It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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Connect with a student of your choice for personalized advice and insider insights during a 1-on-1 video chat
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What customers are saying
Get to know Stanford University
Stanford University is a world-renowned research institution that champions innovation and academic excellence across the sciences, engineering, business, humanities, and arts, grounded in a spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurial leadership, and a commitment to societal impact.
Overview
Established in 1885, Stanford University is a private research institution located in Stanford, California, approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco. Renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and proximity to Silicon Valley, Stanford offers a diverse range of programs across seven schools, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies, a vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2023, Stanford University has a total enrollment of 18,283 students, comprising 8,049 undergraduates and 10,234 graduate students.
Acceptance rate
Stanford University has an acceptance rate of approximately 4%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1440 and 1570 or an ACT score between 32 and 35.
Cost
For the 2024–2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees at Stanford University are $66,162. As a private institution, Stanford charges the same tuition for all students, regardless of residency. Graduate tuition varies by program—for instance, the School of Engineering charges tuition on a per-unit basis. Around 61% of Stanford undergraduates receive financial aid, which may include need-based grants and merit-based scholarships.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Stanford University is ranked #4 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
Stanford offers over 65 undergraduate majors and more than 200 graduate programs across its seven schools. Popular undergraduate majors include Computer Science, Engineering, and Biological Sciences. The university maintains a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interaction between students and professors.
Traditions
Stanford University's traditions include the Big Game against UC Berkeley and the associated Gaieties musical, the Fountain Hopping tradition of exploring campus fountains, the Full Moon on the Quad, the annual Stanford Powwow celebrating Native American culture, and the Wacky Walk during Commencement.
Campus landmarks
Stanford University's best landmarks include the iconic Hoover Tower, the Main Quad, the Stanford Memorial Church, the Cantor Arts Center with the Rodin Sculpture Garden, and the Dish walking trail, reflecting its blend of innovation and natural beauty.
Student body
Over 85% of Stanford University students come from outside California, with strong representation from New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Illinois, as well as a vibrant international student population from over 120 countries.
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Become a guideYour Stanford University questions, answered
What GPA do you need for Stanford?
A 3.9 GPA or higher gives you the best chance of admission, along with a 1560 SAT or 35 ACT. If your GPA is lower, a higher test score can help compensate.
Is Stanford or Harvard harder to get into?
Both universities are highly competitive, but Harvard is generally considered slightly more difficult to gain admission to.
Is Stanford University expensive?
For the 2024-25 school year, Stanford's tuition is $65,127, with total costs, including housing and supplies, reaching $92,892 per year—though financial aid may reduce the amount you pay.
What is Stanford known for?
Stanford is renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and vibrant campus life. Located in Silicon Valley, it has a strong entrepreneurial culture, cutting-edge research, and influential alumni. The university consistently ranks among the top for undergraduate education, attracts world-class faculty, and offers prestigious programs in fields like engineering, computer science, and international relations. Students also enjoy a dynamic campus experience, with numerous clubs, traditions, and extracurricular opportunities.
What is Stanford’s most popular major?
Stanford’s top majors include Computer Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Biology, and Psychology.
What are Stanford's admission requirements?
Stanford looks for students with strong academic records, leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, and unique personal qualities. A competitive applicant typically has a high GPA (around 3.9+), top SAT/ACT scores, and meaningful extracurriculars. The application process includes essays, recommendation letters, and, for some programs, interviews.
What housing options are available for students?
Stanford guarantees four years of on-campus housing for undergraduates. Dorm options include traditional residence halls, theme houses, co-ops, and apartment-style living. About 97% of students live on campus, and graduate students also have access to university housing.
What is campus life like at Stanford?
Stanford has a vibrant and inclusive campus culture, with over 600 student organizations, Division I athletics, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students enjoy traditions like Full Moon on the Quad, Fountain Hopping, and Stanford’s annual Admit Weekend.
How can I visit or tour the Stanford campus?
Stanford offers in-person campus tours, self-guided walking tours, and virtual tours through its admissions website. You can book a guided tour through Stanford’s Visitor Center or explore on your own using their campus map and mobile app.
Does Stanford offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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