Stanford University recalculates applicants' high school GPA based on specific criteria, focusing exclusively on academic performance during key years of high school. This distinct approach ensures a standardized evaluation of applicants' core academic strengths.
Focus on Specific Academic Years
Stanford's recalculation process primarily considers grades earned during the 10th and 11th grades (sophomore and junior years) of high school. This means that an applicant's performance during their freshman year (9th grade) is not factored into the GPA that Stanford specifically recalculates.
Emphasis on Core Academic Courses
Only grades from academic courses are included in Stanford's recalculated GPA. This excludes non-core subjects and electives that are not considered central to a rigorous academic curriculum.
Courses typically included in this recalculation are core subjects such as:
- English/Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- History/Social Studies
- Foreign Languages
Conversely, courses that are not included in Stanford's GPA recalculation are generally those considered non-academic or elective in nature. Examples of courses typically excluded are:
- Physical Education (PE)
- Typing/Keyboarding
- Band
- Orchestra
- Other similar performing arts or vocational subjects
Key Elements of Stanford's GPA Recalculation
The table below summarizes the key aspects of how Stanford recalculates high school GPA:
| Category | Included in Recalculation | Excluded from Recalculation |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Years | 10th Grade (Sophomore Year) | 9th Grade (Freshman Year) |
| 11th Grade (Junior Year) | ||
| Course Types | Core Academic Subjects (e.g., Math, Science, English, History, Foreign Language) | Non-academic/Elective Subjects (e.g., Physical Education, Typing, Band, Orchestra) |
Implications for Applicants
This specific recalculation method underscores Stanford's emphasis on an applicant's sustained academic performance in core subjects during their sophomore and junior years. While all high school performance is important for a holistic review, understanding how Stanford focuses its GPA evaluation can help applicants prioritize their academic efforts during these critical years. For official and comprehensive admissions policies, applicants should always refer to the Stanford University Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.
