Stanford University
A West Coast powerhouse on a sprawling campus between San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
- Next deadline
- Nov 1, 2026Restrictive Early Action
- Essays
- 3Prompts
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Common AppAccepted platform
- Selectivity
- 3.9%Most selective
- Enrollment
- 7,645Mid-size undergrad
Build your Stanford University application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Supplement250 words2026-2027
The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
- Supplement250 words2026-2027
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.
- Supplement250 words2026-2027
Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
How to approach Stanford University's supplemental essays
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Use this as a blank structure for a Stanford University supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at Stanford University, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does Stanford University require?
Stanford University has 3 supplemental essays listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does Stanford University accept the Common Application?
Yes — Stanford University accepts the Common Application.
What is Stanford University's acceptance rate?
Stanford University's most recently reported acceptance rate is 3.9%.
When is Stanford University's next application deadline?
Stanford University's next listed application deadline is the Restrictive Early Action round on November 1, 2026.
What is Stanford University's "The Stanford community is deeply curious…" prompt (#1, 250 words)?
The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
What is Stanford University's "Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live…" prompt (#2, 250 words)?
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.
What is Stanford University's "Please describe what aspects of your…" prompt (#3, 250 words)?
Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
Sources and verification
We prioritize Stanford University's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record was last verified on July 19, 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Review official source →