Stanford Supplemental Essay Prompts

Stanford’s 2023-2024 supplemental essays include one of our all-time favorite prompts, the notorious “roommate essay.” Stanford asks applicants to “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 a tough question to answer in only 250 words! But even this short essay provides you with an important opportunity to showcase your unique interests, hobbies, and background.

Check out this sample roommate essay from a Top Tier alum:

SAMPLE STANFORD ROOMMATE ESSAY

We’re building a telescope observatory together. Here’s the plan:

Phase #1: I’ll bring my red plastic telescope that’s lying on my balcony at home. We can start off with dorm-roof stargazing sessions to get ourselves familiar with the constellations. I’m planning on doing some research at KAVLI, so that should come in handy when we’re learning about distant galaxies. And I’ve already started talking to the kids from the Stanford Astronomical Society. They’re more than happy to help us out.

Phase #2: All we need is a good hill. We’ll talk to local Cardinals to narrow down our options. For now, I’ve found three possible candidates here in Palo Alto. One might be out of the picture though–it takes four bus rides to get there. I’ve mapped out the altitudes for the other two. They’re spots that are both elevated for clear astrology sessions and comfortable enough for post-midnight philosophical debates.

Phase #3: We need materials and brain power. I’ve already got the mirrors and plastic, but we need an engineer to create our rotating dome. Are you up for the challenge? I could give the programming a shot–I’ve tried developing iPhone apps before. Also, I’m warning you early: post-it notes with design plan scribbles will completely litter our dorm.

Phase #4: Now, the finishing touches–hosting a welcome gathering. It’ll be complete with some s’mores brownies–the only edible creation I know how to make–and my collection of fusion jazz artists. I’ll also invite my native siblings from the Romanians Student Association too. If we need to wait for the sun to set, let’s just organize a game of Ultimate.

We’re not looking to create anything that rivals SLAC’s state-of-the-art technology. Just our little neighborhood hangout spot.

Your future roommate,

Jack

AIMING FOR STANFORD?

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By working on your applications NOW, you will be ready to reap the benefit of increased odds in the early round.

We are tracking supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here.

We look forward to supporting you!

STANFORD’S SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

SHORT QUESTIONS
1. What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (Max: 50 words)

2. How did you spend your last two summers? (Max: 50 words)

3. What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (Max: 50 words)

4. Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (Max: 50 words)

5. List five things that are important to you. (Max: 50 words)

SHORT ESSAYS
1. 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. (Max: 250 words)

2. 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. (Max: 250 words) 3. Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. (Max: 250 words)