About

See what students say:

Academics

There are few universities that can match the prestige and caliber of Stanford University. At “the forefront of [nearly] every field of study,” it’s easy to understand why so many students are attracted to the school. Of course, far more than simply offering access to highly rated departments, Stanford strives to “expand your creativity, challenge and deepen your world view, and make you a passionate and informed citizen of the world.” Moreover, the opportunities for research “are incredible” and “the support for students (residential, emotional, academic) is unrivaled.” And while the university is certainly “academically rigorous,” it is “without the competitive edge that many top-tier institutions are known for.” Inside the classroom, undergrads are privy to “dynamic” professors who easily “draw [students] into the material because they are so excited to share their passion for the subject.” Though instructors are “at the top of their respective fields,” most are also “engaging and approachable.” A mechanical engineering major supports this sentiment sharing, “I play basketball on Friday mornings with my major adviser and will often bring my homework with me in order to talk to him about problems I’m stuck on afterward.” Ultimately, as this senior boasts, “At Stanford, anything is possible; I’ve lived on a schooner with faculty studying sharks, snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef, hiked in the Australian rainforest, studied Antarctic phytoplankton with world-class scientists, and spent countless nights discussing philosophy, politics, film, and art until sunrise.”

Student Body

Stanford undergrads speak glowingly of their peers: “Everyone here is smart and has some story that will blow you out of the water if you ask, but are very humble and really just looking to have a good time.” They also steadfastly assert, “There really is no typical Stanford student.” And, thankfully, that “makes it easy to be an integrated and diverse student body.” That being said, most Stanford undergrads are “very driven, independently motivated and willing to seek out opportunities.” One senior elaborates by sharing, “Everyone fits in because we’re united by a fire that drives us all to be excited about what we do. The trends you’ll see will be along the lines of leadership and crazy intellect.” Ultimately, students at Stanford are “ridiculously friendly and you can meet new people all over campus at almost every type of event.”

Campus Life

Undergrads agree that “it’s pretty much impossible to be bored” at Stanford. Though students “work insanely hard during the week,” they “also make it a priority to have a great time.” And with so much to take advantage of, having fun is pretty easy. For example, the university sponsors “Cardinal Nights,” a non-alcoholic program that hosts a number of events including “trips to Great America, a local amusement park, [a] movie pre-screening, and Stanford’s Got Talent. All of the events are either free or extremely cheap for students.” Undergrads also look forward to “special dinners...a common event in upper class housing.” These are “nice on-campus dinners that are catered by house chefs. The meals usually have themes, such as Saturday Night Live or Moulin Rouge.” Moreover, while there is certainly a drinking scene, it’s pretty laid back. A sophomore explains, “you can find as much or as little of a party culture here as you’re looking for. There’s always a frat party to attend on the weekends, and there’s always people to just hang out with at the dorm.” Finally, students love the fact that hometown Palo Alto leaves them in close proximity to San Francisco. “A trip to the city is a short train-ride or car-ride away, so going to concerts and events in the city is always a fun option. Same goes for the nearby beaches.” However, “there’s always so much going on on-campus that sometimes it’s hard to leave!”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Director of Visitor Relations

Address
295 Galvez St
Stanford, CA 94305-5005

Phone
650-723-2091

Email
admission@stanford.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Cantor Center for the Visual Arts
The Anderson Collection at Stanford University
Memorial Church
Tresidder Memorial Union
Bing Concert Hall
The Stanford campus is among the most beautiful anywhere and is a popular destination for tourists and other visitors.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
San Francisco
Stanford Shopping Center
Sonoma and Napa Valley
Santa Cruz/Pacific Ocean
Yosemite
Stanford is located in the heart of Silicon Valley in one of the most diverse, cultural, innovative and interesting places in the nation.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
daily

650-723-2091

Campus Tours
Appointment Required:
Dates:
Times:
Average Length:

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Monday through Friday, with exceptions

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Contact Email Address for Visit
http://www.gostanford.com

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Other

Limitations
Admitted students only

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
San Francisco International Airport is 25 miles from campus, and San Jose International Airport is 16 miles from campus. Public transportation, taxi, and van service are available from the airports to campus. Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses serve San Francisco. From San Francisco and San Jose commuter train service (Caltrain) is available to Palo Alto, with frequent Stanford shuttle bus service to campus.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From Highway 101 North & South Exit onto Embarcadero Road and travel west, following the signs directing you to Stanford University. About three miles after you exit the freeway, Embarcadero Road becomes Galvez Street as you cross El Camino Real. Stay in the left lane and continue past the stadium. The entrance to the Visitor Center Lot is on the left just beyond Nelson Road. From Highway 280 North & South Exit onto Sand Hill Road and follow the signs for Stanford University. Heading east, drive approximately 3 miles to the Stanford Shopping Center. Turn right onto Arboretum Road (Nordstrom is on your right). Stay on Arboretum until it ends, then turn right onto Galvez Street. Move to the left lane and continue past the stadium. The entrance to the Visitor Center Lot is on the left just beyond Nelson Road.

Local Accommodations
Stanford is adjacent to Palo Alto and Menlo Park, both of which offer an abundance of lodging choices, ranging from B&Bs and motels to luxury hotels.

Admissions

Applicants: 56,378
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Average HS GPA: 3.95







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