Updated: Monday, September 30, 2024
As Stanford is one of the most competitive schools in the country, being admitted into this school is an incredible accomplishment. To gain a seat in the class, applicants need to excel in every component of the admissions process, including the optional interviews.
Many high school students may be new to interviewing, so it’s important to research what the conversation will be like if you want to maximize your performance. Keep reading to learn more about Stanford undergraduate interview questions and what you can do to put your best face forward.
It’s important to keep in mind that interviews are not a mandatory part of the admissions process at Stanford University. Applicants can pursue an optional interview with alumni if they would like. If you’re wondering how to get into Stanford, an excellent interview won’t guarantee you a spot in the class. However, it can help you demonstrate your interest in attending the college and help you learn more about the school from a new perspective.
While getting into Stanford is particularly challenging, getting the opportunity to interview at Stanford is less competitive. When it comes to the business school, only about 1,000 applicants will be interviewed, which equates to roughly 13% of expected applications. It’s important to remember, however, that interview selection is based mostly on the availability of alumni interviewers in your area, and not based on the quality or contents of your application for admission.
The short answer is yes. You don’t need to interview to receive an acceptance letter from Stanford University. That being said, interviewing can work to your advantage in the admissions process, especially if you have a good conversation with the person you are speaking with. Interviews can show that you’re serious about attending upon admittance, and they give you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge about the university and learn even more about Stanford.
According to Stanford’s interview policy, interviews are carried out by alumni volunteers. That means that if there aren’t many alumni in your area, there’s a higher chance that you might not be offered the opportunity to interview. Interviewers will reach out to applicants to schedule a conversation over email, but occasionally, you may receive an invitation over the phone. Your interviewer will introduce themselves and set up a time to meet for your Stanford interview.
Although Stanford interviews have been 100% virtual in past admissions cycles, students applying for admission in the 2022-2023 cycle may be conducted either in-person or virtually, depending on the availability of the interviewers and the public health guidelines in place where you live. The admissions office has no preference between the two formats, so you will not be penalized in any way if your interview needs to be conducted via video chat.
For more frequently asked questions, head to Stanford’s Interview section, where you can find more information on questions such as ‘What is the role of the interviewer?’
The best Stanford interview tip that all students need to remember is that practice and preparation are essential. If you’re looking to start rehearsing, it’s crucial to know what kinds of questions you should prepare for. The interview questions below are some of the most common queries that interviewers are likely to ask.
‘Tell me about yourself’ might sound like a simple request, but it’s actually one of the more challenging queries students might encounter. When an interviewer asks you this, you need to think about the context of your conversation.
Instead of telling them everything about yourself or the facts you might find most interesting personally, you need to make sure that your response relates to who you are as a student and what kind of impact you will make on campus. Reveal parts of your identity and make sure to connect them to your academic ambitions, the work you’ve done so far, and what you’re hoping to accomplish in the future.
Again, context is everything when you’re answering this question. There might be plenty of topics that you’re curious about, but it’s best to emphasize academic curiosities if you’re looking to ace your Stanford interview.
Talk about the classes you look forward to most, the fields you might wish to pursue in college, and any research that you’re eager to participate in. In addition, you should try to weave the activities you do outside of the classroom into this discussion, given how important extracurriculars are for college. Tell your interviewer about your role as Editor of the school newspaper or your position as captain of the swim team, and explain what interests you about these pursuits.
Last but not least, your interviewer might want to learn more about your work ethic and what motivates you to achieve your goals. This question allows students to reflect on what they wish to accomplish in the long run, the lessons they have learned, and the people and personal matters that they care about most. Remember, college admissions officers are eager to admit students who are passionate and engaged. So, don’t be afraid to talk about what drives you to reach your goals.
In addition to reviewing Stanford interview questions, students should keep a few pointers on their radar as they prepare for their conversation with an alumni volunteer. Some of our top interview tips include:
If you’re looking to differentiate yourself in an interview, you need to emphasize what makes you unique. Thousands of students might participate in the same activities as you, so you need to think beyond that and articulate what draws you to these activities and what you are hoping to get out of them. Take some time to reflect on your identity, the traits that set you apart, and any facts or obscure activities that you’ve participated in that your interviewer might not know about.
This might be your first conversation of this nature, so it’s important to brush up on interview etiquette. One of the most common questions students tend to have about interviews is “What do I wear?”. Dress codes might vary depending on the specific opportunity. However, there is not a strict dress code for the Stanford interview. Make sure to choose something polished but comfortable. Ideally, your outfit should feel true to who you are and reflect your personality.
Remember that interviews are two-sided conversations. Your alumni volunteer will ask you questions, but you’ll also have the chance to ask them questions as part of your Stanford interview. In fact, you should ask thoughtful questions, as this shows that you’re engaged in the conversation and eager to learn even more about the university.
Need help brainstorming what to ask? Here are a few example questions:
Don’t forget to say thank you! Your alumni interviewer is volunteering their time, so make sure you express your appreciation for it. A personal email that references some of the details of your conversation is a great way to say thank you and demonstrate your enthusiasm. Make sure to send this message within 24 hours of your Stanford interview.
The Stanford interview might sound overwhelming at first, but you can boost your confidence by preparing and practicing before your conversation. For further support throughout your admissions process, seek help from our long-term professionals to secure your place at Stanford!
Getting a spot at Brown University, one of seven universities that make up the Ivy League, is exceptionally competitive. To earn a seat in the incoming class, students need to do more than get good grades; they also need to stand out in each component of the application process. In the past, this would have been through the interview; now, however, the best way to stand out is through the video introduction.
How Important are Supplemental Essays?
We all know the personal statement is a huge part of the college application, but how important are those extra supplemental essays? For many students writing fatigue can set in and they don’t spend as much time working on those – especially as application deadlines loom. So how important is it to spend time on those supplements?
Did you know that you can apply to a college early and get a decision way before most other students? Many colleges offer early application options, with students usually submitting their applications in October or November and receiving a decision by December. With the rise in the number of students applying to multiple colleges, and the difficulty of predicting yield, many colleges are offering a number of early application options. So how do you know if applying early is right for you?
Since Harvard University is one of the most competitive and academically rigorous colleges in the United States, applicants know that earning admissions can be a challenge. However, students are often less aware of the challenges they might face once they actually enroll at Harvard. Have you ever wondered about Harvard’s graduation rate?
