How to Get into Stanford University from India?

How to Get into Stanford University from India: India is known as the land of dreams where many aspirants look forward to achieving their dream once in their lives. One of the dreams of many aspirants and students here is to study at a prestigious university like Stanford University in the USA.

Stanford has a reputation for being one of the best universities in the USA and all over the world, which includes the infamous Stanford University acceptance rate. Backed by stunning global rankings, Stanford attracts students from all over the world including India for a variety of reasons like a world-class curriculum, beautiful campus and infrastructure, etc.

This guide is for those aspirants looking for an answer to the most frequently asked question concerning how to get into Stanford University from India. In short, if you want to boost your chances of getting into Stanford University from India, here is everything you need to know.

Overview of Stanford University

In order to know how to get into Stanford University from India, one should first be knowing about the university's history and overview in brief too! Stanford University, founded in 1885, is a world-renowned private research university dedicated to promoting research, student-faculty engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic success.

It is well-known for its entrepreneurial culture and close ties to Silicon Valley, which is home to several digital start-ups and worldwide corporations including Facebook, Apple, and Google. The school is located in the small city of Stanford in Northern California's Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. Also called the 'billionaire factory' theory holds that if Stanford graduates formed their own country, it would have one of the world's top 10 economies. Thus, the Stanford University acceptance rate remains highly selective of the best and the brightest.

At 8,180 acres, the main campus is one of the largest in the United States, with 18 interdisciplinary research institutes and seven schools: the Graduate School of Business, the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences, the Graduate School of Education, the School of Engineering, the School of Humanities and Sciences, the Law School, and the School of Medicine.

Stanford University Rankings

For those aiming to get into Stanford University from India must also know about the Stanford rankings in the world. Stanford University is widely regarded as the leading teaching and research institution in the United States. The university is globally renowned for being a part of the list of the top 10 prestigious universities in the world. Such accolades and recognition have made the Stanford University acceptance rate to be highly selective. The following table tabulated below displays some of the top Stanford University rankings for 2022:

Stanford University Acceptance Rate

Prior to knowing how to get into the prestigious Ivy League university from India, it is extremely important for aspirants to have a brief idea about the Stanford University acceptance rate.

Stanford has an acceptance rate of roughly 4.3%. This means that for every 100 applicants who submit an application to Stanford University, just four students are admitted to study there. Despite the optional necessity of standardized test scores, the Stanford University acceptance rate is roughly 4%, as opposed to 5.1% the previous year, which demonstrates the increased rivalry for Stanford admission. More than half of those accepted choose a Stanford degree in a STEM discipline.

In addition, Stanford University received 55,471 applications for the class of 2025, the largest pool in the university's history, with just 2190 admitted. International students from 72 countries make up about 12% of the university's total student population. This is an increase from the previous year's students from 56 countries.

How to Get into Stanford University from India?

Stanford University on one hand flaunts the reputation of being one of the best universities in the world as well as for its notorious acceptance rate which makes it difficult for students to get into this premier institute. The university with its excellent education framework and glorious alumni provides a healthy atmosphere for students to achieve excellence. According to the university website, there are no specific courses or minimum scores required to enter Stanford University. It makes admission decisions based on a holistic assessment of the candidate. If you want to know how to get into Stanford University from India, here are the ways in which you can do so:

Stellar Application

Fulfilling the Stanford University eligibility criteria will alone not help you to meet the admission requirement, you need to have a stellar application too. Before submitting your online application, you must visit the university website to review the requirements of the university including information on courses, eligibility, deadlines and tests. You should have all the documents handy that are required for admission. You can also clear your doubts by contacting the alumni or admission officers and taking the help of professional counsellors. Ensure that your application is error-free as a small mistake can cost you a valuable opportunity to get into the university. 

Strong Academic Requirements

Are you finding your answer to the question of how to get into Stanford University from India? Then, you should be aware that each application is carefully reviewed, and board members examine a variety of factors while evaluating applications. One such factor is the applicant's academic performance. If you are yet to apply to Stanford University, you can enhance your marks by taking division improvement tests. Good grades are undoubtedly given precedence at Stanford.

However, it isn't just your academic grades but also your academic achievements and accolades that make you one among the small percentage of the students selected within the Stanford University acceptance rate. Therefore, while in your last years of school, it is better to participate in academic projects and events and perform well, to be one of the few who study at this prestigious university.

Good Standardised Test Scores

To get into Stanford University from India for a bachelor's degree, you must have high SAT scores or ACT scores, while for master's courses, good GMAT scores or GRE scores are required. However, in Fall 2023, Stanford will review applications with or without standardised scores and they leave the decision in the hands of the applicant whether to submit the scores or not. 

The scores in general are valid for five years. Though no minimum score requirement is stated it is a well-known fact that getting around 1550 on SAT and 35 on the ACT increases the chances of admission. It is therefore essential for you to prepare for the tests well.

Language Proficiency Test Score

English fluency is a prerequisite for admission to various courses at Stanford University. However, it is important for students whose native tongue is not English and those who have not done their previous schooling in English to provide English language proficiency test scores. You can choose from any one of the tests, that is IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo Test. The university also offers a Duolingo test fee waiver to students who demonstrate financial need. 

The minimum required scores accepted at Stanford University for Indian students are:

Strong Portfolio

When it comes to knowing how to get into Stanford University from India, the university has a track record of generating industry-standard professionals and world-renowned academicians, thus the admission committee goes above and beyond an applicant's academic credentials. The institution is determined to accept an impressive number of students, which is why a student's application is processed at multiple levels using numerous characteristics.

As thousands of students from across the globe send in their applications to be processed, submitting an impressive portfolio becomes a must. Your portfolio should paint a picture of your achievements, accolades and other reasons that make you a prospective student for the university. Most students who comprise the low Stanford University acceptance rate students are usually those with an impressive portfolio. Therefore, a solid portfolio is what you should look for when applying to your dream course at Stanford.

Essays and SOP

Essays and Statement of Purpose (SOPs) are important in determining the candidature of the applicant. For their applications, the university wants students to produce engaging essays. When writing an essay, you must be honest and realistic; making assumptions and boasting about things will only get you into trouble. As can be seen from the low Stanford University acceptance rate, your SOP will be heavily scrutinised by the university's admission committee. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that your SOP is structured properly with good control over your grammar and content within the document.

In addition, to know how to get into Stanford University from India, being professional while writing an essay and maintaining a formal tone throughout is essential. To make your SOP and essay stand out, take your time writing, revisiting, and editing them until they are succinct and error-free.

LOR

The Letter of Recommendation, or LOR, provides the admission officer at Stanford University with a full understanding of your candidacy for admission to a specific course. Regardless of the course, any candidate seeking to study abroad needs at least two to three letters of recommendation depending upon the course.

As highlighted multiple times before, the Stanford University acceptance rate is one of the more difficult brackets to crack into. Therefore, a good reference or recommendation from a professor or superior at your previous place of employment will paint an unbiased picture of your skills, qualities, experience and qualifications as well.

Stanford University Admission Deadlines for Top Courses

Now that you have got a basic insight into how to get into Stanford University from India, let us shed some light on the admission deadlines of some of the top courses at Stanford University:

Stanford University Application Fee

The table tabulated below depicts the admission fee for various programmes that candidates aspiring to get into Stanford University from India have to pay while applying:

Stanford University Scholarship for Indian Students 2023

Stanford University gives around USD 15,000 in endowment funds, with 85 of those monies going to international students. Those seeking post-graduate studies, on the other hand, are eligible for various Stanford University scholarships for Indian students. Let us know more about these scholarships for aspirants who are interested to know how to get into Stanford University from India:

Top Tips to Get into Stanford University from India

Stanford University is regarded as one of the greatest in the United States and the world. As a result, it is normal to have anxiety during the application process. When researching how to get into Stanford University from India, you may feel underqualified to study at this university. To become one among those within the low Stanford University acceptance rate, check out the following tips to secure your admission.

You Need to Have Strong Academics

The first and most important tip for Indian students wishing to get into Stanford University from India is to have outstanding academic records. Admitted students' 25th percentile SAT/ACT scores range from 1420 on the SAT to 32 on the ACT. This means that the vast majority (75%) of Stanford students score above these levels, and those who enrol with lower marks are superstars who compensate in other ways.In other words, to be one among those selected within the Stanford University acceptance rate, you must be able to either present an impeccable academic record or something impressive.

If your scores are lower than these, the most effective measure you can take to improve your chances of admission is to study harder for the SAT/ACT, as scores are the primary reason Stanford will reject you. Stanford is currently in the 75th percentile on the SAT and in the 35th percentile on the ACT. If you score higher than these, you can presume your test scores are adequate.

You Must Excel in Multiple Areas

Being one of the top 10 universities in the world, Stanford is not just only looking for students with stellar and fabulous academic records but who excel in multiple areas, subjects, extra-curricular and more! There are simply too many students with outstanding academic records.Thus, giving the university its reputation over the highly selective Stanford University acceptance rate.

The second reason is that many top universities, including Stanford, are looking for individuals who can make a substantial and good difference in the world. Stanford believes that, in addition to great academics, non-academic traits might assist identify who will have a good impact in the future. As a result, we can state that top universities like Stanford University look for strengths in a variety of areas, including GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and community service.

Find Your Spike!

The third tip to know how to get into Stanford University from India is to have a spike, and it can be nearly anything: microbiology research, short story publishing, starting a tiny business, etc. Stanford would want to see a candidate who is average in most things but exceptional in one area.

Your spike distinguishes you as a strong prospect because few other students will have the same spike as you. In brief, it helps to distinguish you and makes you unique. Stanford can achieve the diverse student body it seeks by admitting a large number of students with various strong points.Thus, being different from every other candidate will be your invitation letter to be selected within the Stanford University acceptance rate.

Furthermore, Stanford seeks individuals who will be successful in the future. In short, specialization and uniqueness are the keys to success in today's environment.

Write Engaging Essays

Stanford requires four essays: a personal essay in either the Coalition Application or the Common Application, as well as three short-answer questions in the Stanford Supplement.

When evaluating applications, Stanford places high importance on essays and considers character/personal characteristics to be extremely relevant. As a result, essays are frequently a make-or-break area for applicants, allowing them to distinguish themselves from the competitors and demonstrate why they belong on Stanford's campus.

Recommendation Letters

Stanford considers letters of recommendation to be a very essential part of admissions selections and requires three: one from a high school counsellor and two from teachers. Teachers who write recommendations for you should have taught you in 11th or 12th grade in a core academic field such as English, Math, Science, Foreign language, or History/Social Studies, but applicants may submit a letter of recommendation from a 10th-grade teacher if the coursework was advanced, such as AP or IB. Submitting impressive recommendation letters will be one of the more effective methods of breaking into the Stanford University acceptance rate.

Achieve At Least a 3.96 GPA

When making admissions selections, Stanford considers GPA, class rank, and the level of coursework to be extremely essential. As a result, it is critical for Stanford applicants to not only have exceptional grades but also to have those grades come from hard courses.

Another reason Stanford applicants must have excellent grades is that selective universities utilize a metric called the Academic Index to sort through their large number of applicants. At its most basic, the Academic Index is a single figure that combines a student's academic performance (grades and test scores).

To summarize, Stanford University is a premier educational institution with a lengthy and demanding admissions procedure. For the past five years, the university has been ranked among the top five universities in the world which is one of the major reasons for aspirants searching for how to get into Stanford University from India. Although Stanford academics advise students to disregard rankings when selecting the 'ideal university' for them, it is impossible to deny that Stanford has worked hard to maintain its status as one of the best study abroad universities.

If you have queries related to how to get into Stanford University from India or any other top university in the USA, write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com!