Admissions

We seek intellectually curious students with a deep interest in the humanities. Develop your interest in writing, philosophy, literature, art, or history this summer in a rigorous collegiate environment. Admission to Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is selective.

Summer 2025 Admissions

There is one round of admissions to Stanford Summer Humanities Institute this summer. All applications should be submitted by the stated deadline.

Application Deadline

Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time

Notification Date

Mid-April 2025

Admissions Overview

Students in grades 10–11 at the time of application submission are eligible.

Burghers of Calais, a statue by Auguste Rodin, is a public sculpture located in the Main Quad

Course Selection

Students may apply to up to three courses by ranking their top choices on the application. If admitted, a student will only be admitted to one course in one session. We cannot fulfill requests to change the student’s course after admission.

The Cantor Center for the Visual Arts features ancient and contemporary art.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by our admissions team. Each application is evaluated holistically, considering all parts of the application. If offered admission, an applicant is admitted into one course determined to be the best fit, taking into consideration applicant course preferences and overall suitability and preparation for the course.

Notification of Admissions Decision

Once an application is complete, the applicant will be notified of our admissions decision on the notification date. Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Application Process

1. Start an Application

Create a Stanford Summer Humanities Institute application account. The application account should be made with the student applicant's legal name, though a parent email address may be used to receive application communications.

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2. Review Application Checklist

In addition to the online application form, a complete application includes:

Academic Records
We require unofficial transcripts for each school or academic program from which you earned grades (such as letter or numerical grades) from Fall 2022 through Fall 2024. If you have multiple grade reports from one school, rather than one transcript from that school, combine that into a single file for upload. Homeschooled applicants should submit a document similar to a transcript with their coursework from the years listed above. Homeschooled students should also submit transcripts from any graded courses they took with a school or program during this period.
Work Sample(s)
One sample of student work in the humanities or social sciences will be required. The work sample must have been completed as a school assignment within the past year and must demonstrate a student’s best effort. Though not required, your sample should show graded work and the prompt or directions. No work sample older than two years will be accepted. Suggested samples include: analytical essays, persuasive essays, or research papers. Limit the sample to five pages of content in addition to any directions or grading sheets.
Teacher Recommendation
We require one online recommendation form from a teacher of English, history, or social science.
Video Essay (Optional)
This video essay is an opportunity to share more about your interest in our program. You can consider it a conversation between you and our Admissions Committee. If you attend a school in which the primary language of instruction is a language other than English, we strongly encourage you to complete the video essay.
$65 Application Fee
You may submit the $65 application fee online using a credit card. See instructions for payment at the end of the Online Application. Fee waivers can be provided if qualifications are met. Contact precollegiate@stanford.edu.

3. Check Your Application Status

After submitting your application, return to the Application Status and Materials Checklist page to make sure all of your application materials have been submitted. When your admissions decision is ready, you will receive an email notification that prompts you to log in to this page for the decision.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is granted based upon demonstrated financial need. Students who wish to be considered for both partial and full financial aid awards should submit a complete online financial aid application and all required income documentation. Submit your financial aid application by the financial aid application deadline, usually one week after the admissions application deadline.

Learn More About Financial Aid

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible community. We honor students’ authentic identities, varied perspectives, thoughts and experiences in all of our programs.

Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to receive an admissions decision early?

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No. Due to the volume of applications received, we are not able to offer any admissions decisions before the designated notification date. Our Admissions Committee reviews applications in a holistic manner, and must review all applications to determine final admission decisions. All applicants will be notified of their admissions decision on the designated notification date.

Can the application deadline be extended?

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No. Applications must be received by the stated deadline in order to be considered. Review the Admissions page to note the application deadline.

Does Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offer financial aid?

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Financial aid is available and is granted based upon demonstrated financial need. Students who wish to be considered for both partial and full financial aid awards should submit a complete online financial aid application and all required income documentation. Financial aid is only offered for program tuition, not for travel to Stanford University or other expenses.

If the tuition cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply for aid. Be sure to include any relevant clarifications of your family's circumstance in your application. Financial aid can be awarded to both domestic and international participants.

Stanford University and Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Non-discrimination Policy

Stanford University admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. Consistent with its obligations under the law, in the administration of the University's programs and activities, Stanford prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law; Stanford also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence. This policy applies to Stanford programs and activities both on and off-campus, including overseas programs.

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