Stanford University

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

for 2024-2025

Want to talk about your

Stanford University

essays?

Talk to a Prompt program specialist about what you’re thinking about writing.

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How do you apply to

Stanford University

?

You apply to
Stanford University
through their application portal through the Common App
or Apply Texas
or the UC App
or Questbridge
.
Apply Texas
Apply Texas
Apply Texas B
Apply Texas C
Common App
Common App
UC App
UC App
Questbridge
Questbridge

When are

Stanford University

applications due?

Early Action:
Early Action II:
Early Decision:
Early Decision II:
Restrictive Early Action:
November 1, 2024
Regular Decision:
January 5, 2025

How many essays are required to apply to

Stanford University

?

There's also
0
optional essay(s).
There are no optional essays.

Want to talk about your

Stanford University

essays?

Talk to a Prompt program specialist about what you’re thinking about writing.

Talk with us

Stanford University

Supplemental Essay Prompts

Stanford: Intellectual Curiosity

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.

Word count:
250 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Future Roommate

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.

Word count:
250 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Stanford: Life Experiences

Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.

Word count:
250 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Short Question 1

What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)

Word count:
50 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Short Question 2

How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)

Word count:
50 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Short Question 3

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)

Word count:
50 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Short Question 4

Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.

Word count:
50 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Short Question 5

List five things that are important to you.

Word count:
50 words
or less.
Requirement:
required

Tips for Writing Supplemental Essays

How to write the best supplemental essays.

Tip #1

Develop Your Personal Brand

Brainstorm all your experiences in high school that you believe will show that you will be successful in college and beyond. The strongest ones will be the foundation of your personal brand.

Tip #2

Highlight Your Strengths

Your essays should highlight one of the 5 traits: drive, intellectual curiosity, initiative, contribution, diversity of experiences

Tip #3

Add to Your Personal Score

Every essay counts to build the overall narrative. Increasing your personal score increases your chances by 10x.

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