemian Rhapsody” blasted. We have a command for (almost) every occasion. Rigging my room has brought laughter and joy into the lives of friends and family and is something I look forward to doing with you. We can learn about each other while we set up our room. Whether it’s our music, lights, jokes, or auto-stocked products, I’m excited to create a room that reflects both of our identities, cultural backgrounds, and humor. In our spare time, I also look forward to taking a hiatus from indoors to head out to surf, play basketball, or plan spikeball matches on the oval. Whether we’re indoors or out, I can’t wait to get to know you. “Alexa, it’s Cardinal time.”
Essay by StanfordStudent
Mechanical Engineering @ Stanford
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