Campus Visit - Stanford University

Dolby. eBay. Electronic Arts. Google. Instagram. Netflix. Nike. StubHub. Trader Joe’s. Yahoo! These are a few of the companies Stanford faculty and alumni have helped create. Will you be the next successful Stanford graduate?
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After the death of their fifteen-year-old son, Jane and Leland Stanford established Stanford University to do something for “other people’s” children. Over 130 years later, Stanford has become one of the world's leading research universities. Located in California’s Bay Area, one of the most intellectually dynamic and culturally diverse areas of the nation, Stanford graduates have embraced the entrepreneurial spirit of giving back to the local and global community.

With around 7,000 undergraduate students, you won’t get lost in the crowds. Almost 70% of all classes have fewer than 19 students. Once a student becomes a Cardinal (the color, not the bird) 95% of incoming freshman graduate with a degree!

Located in Northern California, Stanford is one of the most highly competitive academic universities admitting less than 5% of applicants. Some have called this the Harvard of the West.

If you believe this campus might be the right fit for you, make sure you are making top grades starting in the 9th grade. While 99% of admitted freshman are in the top 20% of their high school class, 94% are from the top 10%.

So, if you have the grades to be accepted, Stanford is an affordable option. Stanford was one of four universities Michael wanted to attend with another being his top choice. However, since he received a full-tuition scholarship (based on grades) and the Cal Grant A (based on the California Dream Act), he decided to become a Cardinal and study sociology.

Almost half of freshman students don’t declare a major until their sophomore year. However, it is beneficial to know what a college has to offer before you apply. At Stanford, the three most popular majors are interdisciplinary studies, engineering, and social sciences.

Along with top academic programs, their athletic teams have won more than 115 NCAA titles.

Stanford’s special facilities include the National Accelerator Laboratory, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and the Hopkins Marine Station. Students can unwind in the mountains, the beach, at the Stanford Shopping Center, at local art museums, two observatories, or by enjoying the beautiful landscaping on campus.

When you are ready to visit Stanford University, know that along with orientations for prospective students, you can make an informal visit, sit in on classes, and even stay overnight to get a true feel for the campus.

If you have visited or attend(ed) Stanford, please share about your personal experience!

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