collageStanford University is renowned for its prestigious engineering programs, attracting top students from around the world. As one of the most selective universities, Stanford sets a high bar for admission, with a record-low acceptance rate of 3.68% for the Class of 2026. This makes getting into Stanford engineering extremely challenging and competitive.
To be considered for admission to Stanford engineering, students must meet certain academic requirements. This includes maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all courses listed on the Candidacy form. Additionally, applicants should aim for a 75th percentile SAT score of 1570 or a 35 ACT score, along with a GPA of 3.95 or higher. For those with a lower GPA, achieving a higher standardized test score can help compensate for academic performance.
The admission process at Stanford is highly competitive, with a holistic review of each applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. In addition to meeting the academic requirements, students are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for engineering through essays, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Admissions officers carefully consider each application to select a diverse and talented group of students for the Stanford engineering program.
| Stanford Engineering Acceptance RateQuality of Education Offered | Stanford engineering has a 3.68% acceptance rateStanford offers top-notch engineering programsStudents need a 3.0 GPA minimum and 1570 SAT or 35 ACT for best chances of acceptanceHigh academic standards ensure students receive a rigorous educationAdmission rates are highly competitiveHigh selectivity indicates a focus on quality over quantity |
|---|
stanford university engineering admission requirements
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA
Stanford Acceptance Rate 2020
Acceptance Rate
4.4%
| Admission Standards | Elite | |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
How hard is it to get into Stanford and can I get accepted?
The school has a 4% acceptance rate ranking it #1 in California for lowest rate of acceptance. Last year, 2,071 out of 47,452 applicants were admitted making Stanford an extremely competitive school to get into with a very low chance of acceptance – even for applicants with the highest scores and grades.
Academically, it has exceptionally high requirements for admission test scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 4 percent. Stanford University typically accepts and attracts “A” average high school students. Of those applicants who were admitted, 82% chose to enroll. This indicates that admission to the school is highly desirable and it may be a primary choice for many students. Most incoming freshmen graduated in the top ten percent of their high school class.
In conclusion, if you are interested in attending Stanford University or anywhere else for that matter; you will need to be prepared academically as well as socially with extracurricular activities that show your interest in pursuing higher education.
Stanford engineering acceptance rate undergraduate
Stanford Engineering acceptance rate for masters-level students is currently around 16%.
Stanford SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
SAT RANGE: 1420-1570
APPLICANTS SUBMITTING SAT: 69%
| SAT Reading 25th | 700 |
| SAT Math 25th | 720 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1420 |
| SAT Reading 75th | 770 |
| SAT Math 75th | 800 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1570 |
| Average SAT Score | 1500 |
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Stanford University?
Stanford University is an elite institution, and it expects its students to be equally competitive. The school typically requires applicants to be in the top 4 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1420 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT’s as low as 1340. The estimated average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1500 out of 1600. The school ranks #3 in California for highest average SAT composite score. A competitive SAT score is critical as 69 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school. Note: SAT scores presented on this page have been adjusted upwards per the College Board’s concordance tables for test takers after March 2016
Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
| SAT SCORE (1600 SCALE) | COMPETITIVENESS | ADMISSION CHANCES |
|---|---|---|
| 1570 and Above | Good | >7% |
| 1495 to 1570 | Avg + | 4%-7% |
| 1420 to 1495 | Avg – | 2%-4% |
| 1345 to 1420 | Reach | 1%-2% |
| Less than 1345 | Low | <1% |
Stanford ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
ACT Range
32-35
Applicants Submitting ACT
55%
| ACT Reading 25th | 34 |
| ACT Math 25th | 30 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 32 |
| ACT Reading 75th | 36 |
| ACT Math 75th | 35 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 35 |
| Average ACT Score | 33 |
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into Stanford?
Admission data indicates that Stanford regularly accepts students with ACT’s of 32 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 3 percent nationally. We estimate the school accepting minimum ACT composite scores around 30 in some instances. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 34 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants – and students with a 35 and above have very competitive chances. The school ranks #4 in California for highest average ACT composite score. 55 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Stanford University.
Estimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
| ACT SCORE | COMPETITIVENESS | ADMISSION CHANCES |
|---|---|---|
| 35 and Above | Good | >8% |
| 33 to 35 | Avg + | 4%-8% |
| 32 to 33 | Avg – | 3%-4% |
| 31 to 32 | Reach | 2%-3% |
| Less than 31 | Low | <2% |
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
AVG. HIGH SCHOOL GPA
4.18
TYPICAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADES
A
You will need exceptionally good grades to get into Stanford University. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Stanford University was 4.18 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily A students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #2 in California for highest average GPA. Given the school’s very highly selective admissions, acceptance at Stanford extremely difficult and unlikely even with a 4.18 GPA. The school should be considered a reach even if you have a 4.18 GPA.
| HIGH SCHOOL GPA | FRESHMEN WITHIN RANGE | COMPETITIVENESS |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75+ | 95% | Good |
| 3.50 to 3.75 | 4% | Reach |
| 3.25 to 3.50 | 1% | Reach |
| 3.00 to 3.25 | N/A% | Low |
| 2.75 to 3.00 | N/A% | Low |
| 2.50 to 2.75 | N/A% | Low |
| 2.25 to 2.50 | N/A% | Low |
| 2.00 to 2.25 | N/A% | Low |
GPA Data Source, Wintergreen Orchard House
High School Class Rank
96% of Stanford University freshman were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class.
| HIGH SCHOOL CLASS RANK | FRESHMEN WITHIN RANGE |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 96% |
| Top 25% of class | 100% |
| Top 50% of class | 100% |
| Bottom 50% of class | 0% |
| Bottom 25% of class | 0% |
Data Sources, Wintergreen Orchard House
Admission Statistics
| WOMEN | MEN | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 22,760 | 24,692 | 47,452 |
| Accepted | 1,023 | 1,048 | 2,071 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 4% | 4% |
| Enrolled | 831 | 866 | 1,697 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 81% | 83% | 82% |
Admission Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Stanford University and what considerations affect admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Required |
| High School GPA | Recommended |
| High School Class Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Recommended |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Other Colleges to Consider
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, California
Pomona College
Claremont, California
Reed College
Portland, Oregon
Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Stanford University prefer SAT or ACT?
69% of students submit their SAT scores to Stanford. 55% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
- What is my chance of getting into Stanford University?
- What SAT score is required for Stanford University?
- What ACT score is required for Stanford University?
collage