Stanford is a highly, highly competitive school. While Stanford doesn’t release their “official” admissions numbers, they do release the raw data in the Common Data Set, so we know that in 2022, 56,378 students applied to Stanford and that they accepted 2,075 of those students. That’s a 3.6% acceptance rate!
But you’re not here for that basic knowledge, you’re here for waitlist info. And we’ve got it for you.
For 2022, which is the most recent data we have, we know that Stanford offered the waitlist to 553 students, and 457 of those students accepted their spot on the waitlist. Out of those 457, 8 students were admitted to Stanford – a 1.75% success rate. If you’re on Stanford’s waitlist, you’re probably anxious, maybe a little stressed, and don’t know what to do about it. Thankfully, we do know what to do about it, so let’s get started.
Step 1: Accept Your Place on the Waitlist
Stanford, unlike most schools at this tier, has a pretty robust FAQ on their waitlist. Thank you, Stanford! Let’s be super clear: if you want any chance to get off the waitlist, you must accept your spot on the waitlist. Stanford has you do this through an online Waitlist Response Form, where you will also provide updates in lieu of writing a letter (more on that in Step 3).
Step 2: Secure Other Plans
We want you to get into Stanford off the waitlist, however we want you to go to college (in general) more. Since Stanford’s rockin’ a sub-2% acceptance rate off the waitlist, we don’t think it’s smart to put all your eggs in that basket. Go ahead and secure a spot at one of the other schools you were admitted to and would be happy to attend.
Step 3: Update Stanford
Stanford doesn’t want you to write a letter of continued interest – instead they have a few short answer questions in their Waitlist Response Portal. If you don’t answer those questions when you accept your spot, or have more updates, then you can use the Update Application Form in your portal as well.
Similar to their first-year admissions, they love asking lots of questions, and they want you to reveal something new and unique about yourself through each question. Here are the four questions they ask in their waitlist portal:
Tell us about what you’re excited about learning in your current year studies. (125)
This question is aimed at your academic interests, but those could be ones connected to your major or even outside of the field you want to do. The best way to talk about this is through a story, with lots of detail. The story should describe what it is you’re learning and why you like it. No “this is interesting to me because” statements, get into the moment! Maybe drop us in the middle of a lecture or while you’re hands-on in the lab.
Tell us about something you are proud of since you submitted your application (125)
Have you taken on a new challenge since applying to Stanford? Stanford hopes so! Maybe you decided to train for a marathon, or you finished a huge project, or secured a sick new internship. Maybe it’s something even smaller than that – a connection you made in your community or a small win. Since Stanford offers you a few spaces to talk about any updates, it’s important not to repeat things across the questions. Give ‘em a glimpse of something new each time. Oh, and put it in story form!!
How have you grown since you submitted your application? Are there any events, insights, or realizations that have changed how you approach the world around you? (125)
This is fairly similar to the question above, which is why we included that whole caveat at the end there. You should connect your growth to an update you want to give Stanford – if you completed a research project, what has that done for you personally? What did you learn? Did that strengthen your convictions? Same could be said for getting involved with your community, working, family responsibilities, etc. Just make sure you tell it in that story format.
Describe any other new information (or unusual circumstances) you would like to share with the admission committee (125)
This is simply where any other updates will go. If you’re a Stanford-type, you probably have a zillion things you can update them on, but since you’re already getting a lot of space to talk about these updates, cap this section at two.
We like that Stanford gives you this much space to talk about your updates, but we know it can be overwhelming. If you need help with the Stanford waitlist questions, reach out to us today.
Step 4: The Waiting
Once you send the Waitlist Form off, you’re gonna have to wait. We know, it sucks. Stanford says they provide all waitlistees with a response by July 1st, so at least they have a hard deadline for you!
In the meantime, make sure your school sends an update re: your grades to Stanford. If you took new standardized tests, that can be sent too. Don’t send anything beyond updated grades and scores, because Stanford doesn’t want anything else: “We respectfully ask that you do not submit additional letters of recommendation or additional materials such as writing samples, creative/performing arts credentials, photos, research papers, and certificates. Please do not call to inquire about your chances of being admitted because we cannot speculate on those chances.”
You’ve done everything you can control in this waitlist process. Now you have to wait. Make sure your questions are perfect, secure a spot at another college, and keep your grades up. Good luck!
If you’re on a waitlist and feeling anxious, we can help! Please reach out to us today if you need help with your waitlist letter.