The most accurate AI grader for Stanford essays.
Kolly was built and calibrated on hundreds of thousands of essays from students who actually got into Stanford University and the rest of the T20.
Stanford essay prompts for 2026-27
Copy the prompt you are answering into the prompt field above, then paste your draft, so the readers grade the answer against the question it has to answer.
Society Challenge (Short Answer)
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
50 words max · Required
Under 100 words? Grade it in the supplemental essay reviewer, which reads from 50 words.
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
Under 100 words? Grade it in the supplemental essay reviewer, which reads from 50 words.
Five Things (Short Answer)
List five things that are important to you.
50 words max · Required
Under 100 words? Grade it in the supplemental essay reviewer, which reads from 50 words.
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
All Stanford supplemental essays, with word limits and the published source.
How Kolly grades a Stanford essay
The grade covers the same six dimensions as every Kolly read: hook, theme, detail, authenticity, reflection, and writing, each scored from 0 to 5. The big number is a percentile that shows where your draft lands among accepted essays of the same type from top US schools. Stanford readers, like their counterparts at peer schools, read fast and form an impression in the first paragraph. The verdict quotes the line that lands and names the weakest moment, so you know what to fix first.
Why Kolly instead of a ChatGPT read
ChatGPT and other general models grade against writing in general, which is not what Stanford readers do. Kolly grades against essays that got in, and four readers argue over the draft before they vote, so a polished answer that says nothing specific gets called out instead of praised. The quick read is free without an account. A free Kolly account adds the full review: a stronger scoring model, notes on each paragraph, and a fix-it plan.
Grading your personal statement?
Use the main college essay grader for a Common App essay that goes to every school on your list. For acceptance rates, test scores, and cost, see Stanford University admissions.