Stanford University Supplemental Essay Information

Stanford has officially released their Supplement Short Essay and Short Answer Questions for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle (Class of 2030) on the Common App Platform

Official Stanford Supplemental Questions (2025–2026 Application Cycle)

Short Essay Questions

100-word minimum, 250-word maximum for each

1. The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom.
   Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
2. Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better.
3. Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.

Short Answer Questions

50-word maximum for each

1. What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
2. How did you spend your last two summers?
3. What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
4. Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
5. List five things that are important to you.

How to Write Stanford’s Supplemental Essays: Tips & Strategies

If you’re applying to Stanford during the 2025–2026 admissions cycle (Class of 2030), the supplemental essays will play a major role in how your application is reviewed. These questions are your chance to show Stanford how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. They’re designed to reveal the personality, character, and mindset behind your academic record. By responding authentically and insightfully, you’ll help the admissions committee get a better sense of who you might be as a classmate, roommate, and contributor to the Stanford community—and beyond.

Here are some strategies to help your application stand out:

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Be specific.

Skip the buzzwords and vague statements. Instead, use vividexamples and personal moments to make your voice stand out.

Show your personality.‍

Stanford wants to get to know the person behind thetranscript. The tone of these prompts makes it clear: they want you to have funand not feel pressured to give the “perfect” answer. Use this space to showyour humor, curiosity, quirkiness, or creativity—whatever feels most like you.

Don’t repeat yourself.‍

Each essay is a chance to share a new piece of your story.Avoid overlapping with your Common App personal statement or other responses.

Reflect intentionally.‍

The strongest answers don’t just list accomplishments—theyshow thoughtfulness. What did you learn? How did you grow? How will youcontribute to Stanford’s community? Make sure to tie things back to Stanfordspecifically. These essays shouldn't feel like they could be copied and pastedinto another school’s application.

Tailor it to Stanford.‍

Stanford is a very distinct place—with an entrepreneurialspirit, a vibrant student culture, and a geographic location that shapes campuslife. Your answer should reflect why this place matters to you.

Edit carefully.

‍These essays may be short, but that makes clarity andpolish even more important. Read them out loud, revise with intention, and asksomeone you trust to proofread your work.

Build a cohesive story.

A strong narrative turns your application from a list ofaccomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helpsadmissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters —and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check outthis blog post!

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Need Help With Your Stanford Application?

Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!

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