1. What is the Stanford Summer Session?
The Stanford Summer Session is designed for current sophomore, junior, and senior high school students from around the world who are not currently enrolled in Stanford as first-year students. Students can choose to experience Stanford to the fullest by living on campus and being assigned to dorms with other participants, or they can commute to class and live off-campus. During the Summer Quarter, the typical 10-week term is condensed to 8 weeks, and course load requirements increase proportionally. However, if you are a commuter student, you are only required to take a minimum of 3 units (1 class).
Stanford Summer Session Courses
This year, high school students can choose from 104 courses curated by 30 departments from eight interest areas: Computer Science and Engineering, Creativity and Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Math and Data Science, Natural Sciences, Personal Development, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Writing and Public Speaking. At the end of the course, participants will earn credit and official transcripts from Stanford. Most students will take introductory courses taught by graduate students and world-renowned professors. Students will receive dorm assignments and start to get to know fellow students in the late afternoon.
Program Dates and Costs:
- Program Date: Saturday, June 22 – Sunday, August 18, 2024
- Application opens: November 1, 2023
- Regular Decision submission deadline: January 16, 2024 (Tue, 9 p.m. PST)
- High School Waitlist submission deadline: February 16, 2024 (Fri, 9. p.m. PST)
- Cost: Starts at $4962 for commuter students and $17,197 for resident students who take a minimum of 8 credits (typically 2-3 courses).
2. Student Schedule for the Summer Session
Once accepted into the Stanford Summer Session, the journey extends beyond the initial Welcome Weekend. This immersive experience kicks off with students checking in and participating in a series of engaging events, including campus tours, orientation sessions, and valuable Q&A sessions with the program director. Following this introduction, participants seamlessly transition into the academic rhythm, mirroring the life of an undergraduate student. Beyond the classroom, students have the opportunity to partake in a diverse array of after-class events and activities, meticulously organized by both the school and student organizations. From exploring the wonders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium to embracing the thrill of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and even cheering for the San Francisco Giants at a baseball game, the extracurricular offerings are as diverse as the academic curriculum. Notably, the program encourages independence, allowing students to navigate their own unique experiences, and fostering personal growth and a sense of autonomy throughout their Stanford Summer Session.
3. How hard is it to get into the Stanford Summer Programs? What is the acceptance rate for Stanford summer Sessions?
Stanford University’s name resonates with academic excellence and prestige. The Stanford Summer Program inherits this reputation, making it a sought-after experience for students globally. For the past years, the program has received an unprecedented number of applicants for the Summer Session, and the program has moved to a waitlist system.
While specific acceptance rates may not be readily available, it’s essential to acknowledge the rigor associated with gaining admission to the Stanford Summer Program. With a limited capacity of about 550 high school students each summer, the program attracts some of the world’s most academically advanced individuals. This selectivity emphasizes the competitive nature of the admissions process and underscores the caliber of students who find their way to Stanford’s Summer Session. Out of the 550 high school students welcomed annually, approximately 420 are accommodated in residential settings, creating a vibrant community of learners on Stanford’s picturesque campus.
4. Why You Should Apply to the Stanford Summer Session?
Explore unique perspectives in traditional courses and discover new courses at Stanford University. Alongside standard offerings like “Calculus” or “Creative Nonfiction,” Stanford provides courses that approach subjects with a fresh perspective or delve into the latest topics. Take, for instance, “Does Social Media Make Better Physicians?” The course explores how technology, including Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, is employed to educate both physicians and patients. With online learning systems replacing traditional textbooks, social media platforms have become essential tools for disseminating new medical knowledge. Students in this seminar will delve into the effective use of technology in medical education, focusing on social media as a key instructional tool.
You’ll be exposed to high-tech, healthcare, finance, insurance, real estate, and professional services: one of the unparalleled benefits of participating in the Stanford Summer Session is the unique opportunity it provides for high school students to immerse themselves in the dynamic landscape of San Francisco’s industries. The city, known as the epicenter of innovation and a hub for innovative sectors, becomes an experiential classroom that extends far beyond the traditional confines of a lecture hall. San Francisco is home to high-tech companies such as Facebook, Google, Quora. By studying at Stanford, the heart of Silicon Valley, students gain first-hand exposure to cutting-edge developments, emerging technologies, and the vibrant start-up culture that defines the high-tech industry.
Support from the Summer Academic Resource Center (SARC): One of the most outstanding support services that Stanford offers to every student who takes Summer Courses is free academic support, including tutoring, academic advising, and peer-to-peer support. If you’re unsure about a major, a class, or want to learn a new skill, you can reach out to any services. Tutors offer panel discussions to gain insights into different academic or career paths, while peer-to-peer support will guide you through the Stanford experience.
In addition to the Stanford Summer Session, we have also covered other pre-college summer programs. More information is available below:
5. Spend your summer with Aralia Education
Aralia Education offers expert-led summer courses to prepare students for academic success in high school and in college. With experienced tutors from America’s top institutions, Aralia’s classes launch our students ahead of the game. Our courses range from specific subjects such as Foreign Language and AP Computer Science to more general skills such as Academic Writing and Literary Analysis. Aralia Education is here to support and uplift high school students throughout their entire academic careers and in all aspects of their journey to success. If you spend your summer vacation this year with Aralia, you’ll be far more prepared to apply for Stanford summer opportunities next year!
