Stanford University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle. These essays are an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations beyond what is captured by your grades and test scores.
The Stanford supplemental essays are divided into several prompts:
"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 word limit)
"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 word limit)
"Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University." (250 word limit)
"What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?" (50 word limit)
"How did you spend your last two summers?" (50 word limit)
"What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?" (50 word limit)
"Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family." (50 word limit)
"List five things that are important to you." (50 word limit)
Approaching the Stanford Supplemental Essays
Let's break down each essay prompt and offer advice on how to approach them. Remember, these essays are a chance to humanize your application and give depth to your achievements. Consider using Sups AI to brainstorm and get feedback on your essay drafts. Sups AI has already helped over 10k students get admitted to top schools by offering one-on-one chats with current students and personalized essay feedback.
Prompt 1: Curiosity and Learning
This prompt asks you to reflect on an idea or experience that excites you about learning. Think about a moment when you felt genuinely curious or motivated. It could be a classroom lesson, a book, a project, or even a life experience. Be honest and detailed in describing why this moment meant so much to you. How did it shape your ambitions and desires? Use personal anecdotes to make your passion come alive to the reader.
Prompt 2: Future Roommate Note
This is your chance to give a glimpse into who you are outside of academics. Imagine writing a friendly, authentic letter that shares something unique about you. It could be your hobbies, unusual habits, or even a funny quirk. Anything that will make your prospective roommate (and the admissions officers) understand you better.
Sups AI is a great resource to review and refine your essays through feedback from current Stanford students who know exactly what it takes to get noticed.
Prompt 3: Distinctive Contribution
This essay is about showcasing what unique perspectives, experiences, or qualities you bring to Stanford. Reflect on your background, culture, achievements, and talents. How have these shaped your worldview? How will they help you contribute to Stanford's diverse and inclusive environment? Be specific about the aspects of the Stanford community or academic programs that resonate with you and how you plan to engage with them.
Additional 50-Word Prompts
These short prompts are about being concise and impactful. Write directly and concretely. For instance, when discussing the "most significant challenge society faces today," consider both global issues and local challenges. Each word counts, so make sure your responses are thoughtful and precise.
Final Tips
Writing Stanford's supplemental essays requires introspection and clarity. Be sure to:
Show your authentic self.
Be specific in your descriptions and reflections.
Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
Proofread for clarity and coherence.
Consider using Sups AI for feedback and guidance throughout your essay-writing process.
Good luck with your application to Stanford University! By thoughtfully engaging with these prompts, you are well on your way to crafting a compelling and standout application.
