Prompt database · 2026-27 cycle
Stanford University
Deadlines
source| Early Action | November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regular Decision | January 5, 2027 |
Essay prompts (8)
- academic interest2026-27250 words
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.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- identity2026-27250 words
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.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- community2026-27250 words
Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- shortRequired short questions for all first-year…2026-2750 words
Source details
Required short questions for all first-year applicants — 3-word minimum, 50-word maximum each
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- shortRequired short questions for all first-year…2026-2750 words
Source details
Required short questions for all first-year applicants — 3-word minimum, 50-word maximum each
How did you spend your last two summers?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- shortRequired short questions for all first-year…2026-2750 words
Source details
Required short questions for all first-year applicants — 3-word minimum, 50-word maximum each
What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- shortRequired short questions for all first-year…2026-2750 words
Source details
Required short questions for all first-year applicants — 3-word minimum, 50-word maximum each
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
- shortRequired short questions for all first-year…2026-2750 words
Source details
Required short questions for all first-year applicants — 3-word minimum, 50-word maximum each
List five things that are important to you.
This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Stanford University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.
The school's published AI policy
No published AI policy for applicants as of Aug 27, 2026.
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When you request a review for a Stanford University supplement, the feedback is grounded in exactly what you see here: the prompt itself, its word limit, and what the school publishes about its values and programs. That's the whole claim — calibrated to the prompt and the school's own published guidance, scored against a consistent rubric. Not insider knowledge, and never a rewrite: Second Read is a coach, not a ghostwriter. It flags weaknesses and tells you what to fix and why; it never writes a sentence of your essay.
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