Transfer Requirements & Process

Essays

In reading all of your writing, we want to hear your individual voice. Write essays that reflect who you are; use specific concrete details and write in a natural style.  Begin work on these essays early, and feel free to ask your parents, teachers, and friends to provide constructive feedback. When you ask for feedback on an essay draft, ask if the essay's tone sounds like your voice—it should. If your parents, teachers, and friends do not believe your essay captures who you are or what you believe, surely we will be unable to recognize what is most distinctive about you. While securing feedback is suggested, you should not enlist hired assistance in the writing of your essays.

The Common Application Personal Essay

Candidates must choose one topic and respond. Responses must be at least 250 words.

• The Transfer Application Personal Essay asks candidates to provide a statement that addresses your reason(s) for transferring and the objective(s) you hope to achieve.

The Stanford Supplement Short Essays

Candidates must respond to all three questions/topics. Please respond to the following essay topics with up to 250 words.

1. Stanford students possess intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development.
2. Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. What would you want your future roommate to know about you? Tell us something about you that will help your roommate—and us—know you better.
3. What matters to you and why?