How to approach Stanford’s Supplemental Essays.

Stanford University seeks to understand who you are beyond your transcripts and test scores. Their supplemental essays are designed to uncover the depth and breadth of your personality, intellectual curiosity, and values. This is your opportunity to diversify your application and show Stanford the person behind the academic data. Highlight your intellectual drive, community engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and unique life experiences.

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

It’s fine to mention widely discussed challenges, but focus on why you believe it is the most significant today. Keep your answer timely and reflective. For example, if you mention climate change, highlight the inequities it exposes—such as economic vulnerabilities, political inaction, or the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Your answer need not be related to your major, since you will probably be talking about it in the other Stanford essays.

How did you spend your last two summers? (50 words or fewer)
This prompt calls for a concise, straightforward response. Mention the key activities you pursued, whether they were academic, professional, or personal. Ideally, connect them to your interests or growth. Generally, students undertake research, an internship, or attend a summer research program. Creative explorations, travel, or family responsibilities all count. Show how you used your summers meaningfully.

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

Use this prompt to reflect on your values or passions. For example, you might choose to witness Archimedes’ discovery of buoyancy or the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The key is to explain why that moment resonates with you and what it reveals about your intellectual or personal identity.  Do not write something for the sake of sounding cool.

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

This essay provides context about who you are outside the classroom. Share what drives your involvement and what you’ve learned from it. Whether it’s leading a community initiative, caring for a family member, or working part-time, emphasize responsibility, growth, and the impact of your role. What drives you to do that? What do you learn from it?

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

Be authentic and personal here. Avoid overthinking what Stanford “wants” to hear—focus on what genuinely matters to you. Your answers can range from values and hobbies to traditions, relationships, or intellectual interests.

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 is Stanford’s well-known “intellectual vitality” essay. Showcase how you pursue knowledge deeply and passionately. Highlight a topic, idea, or project that excites you and explain the steps you’ve taken to explore it further. This could include research, debates, reading, or creative projects or anything that demonstrates your love for learning and your commitment to intellectual growth.

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)

This is both a personality and a “Why Stanford” essay in disguise. You can share quirky, lighthearted details about yourself alongside more thoughtful reflections. Consider what you’d want a roommate to know about your habits, passions, and worldview. You may also connect your personality to how you’ll engage with Stanford’s community.  You could also talk about your major in this essay. Moreover, feel free to talk about your unique personality and what you would like to share/learn from your roommate.