# Decision FAQs

**Source**: https://admission.stanford.edu/faqs/decision.html

Each application to Stanford is considered both individually and within the context of a very large and talented applicant pool. We hope the information below will be helpful in understanding the Stanford admission process.

## Frequently Asked Questions

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#### [What criteria do you use when making decisions? Why wasn’t I admitted if I was academically qualified for admission?](#1)

In our review of the presented materials, we get to know each applicant individually and develop an understanding of the applicant within the context of the resources and opportunities available to that student.

The two most important criteria for admission to Stanford are distinguished academic achievement and significant potential to achieve at a high level during the undergraduate years. Another criterion for admission is involvement outside the classroom, where we seek evidence of sustained commitment and leadership in school and community activities.

We look for students who will make a strong contribution to the Stanford community by demonstrating intellectual vitality and academic leadership, qualities not entirely captured by grade point averages and test scores. Because of the number of exceptional students who apply to Stanford, there are unfortunately many top students for whom we simply do not have room.

Sometimes a candidate is denied admission while someone they know, whose GPA or other quantitative measures are lower, is admitted. This occurs both because we value hard-to-quantify personal qualities and achievements and because schools, programs and individuals vary so widely. While you might know another applicant’s academic profile, only admission officers see the entire application, including the student's writing and academic evaluations. Each applicant presents a unique combination of achievement, potential, intellectual vitality, personal qualities, perspectives and experiences. It is the composite of these factors that ultimately influences our decisions.

#### [Are you able to tell me why I was not admitted?](#2)

Admission decisions are made by a committee and not by any one admission officer. As a result, we cannot provide applicants with specific or detailed reasons for why they were not offered admission. It is our long-standing policy to not re-evaluate a file with a candidate. If applicants contact our office to ask why they were not offered admission, we will not be able to provide this information.

#### [Is there an appeals process?](#3)

Stanford admission decisions are final, and we do not conduct an appeals process.

#### [Why was my application not deferred to Regular Decision? (for REA applicants) Why was I not selected for the waitlist? (for RD and Transfer applicants)](#4)

We aim to provide a final decision on every application whenever possible. Factors considered in our decision not to defer an applicant or offer a space on our waitlist include an understanding of our overall applicant pool and the reality of a relatively small class.

**REA Applicants:** Unlike many colleges and universities, Stanford defers relatively few early applications to Regular Decision. Applicants who are not offered admission may not reapply this year under the Regular Decision program.

**RD and Transfer Applicants:** Applicants who were selected for our waitlist have already received that decision, and we are not able to consider any additional applicants for the waitlist.

#### [Was financial need part of the admission decision?](#6)

An applicant's need for financial aid is not a factor in the admission decision, except in the case of international students (applicants requiring a student visa to study in the United States). Stanford adheres to a need-blind admission policy for all U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, undocumented students and all non-U.S. citizens eligible for federal student aid.

#### [Can I apply again?](#7)

Applicants are limited to a total of three applications for undergraduate admission, whether for first-year admission, transfer admission or a combination of both. If you have submitted fewer than three applications to Stanford, you may reapply.

Please visit our [Transfer Eligibility page](https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/transfer/eligibility.html) for guidelines on submitting a first-year or transfer application in a subsequent year.

Updated on December 11, 2025 3:04 PM