How to get into Stanford as a UK student

Whilst Stanford is not Ivy League, it is a renowned university that often ranks higher than institutions like Harvard. Hence, studying there is a goal for many high-achieving students. But don’t let the competition intimidate you. 

Here at The Profs, university admissions are our thing. We have plenty of experience getting students into top-tier US universities; we even have a US admissions team who are especially dedicated to this cause. So if you need guidance getting into Stanford, you’ve come to the right place.

As a UK student, you may be uncertain about the steps and strategies necessary to boost your chances of gaining admission to Stanford University. Well, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we guide you through the process and provide valuable tips on how to maximise your chances of success with Stanford. 

If you’re in need of bespoke guidance, just reach out to our expert US admissions team. 95% of our students get into their first and second-choice universities. 

Also, don’t forget to check out our main article on getting into US universities as a UK student. We’ve also got articles on getting into Harvard, Cornell, MIT and NYU as a UK student.

Content

• What are Stanford’s entry requirements?
• What is Stanford’s acceptance rate?
• Do I have to apply for a student visa?
• 5 tips to get into Stanford University
• Build your foundation blocks
• Craft your application
• Stand out from the crowd
• Connect with Stanford
• Seek guidance
• How we can help
• FAQs

What are Stanford’s entry requirements?

The University of Stanford does not have official GPA requirements, however, you should ensure that your GPA is 3.9 at minimum. As Stanford runs a very selective admissions process, it is best if your GPA exceeds 4. This is equivalent to straight A’s in your A levels or IB (Stanford accepts UK qualifications including these). A good rule of thumb is to try and consistently be at the top of your class.

Stanford is a competitive and prestigious university, so generally speaking, you want to ensure that your academic track record is as impressive as possible. This includes your historic grades. Ensure that your GCSEs are as high as possible, especially in English, Maths, and Science. 

Stanford states on its website that students who are well-prepared for the academic rigour of Stanford have often studied three to four or more years in English, Maths, History/Social Studies, Science and World Language during secondary school. So, it’s great if you pursue these subjects throughout your secondary school education and if you can’t, ensure that you pursue them outside of education. 

Your SAT and/or ACT scores should also exceed the national average. This is especially important if your GPA falls below or only just meets 4! 

Beyond demonstrating academic excellence, there are several other factors that will determine the success of your application. All of which will be broken down in this article.

What is Stanford’s acceptance rate?

Stanford’s acceptance rate for international students

Stanford released statistics regarding its admitted students for the class of 2026. 1,736 freshman students were matriculated and 16% of them were international students. Within this class, 64 non-U.S. countries were represented. 

It is reported that Stanford’s acceptance rate is as low as 3.68% (Stanford Daily). Hence, places are scarce and competitive, and even more so for international students. This means that you must truly excel in your application to stand a chance.

Please note: Stanford claims to welcome applicants from all over the world. International students are an integral part of achieving a dynamic and diverse student body. 

Stanford’s acceptance rates per course

It’s also worth noting how many undergraduate students major in each of Stanford’s schools as this will affect the competitiveness of the course. The size of the school and spaces available on the course will also affect the acceptance rate, so ensure that you research this. 

Check out the table below (based on undergraduates, Fall 2022):

Please note that Stanford’s MBA programme (class of 2025) represents 55 countries and 36% of its applicants are international. Hence, if you are not successful in getting an offer as an undergraduate from Stanford, it might be worth checking out their postgraduate programmes and setting your sights on these after you have your initial degree. 

Do I have to apply for a student visa?

You’ll be glad to know that you need only deal with the student visa application once/if you are admitted to Stanford. Hence, applying for a student visa is not part of the application process. You need only do so if you receive an offer and accept it. Please note that you will need your admittance letter or proof of registration to begin the process! 

About the student visa

There are generally two visa categories for studying in the United States: the F-1 student visa and the J-1 student visa. Both require full-time personal study in the US.

Most admitted full-time international students at Stanford are eligible for the F-1 visa. Only some students are eligible for the J-1 student visa. Unsure about what type of visa you need? Check out the table below:

Please note: Students who are eligible for both the F-1 student visa and the J-1 student visa must indicate which visa category they wish to use. 

If you need more information on US student visas for Stanford, check out this page.

5 tips to get into Stanford University

Before embarking on the application journey, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and prepare yourself for the rigorous admission process. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Build your foundation blocks

Before you get to the point of filling out your application, you need to be prepared. Have you got an appropriate profile? Are you a suitable candidate? If you’re unsure, check out these factors below. 

The earlier you get started on your Stanford application, the more time you have to check off these pointers!

Get to know Stanford’s requirements:

First things first, familiarise yourself with Stanford’s admission criteria, including academic requirements. As previously mentioned, you should be aiming for straight A’s or higher in your A levels or IB grades for your best possible chance at receiving an offer.

The primary criterion for admission to Stanford is academic excellence. They will assess your preparation and potential as their priority is to enrol students who will succeed. 

Hence, grades cannot be downplayed. You will need to achieve the highest grades you can. Stanford will expect to see that you challenged yourself throughout high school and did a great job.

Have you got a strong academic profile?

As has been mentioned, focus on achieving excellent grades throughout your secondary school years. Even consider improving any weak GCSE grades, especially if they are in your chosen discipline or Maths, Science or English.

Take challenging courses that demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. Ensure that your subject combinations complement your chosen course at Stanford. If not, pursue related activities, qualifications, and projects outside of school to demonstrate your academic aptitude for your chosen discipline.

Smash the SAT or ACT

Stanford is test-optional. Accordingly, first-year and transfer applicants applying in 2023-4 do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Stanford claims that opting out of standardised tests will not disadvantage your application as they have admitted applicants who have and haven’t submitted SAT or ACT scores in the same cycles.

Stanford advises students who wish to submit test scores to self-report their highest scores in the testing section of the application. Alternatively, they can have official scores sent to Stanford, but this is not required for Stanford to review your application. More information on Stanford’s SAT and ACT policies is available here.

Basically, if you can take the SAT or ACT and achieve highly then you should as this could maximise your chances of getting an offer. If you want to stand out amongst your peers, this could be how. You should especially take and ace the SAT or ACT if you need to make up for a lower GPA. 

However, if you can’t take one of these standardised tests, you should boost your application by explaining why and/or providing an alternative. Ultimately, Stanford is very competitive so it’s best that you do everything in your power to show that you’re a hard worker with academic aptitude.

If you want to impress Stanford University, you should aim for 1500-1570 in the SAT, and 33-35 in the ACT. 

Unsure whether you should take a test or worried that you might not achieve a decent grade? Contact our admissions team for further advice, or our talented SAT and ACT tutors for expert help. We even have articles on how to prepare for the SAT and ACT.

Note: Stanford’s requirements could change. So, keep up to date with the information available and check your course page on Stanford’s website.

Ace your English language test

Fluency in English is a prerequisite for admission to Stanford, however, Stanford does not require any English proficiency exams for general undergraduate admission. Stanford states that international students (or students whose native language is not English) might feel their fluency will be clear in other aspects of their application. For example, their statement of purpose and interview.

All that said, Stanford deems these tests useful in determining applicants’ English proficiency. It accepts multiple English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo English Test etc and has no preference. 

If your native language is not English or the primary language of instruction at your secondary school was not English, it is probably a good idea to submit an English proficiency test score to prove that you are fluent in English and will be able to keep up at Stanford. You don’t want there to be any room for doubt.

For freshmen who want to impress Stanford with a competitive score, aim for 100 on the TOEFL, 7 on the IELTS or 120 on the Duolingo test.

Please note: Stanford offers Duolingo English Test fee waivers for students who would consider an English proficiency test a financial burden but would like to take a test. More information regarding this is available here.

Consider taking the GRE or GMAT

Stanford requires the GRE or GMAT for some of its postgraduate courses e.g. Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. For some courses, graduate applicants will be given the chance to submit GRE or GMAT scores but this is not a requirement. 

First-year applicants to Stanford will not be required to submit a GRE score. 

On average, Stanford postgraduate students tend to have GRE scores of 164 in verbal and 164 in quantitative or GMAT scores of 738. So, meeting or exceeding these scores could boost your chances of obtaining an offer from Stanford. 

Unsure whether you should take the GRE/GMAT or worried that you might not achieve a decent score? Contact our admissions team for further advice, or our talented GRE and GMAT tutors for expert help. We even have articles on how to prepare for the GRE and GMAT.

Say yes to extracurricular activities:

Do not underestimate extracurricular activities, especially if you intend to apply to a US university or college like Stanford. 

Participate actively in extracurricular activities that align with your discipline or demonstrate relevant skills and showcase your leadership, teamwork, collaboration and passion. Stanford particularly values students who are eager to engage with their community and make a positive impact in their communities. Any activities that illustrate independence, initiative or creativity are appreciated by Stanford.

Consider pursuing internships, volunteering, or joining clubs and organisations related to your intended field of study. It’s also a good idea to get work experience that’s related to your interests. 

Stanford wants to see the initiative with which you find opportunity and expand your perspective, whether this means in a research lab, as part of a community organisation, during a performance or on an athletic field. 

Bear in mind that more isn’t always better. Stanford specifically states that an exceptional depth of experience in one or two activities can demonstrate more passion than minimal participation in five or six. So, mention your genuine and long-standing interests where you have worked to climb levels or take on further responsibility. 

Whilst it’s ideal for your extracurriculars and work experience to be as relevant to your discipline as possible, it’s still valuable if it’s not. Unlike UK universities, US universities tend to value seemingly irrelevant activities and student jobs because US applications are more personal and focused on applicants’ individual characters and experiences. 

Stanford even states that holding down a job or family responsibilities can count as adequate extracurriculars so don’t dismiss any responsibilities that you have, especially if they are unlikely to be the norm among your peers.

If you are an exceptional sportsman you should definitely highlight this as it could make your application more competitive (but only if you are a well-qualified candidate for Stanford).

Remember, there are two overarching reasons that Stanford wishes to know your extracurriculars:

1. To assess how you would contribute to the Stanford community. So, always write with this in mind.
2. To hear about impact. What impact did you have on your job, in your family, your community, or within your activity? Also, what impact did this experience have on you?

Watch out for deadlines

Note down your deadlines in advance so that you can work towards an organised timeline of goals. Again, the earlier you start preparing, the better. Be sure not to miss any deadlines or find yourself rushing at the last moment. The best way to do this is by checking the deadline for your chosen course on Stanford’s website for your intended year of admission.

Stanford has two deadlines for UK applicants: ‘restrictive early action’ in November and ‘regular action’ in January. 

• Regular action refers to the standard deadline for submitting your application to US universities. You may apply to as many universities as you choose by this deadline. If you choose this route, you can receive a decision by early April.
• Restrictive early action refers to an early deadline that allows you to pursue your favourite university earlier than the others. If you choose this route, you can receive a decision by mid-December. 

Stanford might interpret your early application to mean that they are your top choice and, as a result, might favour your application. Moreover, Stanford’s restrictive early action programme means that the admissions committee have a smaller pool of applicants to choose from during the early round, so they have more time to review each application carefully and consider your application. This is a great opportunity if you have a strong academic record or unique accomplishments you want to highlight in your application. 

However, you should also consider the standard of your peers in each cycle as you will be competing against them. Usually, the earlier cycles have extremely high-calibre students who have prepared their applications far ahead of time. So, there is no guaranteed advantage or disadvantage to either of the above student routes of application; it very much depends on how strong of a candidate you are.

Note: For applicants who intend to submit an optional art portfolio, the deadline is in October.

You can check out the deadlines for Stanford applicants here.

Does Stanford offer scholarships?

Yes, Stanford University offers scholarships and need-based financial aid. Almost half of all Stanford undergraduates receive need-based financial aid.

Types of aid available:

• University Scholarship
• Federal Grants
• State Grants
• Student Employment
• Outside Scholarships
• Loans

There is no separate application; you will automatically be considered when you fill out the CSS profile. Check out this page for more information on the Stanford scholarship.

If you’re not sure you qualify for enough financial aid and you’re worried about finances, you might want to explore other affordable options. For instance, you could study in the UK and then complete a semester or a year abroad at Stanford. If you choose to stay in the UK entirely, you might even be able to take some Stanford courses based in London. For example, Oxford and Stanford are partners in an exchange programme. 

Please note: There is a $90 application fee to apply to Stanford but you can request an application fee waiver, as discussed here. 

2. Craft your application

Once you have laid the foundation, it’s time to focus on creating a compelling application that highlights your unique strengths and experiences. 

Like most other US colleges and universities, freshmen applicants apply to Stanford through the common app. 

Next, prepare the following aspects:

• Choose the right course for you. Research the specific programme or field of study that you are interested in and ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals. Check out all the courses available at Stanford here.
• Gather your academic transcripts or academic results and standardised test scores. Later, in February, you will need to submit a mid-year transcript.
• Collect your school report form and your counsellor’s letter of recommendation.
• Get letters of recommendation from two teachers and perhaps one optional recommender.
• Complete your statement of purpose.

Further details of Stanford’s application requirements can be found here.

Don’t underestimate your letters of recommendation:

Stanford requires two teacher recommendations. Stanford prefers for these letters to be from your year eleven or twelve classroom teachers in English, Maths, Science, a language or History/Social Studies. You may only request a reference from a grade ten teacher if the coursework is advanced.

Stanford allows you to submit a maximum of one optional letter of recommendation if there is another person who knows you well and will add valuable insight regarding your character. You should assign this person as your “other recommender” in the Common Application. An optional recommender should note your full legal name, school name and date of birth at the top of the letter.

It goes without saying that you should select teachers who also know you outside of class and can vouch for you. You want them to convince Stanford that you’re an exceptional student who aligns well with your chosen course and Stanford itself. 

You also want your referee to boast for you: what are your achievements and talents, and how do your extracurriculars demonstrate your drive and/or leadership skills?

Ideally, you want to choose referees who teach you in your chosen discipline or something related to it. However, the most important thing is that they know you well and can speak in depth about your academic aptitude, personality, and potential. 

Don’t worry if you don’t have any teachers who know you well enough, it’s not too late to build this bond. Ask your teachers to grab coffee at break time or to meet with them over lunch. Get to know your referees so that they can get to know you!

Invest time in this step as it’s not to be overlooked. Stanford takes your references very seriously and cares a lot about who you are as a person. 

If there are things you’d like your referees to mention, then tell them about these things and politely ask them to reference them for you e.g. achievements and goals. 

Stanford offers more information on recommendations here.

Make it personal:

In the UK, our statements are supposed to demonstrate why we are a good student and the perfect match for X course. In the US, that matters too but the discussion is more broad. 

In the US, your personal statement is referred to as a ‘statement of purpose’. It’s also different from a personal statement, which is very specific and academically focused. 

Indeed, Stanford writes: “When you apply to Stanford, you apply to the university as a whole, not to a particular major, department or school. We encourage you to indicate prospective majors and career interests in the application, but please know you are not bound by these selections in any way.” Hence, you should approach your essay holistically and think about the bigger picture. Be honest about all of why you’re applying to Stanford and don’t feel restricted by your discipline.

The statement of purpose is supposed to be an introduction, where Stanford meets you, the real you. Show who you are as a person and why you deserve to be at Stanford. Stanford specifically asks applicants to allow their genuine voice to come through.

Stanford values commitment, dedication, genuine interest, enthusiasm and curiosity. Stanford seeks intellectually curious students who are passionate about learning and exploring new ideas. So, be sure to express these qualities in your writing. 

Stanford wants students who will participate in spirited seminar discussions and amongst peers, so show how you align with this. Would you bring energy and spark deep thought within Stanford’s community? Also discuss this criterion with your references, to ensure that they highlight these qualities for you.

You will be given prompts which you should use to craft a well-written and authentic personal statement that showcases your personality, motivations, and aspirations. Mention your future ambitions and highlight your achievements and wins. You should especially not shy away from personal factors that are relevant to who you are and your experiences. 

All that said, it’s great if you can touch upon why you are the best candidate for your chosen subject at Stanford. Why are you suited to the overarching discipline mentioned? How would you fit in with the college, school and/or department relevant to your course of study? Why would the programme benefit by bringing you in? Just remember to balance this with your interests in Stanford as a whole.

Don’t tell Stanford about your passion, demonstrate it. Highlight any research, projects or clubs that you participated in – especially if they’re relevant to your degree. And it’s even better if you have any closely related achievements. 

Stanford wants to know if you would be a good member of their institution and what you offer them. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and how you can contribute to the Stanford community.

Whatever you do, don’t underestimate the importance of this step! Your statement of purpose is key to Stanford.

You can check out our previous article on personal statements which can offer some helpful tips for this step, however, as the guidelines and goals are different for both of Stanford’s writing tasks, we recommend chatting with our US admissions team. We can match you with expert coaches who specialise in US university admissions! 

Worried about your writing skills, or fretting over what to say? We know how to help! Here, at The Profs, we have excellent writing tutors with plenty of experience who can help you craft a compelling body of work. If you need any assistance, just reach out.

Prepare for the hot seat

Stanford has a supplementary short essay questions task after the statement of purpose, to be completed on the common app application. There are multiple short questions with 50-word limit answers. There are also three questions with a word limit of 100-250 for each essay response.

Stanford states that the writing tasks offer applicants the chance to tell Stanford about themselves in their own words and there are no right or wrong answers. The main goal is for applicants to be authentically themselves and express what kind of friends, future roommates and classmates they are. 

Stanford published its three short essay questions from 2023 on their website. You can view them below:

1. The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
2. Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better.
3. Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.

Visit this page for more information on Stanford’s short answer essay questions.

Again, our expert writing tutors can help you to put your best foot forward. 

3. Stand Out from the Crowd:

Stanford is incredibly competitive, hence the students who apply there are of very high calibre. Meaning, it is tough to stand out. A polished academic track record and glowing references are a must, but they’re not enough as many of your peers will also have this. You need to offer more.

As previously mentioned, highlight your extracurriculars and/or work experience. But try to go beyond this. 

Mention if you happen to have any extra qualifications, got the highest available grade in an assignment or earned the top score in your class. If you have won any prizes for competitions within academia or the arts, say so. 

Anything that colours who you are as a person, or shows tenacity or heart could help you to stand out. Think, how are you different?

Identify unique experiences, perspectives, or talents that set you apart from other applicants. If you could do with a little more to mention, consider pursuing independent research, participating in a competition, or engaging in an impactful initiative.

This is why it’s great to start thinking about your application as early as possible. If you’re in year 11 or 12 you have time to focus on what you have accomplished and think about what aspects of yourself you’d like to highlight or develop. 

Showcase your achievements:

The advice for UK applicants typically encourages students not to mention ALL their achievements. Instead, it’s usually recommended that you only mention achievements relevant to your discipline. 

However, US universities want to hear about all your achievements. Stanford loves to see that you managed to balance being captain of your swimming team with getting a Distinction in drama school, whilst also maintaining straight A’s in class! So, highlight your academic accomplishments, awards, research projects, activities and/or significant experiences.

Do not solely consider traditional achievements. Also, think outside the box. Stanford emphasises entrepreneurship and innovation. Perhaps you began a small business or have an idea for one that you’re currently pitching, or maybe you’ve created a website or you design the illustrations for your school’s magazines. 

Create a comprehensive CV that reflects your achievements and background, then refer to this when you are drafting your answers.

Kill the interview

Interviews are often part of Stanford’s application process. 

If Stanford is interested in your application and there’s alumni availability in your high school area, you will most likely be offered an interview. You may not request an interview and the admission cycle you apply through does not affect whether you’re invited to an interview or not. Stanford claims that your application will not be disadvantaged if you are not offered an interview and that if you’re not invited to an interview it doesn’t mean that your application is not strong.

All this said, being an international applicant does not mean you will not be interviewed. Again, you may or may not be. Stanford has alumni across the globe. See this page for further information on interviews and/or to see the list of eligible interview areas.

Stanford conducts interviews both online and in person:

• In-person interviews are in a public space e.g. a cafe, food hall or library. Unfortunately, interviews are not held on the Stanford campus.
• Online interviews are held on a mutually agreed platform like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype or FaceTime.

Interviews are supposed to be informal conversations, lasting approximately 40 minutes. You can dress in normal secondary school attire and you should not bring materials or people with you. 

There are no set questions so each interview will be unique. However, it’s a good idea to think about your experiences, goals, academic interests and extracurricular activities that you might want to discuss. Revise your Stanford application, including your short answer essay questions, and your CV. Think about what readings, stories and examples you might mention to aid you in answering a question or illustrating your passion, commitment and/or drive for your discipline. 

You should also think about any questions you want to ask the interviewer to learn about Stanford. 

An interview can make or break whether you receive an offer. It’s the last step of the application process so you should really aim to be memorable, as a lot of students will give the same interview performance.

Be sure to check out our previous article on preparing for an online interview and our video on how to smash a degree-level interview. 

Worried about your Stanford interview, or any university interview for that matter? You don’t want to fall at the last hurdle. Your interview performance is crucial! Reach out to our experienced interview coaches for expert guidance.

4. Connect with Stanford:

It’s important that you connect with Stanford. Your application should not appear generic and the best way to do that is to build a bond with Stanford itself. 

You can do this by:

• Attending information sessions, webinars, or virtual tours offered by Stanford to gain firsthand knowledge about the university.
• Reaching out to current students or alumni to learn more about their experiences and seek advice.
• Attending open days and virtual days – see here for more information.
• Researching your course and department at Stanford: what research do they carry out, what achievements and awards have they received, and what activities do they get involved with on campus or within the student community?
• Researching what societies and sports Stanford offers so that you can plan (and demonstrate) intentions to get involved.
• Researching the opportunities and vibe in California.
• Reaching out to people by calling/emailing your department (or during the open days or via LinkedIn) to network and ask questions. If this goes well, you might even have some names that you can note down in your application, or should you need any help.

Following the steps above will boost the quality of your application as you will be able to demonstrate alignment with Stanford University. However, these steps should also serve you in your quest to be sure that Stanford is a good fit for you.

Please note that it’s important to refer to the official Stanford University website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

5. Seek Guidance:

Consider working with one of our experienced US university admissions tutors who can provide personalised guidance, review your application, help polish your essays, and coach you through the interview process. 

We have a track record of success in applying to top-tier universities like MIT, Harvard, Cornell, NYU and Oxbridge. In fact, 95% of our students receive offers to their first and second-choice universities. If Stanford is your dream, take every step to make it happen and reach out to our expert team.

How we can help

Gaining admission to Stanford as a UK student requires dedication, hard work, and careful preparation. By seeking guidance from our experienced and accomplished admissions team, you can maximise your chances of achieving your dream of studying at Stanford. 

We offer a talented team of tutors, including specialists in:

• US university admissions
• A level
• IB
• GCSE
• SAT
• ACT
• GRE
• Writing
• Interviews

We are here for every step of the process. Call us for a Stanford application review and a bespoke plan of action. There’s no reason you shouldn’t succeed! Just reach out to join our winning team.

FAQs

How much does it cost to study at Stanford?

Stanford reports (2023-2024) that it costs each student $61,731 for tuition, $19,922 for housing and food, $2,205 for student fees, $825 for books and supplies, and $3,150 for personal expenses. This comes to $87,833. However, this price is before any aid. 

More information, as well as how to receive financial aid, can be found here.

What are the admission requirements for international students at Stanford?

International students must submit the same application materials as domestic students, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. International students must also demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. More information on this is available in this article.

What are the financial aid options available for international students at Stanford?

Stanford offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. International students are also eligible to apply for federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant and the Stafford Loan.

What are the challenges of being an international student at Stanford?

International students at Stanford may face a number of challenges, including culture shock, language barriers, and financial difficulties. However, Stanford offers a variety of support services to help international students succeed, such as the International Student Services Office and the Stanford International Students Association.

What are the benefits of being an international student at Stanford?

International students at Stanford have the opportunity to learn from a diverse student body and experience a different culture. They also have the opportunity to build a global network of friends and colleagues. Additionally, Stanford offers a number of programs and resources specifically for international students, such as the Global Studies Programme and the Stanford International Student Association.