How to Get Into Stanford Undergraduate Programmes from India

Are you aiming to get into Stanford University? Over 50,000 applicants compete for a spot at this prestigious institution every year! With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Stanford is known for being very selective. While there are no quotas at Stanford, international spots are few, and it takes more than just good grades to stand out. So, how do you rise above the competition, especially if you’re applying from India? 

This guide will help you understand how to get into Stanford’s undergraduate programs as an Indian student. We’ll share the basic entry requirements, the application process, and everything else you need to know to succeed on this competitive journey.

Basic Admission Requirements

1. Good Academic Performance

Academic strength is an important criterion for admission to Stanford. For Indian students, it normally means ranking somewhere in the top 5-10 per cent of their class at university. Scoring 90% or more on Class 12 board exams is the benchmark to be considered competitive. Apart from this, you’ll need to score well in the subjects relevant to the major you’re applying to.

For example, if you are trying to get into an Economics course at Stanford, it is important to do well in related subjects like mathematics, statistics, and finance. In your class 12 board exams. If you score 95% or above in these subjects, it demonstrates your quantitative skills and ability to analyze data and understand economic principles.

As mentioned earlier Stanford only considers applications with a well-rounded profile beyond just academics. So, consider enlisting the help of US/UK university graduate consultants to create a profile that will stand out in a competitive admissions landscape.

2. Standardized Tests

For students applying in the fall of 2024 for admission to the class of 2029, submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. But starting with fall 2025 applicants for the Class of 2030, Stanford will require the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admission.

Typically, admitted students have the following scores:

• SAT: Between 1500-1600 (out of 1600)
• ACT: Between 33-35 (out of 36)

Achieving high scores in the SAT can be particularly beneficial if you have a specific course in mind. Strong performance in the Math section, for instance, can demonstrate your readiness for majors in engineering or physics, while high scores in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing reflect strong analytical skills valuable in fields like humanities or social sciences.

If you are not sure which field of study to pursue for your career, no worries. Take our Ivy League psychometric career counselling test to discover the domain you could excel at and get detailed insights and personalized guidance from top US & UK university graduates.  

3. English Proficiency

For Indian students whose first language isn’t English, showing proficiency in the language is important for admission to Stanford. The accepted tests for English proficiency include:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 100 is required.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum score of 7.0 is needed.
• Duolingo English Test: This test has gained popularity recently. Stanford accepts a minimum score of 120.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): A minimum score of 68 is typically required.

4. Extracurricular Involvement

Your extracurricular activities are an essential component of your application to Stanford. They showcase your passions, leadership abilities, and commitment outside the classroom, helping to paint a fuller picture of who you are as a candidate. 

Additionally, Stanford values ​​depth over breadth when it comes to extracurricular activities. That’s why a T-shaped list of activities will be perfect. The horizontal “T” line indicates multiple interests, while the vertical line indicates a deeper and better commitment to one or two activities. Stanford welcomes a student who can come out as great in one area but at the same time is open to exploring others. Here are a few extracurricular activities you can participate in to stand out:

• Sports Teams
  Being part of a sports team like cricket or football shows teamwork and discipline. For example, winning at the district level in cricket can show your competitive spirit and dedication.
• Social Service Initiatives
  Volunteering with local NGOs or coming up with a community service project, like teaching poor children from your neighbourhood, shows that you care about society.
• Academic Competitions
  Participating in competitions such as the National Science Olympiad or Math Olympiad proves your academic strengths. For example, achieving grades above 5% in Math Olympiad can represent your problem-solving abilities.
• Art and Music Programs
  Engaging in school art exhibitions or music performances shows creativity. Examples include performing in a regional music competition or organizing a school art exhibit.
• Leadership Roles
  Taking up leadership roles like being the class representative or organizing school events shows your ability to manage and lead.
• Internships and Research Projects
  Doing an internship at a local tech firm or working on a research project at a nearby university shows initiative and interest in learning. For example, you can intern at a tech startup to help develop an app in order to align with your future goals in computer science.

5. Letters of Recommendation

You’ll need two letters of recommendation from teachers and one from your school counsellor. 

1. Who Should Write the Letters
   The letters should come from teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects like Math, Science, English, or Social Studies. Choose teachers who can speak in detail about your strengths in the classroom, intellectual curiosity, and work ethic. For example, if you’re applying to be an engineer, a letter from your physics or math teacher would be relevant. Above all, choose teachers who know you and will support your application with concrete examples of performance.
2. What Should the Letters Contain
   The letters should reflect your character, leadership skills, and how you engage with your peers other than focusing solely on your academic achievements. A good letter includes examples showing the times when you demonstrated initiative, problem-solving, or teamwork. For example, your Math teacher could mention how you took the lead in group projects or mentored classmates who were struggling with the subject.

In addition, a letter from your school counsellor should provide a broader perspective on your contributions to the school community, highlighting your achievements, the challenges you’ve overcome, and how you stand out among your peers. The counsellor’s letter can also include information on the school’s academic environment, giving Stanford context for evaluating your performance.

6. Essays

Stanford’s application essays are a pivotal part of the process. It includes:

• Personal Essays

The application requires a personal essay that allows you to share a meaningful aspect of your life. Here, you’re given room to reveal experiences or passions that have shaped you. Be sure to focus on a topic that reflects who you are at a deeper level.

For example, if you have attended science fairs, you can write about how participating in these competitions sparked your curiosity and inspired you to pursue new projects such as creating water purification systems at a low cost for rural areas. This can demonstrate not only an interest in science but also a desire to solve real problems.

• Stanford Questions

Apart from the personal essay, Stanford also has its own set of short-answer questions that are meant to dig deeper into your personality, interests, and goals. These questions cover topics such as what excites you, what inspires you, and your long-term aspirations. Here are a few sample essays for Stanford prompts:

1. Prompts: 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. (250 words)

2. 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. (250 words)

3. Prompt: Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. (100-250 words)

Stanford Application Process

The Stanford application process for undergraduate programs involves several steps that help the university understand your academic and personal strengths. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Choose an Application Platform

You can apply to Stanford either through the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

2. Fill Out the Application Form

Once you’ve chosen a platform, complete the general application form, which includes personal details, academic background, and extracurricular activities.

3. Submit Stanford-Specific Essays

You’ll write several short essays, which is your chance to share your values, goals, and unique perspective.

4. Submit Required Documents

You will need to gather and submit the following documents to complete your application:

• • Completed Application Form (via Common or Coalition Application)
  • Stanford-Specific Essays
  • Official Academic Transcripts (Class 9-12 academic records)
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • Two from teachers
    • One from a counselor or another teacher
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • English Proficiency Test Scores 
  • Application Fee ($90) or a fee waiver
  • Financial Aid Application (optional, via CSS Profile)
  • Optional Alumni Interview (if offered, to discuss your interests and learn more about Stanford)

5. Application Fee

There is an application fee of $90, but fee waivers are available if needed.

6. Submit Your Application

Review everything before submitting! The deadlines are:

• • Restrictive Early Action: November 1
  • Regular Decision: January 5

7. Admission Decision

• • Restrictive Early Action decisions are released mid-December.
  • Regular Decision results are announced by early April.

If accepted, you’ll need to confirm your spot by May 1.

How Can AddedEducation Help?

At AddedEducation, we understand the challenges of standing out in a competitive admissions landscape like Stanford’s. Our one-on-one guidance from expert counsellors will help you uncover your unique strengths and find that “X factor” that can set you apart. From building a strong academic profile to shaping compelling essays, we’re here to support you every step of the way. With personalized attention and strategic advice, we’ll help you enhance your chances of getting into Stanford by creating profiles that resonate with admissions teams.