Admissions

Summer 2026 Admissions

We seek intellectually curious students with a passion for learning. Admission to Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is selective.

There is one round of admissions to Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes this summer. All applications should be submitted by the stated deadline.

Application Deadline

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time

Decision Release Date

Mid-May 2026

Admissions Overview

The SI program is only open to students currently in grade 8-11, and who will be older than 13 years old, and younger than 19 years old during the program dates. Many courses are restricted to certain grade level ranges. See the course descriptions in our course catalog for details.

A bicyclist zooms by Memorial Quad, past the Language corner.

Course Selection

Students may rank to up to three courses in their application. If admitted, they will enroll in only one course.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by our Admissions Office staff. Each application is evaluated holistically. If offered admission, an applicant is admitted into one course determined to be the best fit, taking into consideration applicant course preferences, overall suitability and preparation for the course, and available space.

Notification of Admissions Decision

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

Application Process

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.

Applicant Privacy Notice

2. 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, though a parent and legal guardian email address may be used to receive application communications.

The SI program is only open to students currently in grade 8-11, and who will be older than 13 years old, and younger than 19 years old during the program dates.

APPLY NOW

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 2024 through Fall 2025. If you have multiple grade reports from one school, combine these into a single file for upload. Homeschooled applicants should submit a document similar to a transcript detailing 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.
$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 at the end of the admissions application.

4. Check Your Application Status

After completing 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 to view 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

Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to receive an admissions decision early?

Show Hide

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?

Show Hide

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

Show Hide

Yes. Applicants must submit a new and complete application, including updated supplemental documents, each year.

Does Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offer financial aid?

Show Hide

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.

Learn More