Stanford University supplemental essays, 2026-27
Stanford University lists 8 supplemental questions for 2026-27, 1,000 words in all. None is a direct "why us" question, so strong drafts from other schools can often be adapted.
The 8 prompts
In the order the school lists them. A limit appears only where the school prints one.
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
What it asks for: a challenge or setback.
How did you spend your last two summers?
What it asks for: personal story.
What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
What it asks for: personal story.
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
What it asks for: community you belong to.
List five things that are important to you.
What it asks for: open or creative.
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.
What it asks for: community you belong to.
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.
What it asks for: goals and future.
Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
What it asks for: what you will contribute.
Source: Stanford University, read October 24, 2026. Confirm the prompts in your application before you submit.
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Questions
1. What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 words) 2. How did you spend your last two summers? (50 words) 3. What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 words) 4. Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 words) 5. List five things that are important to you. (50 words) 6. 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 words) 7. 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 words) 8. 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 words)
Short Question 1: 50 words; Short Question 2: 50 words; Short Question 3: 50 words; Short Question 4: 50 words; Short Question 5: 50 words; Short Essay 1: 250 words; Short Essay 2: 250 words; Short Essay 3: 250 words.
These prompts ask about a challenge or setback, personal story, community you belong to, open or creative, goals and future, what you will contribute. Answers about a community, a challenge or an activity often adapt from drafts for other schools; My Schools maps which of your drafts fits which prompt.
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