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Stanford can learn more about you holistically by answering the supplemental questions. Consider what you value, how you interact with others, and how you channel your energy. What makes you so eager to go? Always be genuine and precise. Because Stanford has a low acceptance rate, these responses will help you stand out.
Rostrum is here to help you ace the essay writing process.
What are the Stanford essay prompts for 21/22
Stanford’s undergraduate application requires five short answer questions (50 words each) and three short essays (100-word minimum and 250-word maximum).
Short answer questions
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)
Make your point. Avoid sweeping terms like “sexism” or “ignorance,” which can be difficult to confront in 50 words. Rather, go for a more detailed, nuanced version of something that means a lot to you. Writing about the challenge’s existence is also less fascinating than writing about momentum in terms of potential change, or even previous decline. For example, while discussing pollution, you may discuss how, in your opinion, the greatest challenge will be raising actionable knowledge of the issue in order to overcome our current apathy, perhaps with a brief proposal on how that could be accomplished. This would make your response stand out more than simply speaking too broadly.
How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)
Writing about how you spent your last two summers should be straightforward – anything you’ve done is fair game, and demonstrating a wide range of interests is recommended.
Make your answer as specific as possible. If possible, state the main agenda in the few sentences (some students wait too long to state their main idea, and the essay ends up feeling ambiguous since readers don’t know what to focus on). Consider utilising this as an opportunity to reveal an aspect of yourself that has yet to be shown. Connect the concept, no matter how abstract, to something personal. Many students keep the essay unfocused which makes it feel vague and sloppy.
What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)
Consider this for a moment. Some students try to cover too much ground (for example, World War II or the Renaissance—what, all of it?). Choose a specific moment and explain why you wish you were there.
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 words)
In 50 words, this is a classic extracurricular essay. Select 2-3 possible themes from your Common App activities list. Choose the topic that will provide the most information for your essay. If you’re still undecided, make a short outline for two separate subjects.
Remember that writing about numerous facets of the activity in only 50 words will be challenging, and you may end up simply repeating what is already on your activities list. Choose one aspect that was the most meaningful to you and emphasise. Because you have little room, you can be straightforward rather than artistic. Also, rather than simply telling what happened, quickly discuss what you learned from the experience. Write carefully about an activity that you’ve already discussed extensively in your application. If you’ve previously mentioned your most significant extracurricular activity in your main Common App personal statement or any of the other Stanford supplemental essays, describe your second or third most significant extracurricular activity.
Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford. (50 word limit)
Consider this a one-paragraph “Why us” essay. Choose something that is unique to Stanford, but also academic or related to an extracurricular activity that can help you stand out (for example, if you’re interested in podcasting, the Stanford Storytelling project).
This may be doing some internet research to learn more about the school’s eccentricities, asking alumni what they liked about it, or simply expressing that you want to continue one of your hobbies with a student club there.
Choose something you’re actually excited about, and make sure your writing reflects that enthusiasm. It’s fine to aim for something more generic than an event, such as looking forward to diversity in the dorms, a rigorous curriculum, or research opportunities, but keep in mind that you’ll need to phrase it in a way that stands out among a sea of similar-themed responses.
Short essay questions
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. (100-250 words)
Consider all of the hours you spent studying at class, after school during events, or at home as you approach this longer prompt. Choose an experience when you truly feel a passion for learning. Simply writing about this concept or discovery should make you feel like a very happy nerd. You may truly highlight your personal passion and intellect through this question, whether you approach standardised testing like a fascinating game or feel so happy after passing a test that you spent countless hours studying for.
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—know you better. (100-250 words)
The purpose of this essay is to evoke the casual nature of roommate relationships and to encourage students to write about themselves in a more relaxed manner. It brings the application to life by asking you to write entirely about yourself, which feels more open than other essays that ask you to “Describe your neighbourhood” or “Talk about a mentor who helped you get through a difficult time.” While both of those questions provide insight into the author’s personality, they are basically centred upon another person or issue, which is why Stanford goes right to the point with this prompt to get to know you better.
Tell us about something that is meaningful to you, and why. (100-250 words)
Stanford invites applicants to address what is most important to them directly in this prompt. Admissions officers would like to see the ambition and desire behind the scores/grades/clubs that signal a strong fit for the university. In their essays, prospective students should be able to demonstrate that they can write well and that they are intelligent people with a wide range of interests and talents.
This prompt also leaves the door open for some truly unique responses. The WHY is always the most significant element of any essay, but it is especially so in this case. Even cliche-sounding themes might be useful in addressing what matters to you provided you have concrete reasons for doing so.
Essays with Rostrum
Supplementary essays are an important part of your application, and writing them without assistance can be Stanford invites applicants to address what is most important to them directly in this prompt. Admissions officers would like to see the ambition and desire behind the scores/grades/clubs that signal a strong fit for the university. In their essays, prospective students should be able to demonstrate that they can write well and that they are intelligent people with a wide range of interests and talents.
This prompt also leaves the door open for some truly unique responses. The WHY is always the most significant element of any essay, but it is especially so in this case. Even cliche-sounding themes might be useful in addressing wh difficult. It can be difficult to judge your writing objectively after several revisions. That’s why Rostrum Education has a staff of highly experienced college counsellors on hand to help you through every step of the application process, including essay revisions. All of our students receive individualised essay coaching to ensure that their personalities shine through and that they have effectively answered the questions. We can assist you in presenting yourself and your experiences to the admissions committee in an appealing manner. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation.
