It is not often that you can find a place that encourages young people to challenge the boundaries of knowledge and focus on anything and everything that is of interest to them. It isn’t a surprise, however, that Stanford University is such a place. If you look back into its origins you would see that, from the very first moment it opened its doors, its students have been told to be curious, find alternative solutions, and challenge the established boundaries of knowledge.
How did such a place come to be? It has everything to do with the early and unexpected death of a young man who epitomized the qualities that are now characteristic of Stanford grads (he was so curious and fascinated by the world that his collections built the world’s [then] largest museum – and he had died at the age of 15!), but it also has evolved out of the decades of teachers, staff and students who come together in the spirit of scholarship, friendship, and community dedication.
Though you should have a relatively accurate view of Stanford University and its general offerings and policies, below are some of the most commonly asked questions about opportunities and resources for those hoping to attend Stanford:
Can I receive financial aid?
Yes. The school has Student Awards such as the Rhodes Scholarships, but there are also their Truman Scholars and Marshall Award Winners. Additionally, around 80% of the student body has some sort of financial support or work study opportunity. Remember that the college began as a “needs blind” organization and remains that way today – in other words they NEVER make a decision about acceptance based on the income available to that potential student.
What is Stanford’s graduation rate?
The number of students graduating within four years is at a relatively high 78%, but remember that many students begin their studies with the intention of obtaining Graduate level degrees instead of the four year Bachelor’s. Thus, this 78 percent may seem high, but the reality is that the graduation rate is actually more than this because of the Masters and Doctoral degrees obtained.
Do I need to be a genius to get accepted?
No, not at all. The school’s mission very clearly identifies that enthusiasm and love of learning for learning’s sake are among the major factors considered. Additionally, the school has accepted students with SAT scores in the 400 and 500 levels as well as some with a GPA in the 3.0 area.
What are the requirements for International students?
More than 15% of Stanford’s student body is international. The application process is the same for all applicants regardless of citizenship status or country of residence, and admission is not affected by citizenship.