Stanford essay prompts
2026-27verified Stanford University admissions
Society Challenge (Short Answer)
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
50 words max · Required
Extracurricular (Short Answer)
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.
50 words max · Required
Five Things (Short Answer)
List five things that are important to you.
50 words max · Required
Intellectual Vitality
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 max · Required
Roommate Note
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 max · Required
Distinctive Contribution
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 max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the Stanford essay prompts for 2026-27?
- Stanford lists Society Challenge (Short Answer) (1 prompt); Extracurricular (Short Answer) (1 prompt); Five Things (Short Answer) (1 prompt); Intellectual Vitality (1 prompt); Roommate Note (1 prompt); Distinctive Contribution (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does Stanford require?
- Stanford requires 6 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 6 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Stanford supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 50 words max, 250 words max.