Stanford University supplemental essays

Answer all 5 short questions (50 words each) and all 3 short essays (250 words each).

1. Short question: society's challenge

   50 words max

   What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?

2. Short question: last two summers

   50 words max

   How did you spend your last two summers?

3. Short question: historical moment

   50 words max

   What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?

4. Short question: an activity or responsibility

   50 words max

   Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.

5. Short question: five things

   50 words max

   List five things that are important to you.

6. Excitement about learning

   250 words max

   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.

7. Note to your future roommate

   250 words max

   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.

8. Distinctive contribution

   250 words max

   Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.

Source: Stanford University admissions