Stanford University

Stanford’s supplemental essays are designed to uncover who you are beyond your academic achievements. With a distinctive emphasis on intellectual vitality, curiosity, and community engagement, these prompts explore your values, identity, sense of humor, and how you envision your place in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Below is a breakdown of each Stanford prompt, followed by an in-depth interpretation that aligns with the university’s culture, mission, and expectations.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 words)

Interpretation:
This prompt challenges you to demonstrate social awareness and the ability to reflect deeply on contemporary issues. Stanford seeks students who move beyond surface-level answers (e.g., “climate change” or “inequality”) to articulate a more nuanced, specific lens on that challenge. The best responses tie into your intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, or sense of civic responsibility—core values in Stanford’s community of changemakers.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

How did you spend your last two summers? (50 words)

Interpretation:
Stanford uses this question to evaluate how you use your time outside of the classroom. They’re not only looking for impressive achievements but also authenticity and curiosity. Whether you pursued research, helped your family, worked a job, or explored hobbies, your answer should show initiative, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth in various environments—traits valued across Stanford’s holistic and hands-on learning culture.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #3

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 words)

Interpretation:
This question taps into your imagination and values. Avoid broad or predictable events; instead, choose a moment that reveals something insightful about your intellectual passions or moral compass. Stanford’s interdisciplinary environment values students who find meaning in history’s overlooked moments—and who can connect them to modern curiosity, ethics, or personal relevance.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #4

Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 words)

Interpretation:
Stanford is looking to understand how you take initiative and assume responsibility. Whether through an academic pursuit, creative project, or family duty, this is your opportunity to show how a specific commitment has shaped your identity or worldview. The focus is on meaning, not prestige—highlight personal growth, resilience, or service, all integral to Stanford’s mission.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #5

List five things that are important to you. (50 words)

Interpretation:
This list offers insight into your core values, personality, and voice. Think beyond academics—Stanford wants to know what defines you as a person. Whether it’s cultural touchstones, inside jokes, rituals, or passions, what matters is that your list shows dimension, individuality, and warmth, resonating with the vibrancy of Stanford’s student life.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #6

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. (250 words)

Interpretation:
This prompt is a test of intellectual vitality, one of the most valued traits in Stanford applicants. Focus on an idea or experience that sparked meaningful engagement—especially one that crosses disciplines or involves experimentation. Stanford wants students who are not only smart but passionately curious, and who see learning as a lifelong adventure rather than a checklist.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #7

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. (250 words)

Interpretation:
This prompt gauges authenticity, self-reflection, and social awareness. While informal, it’s a strategic space to show what it’s like to live with you—your quirks, joys, vulnerabilities, or routines. Stanford is looking for collaborative, kind, and dynamic residents who will shape the culture of its close-knit residential communities.

Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompt #8

Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. (100–250 words)

Interpretation:
This prompt assesses how you’ll add to the diversity of perspectives on campus. Think about your identity, community, or formative moments—especially those that inform how you engage with others, solve problems, or contribute to group dialogue. Stanford values self-aware contributors who bring depth to both the academic and social landscape of its innovative and inclusive community.