Stanford University, located in California’s famous Silicon Valley, has made its reputation by becoming one of the world’s best teaching and research institutions. Throughout its history, the university has dedicated itself to helping its students and alumni find solutions to the complex issues of the world.
Mission/Vision
Stanford University’s Founding Grant, created in 1885, says that all of the school’s undertakings are “directed to the cultivation and enlargement of the mind.” The school’s purpose is: “…to promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization, teaching the blessings of liberty regulated by law, and inculcating love and reverence for the great principles of government as derived from the inalienable rights of man to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Campus Setting
Stanford University sits on an 8,000 acre campus on the San Francisco Peninsula. Part of the Silicon Valley, the school is located almost 40 miles southeast of San Francisco and 20 miles northwest of San Jose. Stanford is also very close to Palo Alto.
In September 2016, Stanford University’s main campus was recognized by Travel+Leisure magazine as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. MSN even called Stanford’s campus one of the world’s most appealing places to attend school.
Academics
The majority of students at Stanford are pursuing graduate degrees in one of seven schools, while undergraduate students have more than 65 majors to choose from. The undergraduate programs are separated into the following three schools:
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Humanities and Sciences
The majority of undergraduate majors are taught through the Humanities and Sciences School while several are offered through the Earth Sciences School and through the School of Engineering.
The university follows an academic quarter system. The autumn quarter starts in late September, while the Spring quarter usually ends in June.
Athletics
Stanford hosts over 30 varsity sports, including 20 female squads, 16 male squads, and one co-ed. The school also features nearly 50 club and intramural sports teams. Over 800 students play an intercollegiate, club or intramural sport at Stanford, with 300 students receiving some kind of athletic scholarship. The university is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference in the NCAA’S Division 1.
This school is well known for the athletic prowess of its students. Stanford has earned at least one NCAA team championship every year since the 1976-1977 school year with 117 total NCAA Championships, the most of any school in the country. In addition, Stanford has earned 512 individual team championships, also the highest number of any school in the country.
Tuition and Financial Aid
While tuition at Stanford is very expensive, the school provides a generous amount of financial aid to its student body. Admitted students whose family income does not exceed $65,000 will have all of their tuition, fees, and room and board costs covered by scholarships and grants. If the family income of a student does not exceed $125,000, they will not have to pay any tuition. Over 70 percent of Stanford students receive some type of financial help for tuition costs. Refer to Stanford’s website for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.
Accreditation
Stanford is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Admissions
Stanford University is one of the most selective universities in the world. For the 2017-2018 freshman class, the admissions committee accepted less than five percent of its applicants.
All applicants must submit the following items to be considered for a spot in the next freshman class:
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- SAT or ACT scores
- Common Application (including the Stanford University supplement)
- Teacher recommendations
- $90 application fee or fee waiver request
For more information about Stanford University’s admissions process, contact the school:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Stanford University
Montag Hall
355 Galvez Street
Stanford, CA 94305-6106
Main Number: (650)723-2091
Fax Number: (650)725-2846
