Summer 2021 Online Program
The application for Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes will open in January. Please join our mailing list to receive announcements about the program and application information.
Summer 2021 Admissions
Application Deadline
Notification Date
Application Now Closed
The Application Process

Course Selection

Review Process

Notification of Admissions Decision
Application Process
Start an Application
Create a Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes application account. The application account should be made with the student applicant's legal name, but a parent email address may be used to receive application communications.
The application will be made available in January.
Complete Online Application
In addition to the online application form, a complete application includes:
- Academic Records
- We require unofficial transcripts for each school or academic program you took graded courses at from Fall 2018 through Fall 2020. If you have multiple grade reports from one school, rather than one transcript from that school, please 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)
- At least one sample of student work will be required. Two may be required based on the courses the applicant indicates interest in. Work samples must have been completed as a school assignment within the past year and must demonstrate a student’s best effort. If possible, your sample should show graded work and the prompt or directions, but graded work is not required. No work sample older than two years will be accepted. Please see the Online Application for more detail about the subject your work sample should be from.
- Teacher Recommendation(s)
- We require at least one recommendation letter. Two recommendations from different subject areas may be required based on the courses the applicant indicates interest in.
- Video Essay (Optional)
- This video essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself. You can consider it a conversation between you and our Admissions Committee, or you may also choose to tell us something you haven't mentioned elsewhere in the application. 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. Please see instructions for payment at the end of the Online Application.
Check Your Application Status
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
Statement on Diversity and Inclusion

At Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, we promote an inclusive learning environment for students from around the world. We believe that fostering a diverse community enriches learning for the next generation of global citizens. We recognize and respect all areas of diversity including, but not limited to: cultures, socioeconomic background, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, abilities/disabilities, religion, and life experience.
Stanford University and Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Nondiscrimination Policy
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to receive an admissions decision early?
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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 admission 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. We cannot make exceptions.
Can the application deadline be extended?
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Can the application deadline be extended?
No. Applications must be received by the stated deadline in order to be considered. Please review the Admissions page to note the application deadline.
Do applicants from previous years need to apply again for this summer? Do they need to send in all new materials for this year?
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Do applicants from previous years need to apply again for this summer? Do they need to send in all new materials for this year?
Yes. Applicants must submit a new and complete application, including updated supplemental documents, each year.
Does Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offer financial aid?
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Does Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offer financial aid?
Limited financial aid is available and granted based upon need. Students who wish to be considered for both partial and full scholarships 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. Please be sure to include any relevant clarifications your family's circumstance in your application. Aid can be awarded to both domestic and international participants.
