How to Get into Stanford University from India?: Complete Guide!

Have you heard that Stanford University is ranked 6th worldwide according to the QS ranking?

Stanford University is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. It is known for its world-known research facilities and ranked #2 globally by THE rankings.

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Stanford is a truly global university. With over 17,326 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs from over 90 countries worldwide, it is a truly global university. Nearly 500 Indian students enroll at Stanford every year. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, students receive personalised attention from experienced faculty members. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to get into Stanford University. From eligibility to placements, we have got you covered. Let’s dive in.

Why Choose Stanford University?

Stanford University is renowned for its research excellence and is home to many world-class research centres and institutes. It offers various programs across disciplines.

Here are five reasons why you should choose Stanford University:

1. Outstanding Rankings: According to the Times Higher Education ranking, Stanford University was ranked #2 worldwide. It was also ranked #3 by the US News & World Report and #6 by the QS World Ranking. These rankings indicate that Stanford is one of the top universities in the world.
2.  A Course Buffet: Stanford University offers multiple undergraduate and graduate courses. According to the university’s website, there are over 65 major fields of study, and students can choose from more than 90 graduate areas of study. 
3. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Stanford University offers a variety of scholarships, both need-based and merit-based, for undergraduate and graduate students. The university’s website states that approximately 70% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship is around INR 37L (USD 44,000). 

How to get into Stanford University: Admission Requirements

Due to the admission process, getting admitted to Stanford is pretty competitive. You must meet various academic and extracurricular requirements and possess exceptional personal qualities. Stanford University eligibility for Indian students must be met to secure admission into the university.

Let’s look at Stanford University’s admission requirements for Indian students.

The undergraduate requirements for applying to Stanford University are as follows:

• You must pay the application fee of USD 90 (INR 7500).
• You need to submit the Common Application.
• You must pay a non-refundable application fee of $90 or request a fee waiver. 
• You can provide ACT or SAT scores (test optional) 
• You must submit the School Report form and a counsellor’s letter of recommendation.
• You must provide official transcript(s) or academic results from all high schools attended.
• You need to submit two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught the student in academic subjects.
• You need to submit the midyear transcript (X Certificate).
• They don’t have mandated English proficiency requirements, but you should take TOEFL/IELTS if your primary language in school is not English.

The graduate requirements for applying to Stanford University are as follows:

• You must pay the application fee of USD 125 (~INR 10K)
• You must have a 4-year long bachelor’s degree.
• You need to submit transcripts for every post-secondary institution.
• You need to submit a Statement of Purpose (1000 words).
• You must take the IELTS exam and score 7.0 or TOEFL exam and score 89 for engineering and 100 for all other programs.
• You must submit 3 letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• You must take the GRE/GMAT/MCAT/LSAT exams per your program requirements.

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Documents Required for Stanford University

Every admission process requires some documents to be submitted for the application process. Admissions committees expect a complete application. Missing documents can lead to delays or even disqualification from the process.

It’s advisable to start collecting documents well in advance of the application deadlines. Ideally, you should begin this process at least **6 to 12 months** before you plan to submit your application. This timeline allows ample time for gathering, verifying, and submitting all necessary documents without last-minute stress.

Let’s take a look at the documents required at Stanford University:

• Academic Transcripts from class XII and bachelor’s
• Standardised test scores, if required by your program
• 2-3 Letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL and IELTS scores
• Resume, if required
• Class X & XI transcripts (if required for your program)

How to get into Stanford University: Application Process

When considering admission to Stanford University, it’s important to understand that the institution does not solely seek out “perfect students.” Instead, Stanford looks for individuals who align with its core values of innovation, impact, and intellectual curiosity. 

This perspective reflects a broader understanding of what it means to be a successful member of the Stanford community. It’s also worth noting that Stanford has one of the most competitive admissions processes globally. 

Thousands of applicants vie for a limited number of spots each year, making the selection rigorous and selective. Moreover, Stanford values students who think long-term and aspire to positively impact society.

Here are the steps to apply for admission to Stanford University:

1. Research and choose the program that best suits your academic interests.

2. Check the admission requirements and application deadlines for your chosen program.

3. Create an account on the Stanford University application portal.

4. Fill in the application form with your personal and academic details.

5. Pay the application fee.

6. Submit official transcripts from all high schools and post-secondary institutions attended.

7. Submit standardised test scores (if required by your program).

8. Provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

9. Write and submit your Statement of Purpose (if your program requires it).

10. Submit other required documents, such as proof of English proficiency if you have yet to learn your first language.

11. Wait for the admission decision, which usually takes a few months.

12. If accepted, submit the required documents and fees to confirm enrollment.

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Top 10 Courses at Standford University

Stanford University offers three undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Sciences, and Bachelor of Arts and Sciences. These programs balance specialisation and exploration, ensuring students gain in-depth knowledge and a broad perspective.

Stanford University comprises seven schools, three of which are dedicated to undergraduate programs and the remaining four to graduate–level studies.

The following are the 7 schools: 

• The School of Humanities and Sciences, 
• The School of Engineering
• The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability
• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Stanford Law School
• Stanford School of Medicine

Stanford University has a quarter system, meaning there are four annual intakes. The academic year is divided into three quarters, with an optional fourth summer quarter.

• Fall Semester
• Winter Semester
• Spring Semester

Let’s look at some of Stanford University’s fees for Indian students, along with top undergraduate and graduate courses:

Cost of Living at Stanford University for International Students

Stanford University might be your dream school, but the cost of living in the USA must be considered.  It’s essential to factor this into your decision-making process. 

Here’s a breakdown:

• Housing Costs: The university provides a standard budget outlining expenses, with housing and food costing upwards of $20k annually for undergraduates.
• Everyday Expenses: Stanford’s groceries, transportation, and personal expenses are slightly pricier than the national average. Make wise use of student discounts.
• Factor in Healthcare: Stanford requires students to have health insurance; plans can add to your overall expenses.

The good news is that Stanford offers generous financial aid packages to many students. Explore scholarship and grant opportunities to help offset the high cost of living.

Here is a detailed analysis of the cost of living at Stanford University:

Top Scholarships: Stanford University

Stanford University offers a variety of scholarships for graduate students, both need-based and merit-based. 

Stanford University offers scholarships to help undergraduates cover their educational expenses. Donations from individuals and corporations usually fund these scholarships. 

The university determines a student’s scholarship eligibility based on their financial needs, which is determined through the CSS Profile. 

The university calculates a student’s scholarship amount by subtracting the amount that the student and their parents are expected to contribute, along with other federal and state grant funds, from the total cost of attendance.

Here are some Stanford University scholarships for Indian students:

Here are some externally funded scholarships to study at Stanford:

Does Stanford Lead to High-Paying Jobs?

Stanford University is renowned for its academic programs and has a high job placement rate for its graduates. The Career Development Center (CDC) at Stanford provides various services to assist undergraduate and graduate students in their career planning. These services include counselling, workshops, job/internship databases, on-campus recruiting, reference file services, library resources, and alumni networking. 

Students are encouraged to use these resources to make informed decisions about their future and prepare for life after graduation.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for Stanford graduates was approximately INR 80L (USD 95,728). 

Many top companies recruit Stanford graduates, and the university has a strong alumni network. 

Let’s look at some of the top recruiters for Stanford University.

1. Bain & Company
2. Facebook
3. Deloitte
4. IBM
5. Instagram
6. LinkedIn
7. Microsoft

Quick Tips: How to get admission to Stanford University?

Stanford University is incredibly selective, but with dedication and strategic planning, you can increase your chances of admission.

Here are some essential tips to get into Stanford:

• Strive for Strong Grades: Aim for a near-perfect GPA, ideally above 3.95. Take challenging courses to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and ability to handle rigorous academics.
• Standardised Tests: While test-optional policies are becoming more common, scoring well on the SAT or ACT can still strengthen your application. Aim for scores above the 75th percentile for admitted students (typically around 1500 on the SAT).

• Develop Your Passions: Pursue extracurricular activities you’re genuinely passionate about. Don’t just spread yourself thin – focus on achieving depth and leadership within a few key areas.
• Demonstrate Impact: Show how your extracurricular activities positively impact your community or field. Did you win awards, start a club, or volunteer extensively? Highlight these achievements.
• Tell Your Story: Craft compelling essays that showcase your unique voice, experiences, and aspirations. Use the Stanford essays to demonstrate intellectual vitality, purpose, and the challenges you’ve overcome.

While acceptance is competitive, a well-rounded application that showcases your academic prowess, genuine passions, and potential to contribute to Stanford’s vibrant community will put you on the right track.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation and require assistance studying abroad, LeapScholar is available to help. Our team of specialists can help you complete the application process and attain your academic aspirations.

And if you’re considering other options like the UK, Canada and Australia, we’ve got you covered, too. Schedule a free consultation with our experts today for personalised guidance and advice.

Also Read:

• How to get into Oxford from India?
• How to get into MIT from India?
• IIT vs MIT

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