Conquering Stanford University's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

Stanford University's supplemental essays allow you the opportunity to stand out from the throng of prospective students. We'll breakdown this year's prompts, provide expert advice, and share compelling examples of successful essays from past applications, focusing on both content and length.

Prompt 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. (100-250 words)

This prompt is Stanford's way of assessing your intellectual vitality. Think about an idea or experience that sparked your curiosity and led you to learn something new.

Here is a compelling example from a 2021 application:

"Stargazing on a clear night, I was awestruck by the enormity of the cosmos. This ignited a profound curiosity about the celestial bodies above. I eagerly delved into astrophysics, digesting complex theories about black holes, supernovas, and quantum mechanics. Each revelation about the universe's vastness further intensified my excitement about learning. I even began attending local astronomy club meetings, reveling in our shared awe and curiosity. To me, the infinite cosmos serves as a humbling reminder of our quest for knowledge, a quest that I eagerly wish to continue at Stanford."

Prompt 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. (100-250 words)

This creative prompt helps Stanford get a sense of your personality and values. Be authentic, and remember, your future roommate will also be reading this!

An endearing example from a 2022 application reads:

"Dear Roomie,

Welcome to our room! I'm excited about the year ahead. I should tell you that I am a self-proclaimed 'chocoholic' and there's a good chance you'll always find a hidden stash of dark chocolate in our room (willing to share, of course!). I enjoy morning runs and would love company if you're up for it. On weekends, you'll likely find me in a quiet corner, lost in a book or scribbling in my journal. I've also mastered the art of 'silent' typing for our late-night study sessions. Lastly, I bring a collection of indoor plants. They make our room livelier and I promise they don’t attract bugs!

Looking forward to sharing our Stanford journey, [Your Name]"

Prompt 3: Tell us about something that is meaningful to you, and why? (100-250 words)

Here, Stanford is inviting you to share something that holds significance in your life. It can be an experience, an object, or an idea.

A profound example from a 2021 application articulates:

"One thing meaningful to me is my grandfather's pocket watch. Not only does it hold sentimental value, but it also serves as a reminder of the relentless passage of time. Its incessant ticking prompts me to value each moment and not postpone my dreams. This small object has influenced my philosophy towards life, fostering my desire to make an impact, create change, and not wait for 'someday.' It drives me to contribute to my community, voice my opinions, and not shy away from challenges."

As you set about crafting your Stanford supplemental essays, let your uniqueness and authentic self be evident. Use these essays as an opportunity to present your story and character. Good luck, and may your words make an impact!