Summer 2026 Admissions Course Selection Notification of Admissions Decision 1. Review Data Security and Privacy In order to evaluate an application, we must collect personal information about the student and their parents and legal guardians. Parents and legal guardians are required to submit the application with their minor student. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies defines a minor as a student that has not reached the age of 18 years old. Before families start the student’s application , they should review the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Applicant Privacy Notice that explains how we collect, use, disclose and process their information. By starting the application, parents and legal guardians are consenting to the collection of their student’s data and the parent or legal guardian’s data described in our privacy notice. 2. 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 and legal guardian email address may be used to receive application communications. The SHI program is only open to students currently in grades 10 and 11, and who will be minors (younger than 18 years old) during the program. The application is currently closed. 3. 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 2023 through Fall 2025. 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. To request a fee waiver, complete the application fee waiver form linked in the admissions application. 4. 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. Admissions Frequently Asked Questions Is there a way to receive an admissions decision early? 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? 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? Limited 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. 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 circumstances 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. Plan Your Summer