You're looking at Stanford on your college list, and you want to know: what ACT score do you actually need? The straightforward answer is that most admitted students score between 34 and 35, but understanding what that really means for your application matters more than the number itself.
According to Stanford's official admissions website, students in the Class of 2028 who submitted ACT scores had a middle 50% range of 34 to 35. In practical terms, that means 25% of admitted students scored below 34, 25% scored above 35, and half scored within that 34-35 window.
Stanford requires ACT or SAT scores for all first-year applicants. However, as they clearly state, there is no minimum score required for admission, and no score that guarantees it either.
When Stanford says they review applications holistically, they mean exactly that. Your ACT score is one piece of a much larger picture. Stanford looks at who you are as a complete person, not just as a collection of numbers and achievements.
Your academic preparation matters, but so do your intellectual curiosity, the way you think about challenges, your contributions to your community, and the perspective you'd bring to campus. A 35 on the ACT tells Stanford something about your academic readiness, but it doesn't tell them about your capacity for growth, your values, or what you'll contribute to classroom discussions.
If your score falls below the 34-35 range, that doesn't automatically disqualify you. However, honesty matters here. Stanford's acceptance rate remains extremely low, and most admitted students do score at the higher end of the ACT scale. A score below 34 means other parts of your application need to be exceptionally strong.
What makes an application compelling beyond test scores? A rigorous course load where you've genuinely challenged yourself. Depth in activities that matter to you rather than superficial involvement in many things. Essays that reveal authentic insight and growth. Recommendations from teachers who can speak to your intellectual engagement and character.
On the flip side, scoring a 35 or 36 doesn't guarantee admission. Stanford turns away thousands of applicants with perfect or near-perfect scores each year. Your scores open the door to serious consideration, but your whole application determines whether you walk through it.
If you're aiming for Stanford, you need to approach ACT preparation strategically. The difference between a 32 and a 34 can be significant in terms of competitiveness, so targeted preparation matters.
Strong test preparation goes beyond memorizing formulas or test tricks. At the highest score levels, success comes from developing genuine information processing skills and clear, logical thinking under pressure.
Can you quickly absorb dense passages and extract key information?
Can you reason through complex problems efficiently?
Can you maintain focus and accuracy for the entire test duration?
Preparation also means being realistic about timelines. Most students don't jump from a 30 to a 35 overnight. Growth takes time, practice, and often support from someone who understands both the test content and the developmental aspects of learning.
Here's what matters most: Stanford values growth, intellectual curiosity, and the person you're becoming. Your ACT score is important, but it's not the whole story of who you are or what you're capable of achieving.
If you're working toward Stanford or any highly selective school, focus on building genuine competence and confidence. Take courses that genuinely interest and challenge you. Engage deeply with activities that matter to you. Develop your thinking and communication skills. Build the habits and mindsets that will serve you well in college and beyond.
The students who thrive at Stanford aren't just those who scored highest on the ACT. Stanford seeks out students who bring curiosity, resilience, and the capacity for meaningful contribution. Your test scores can demonstrate academic readiness, but your application as a whole reveals your potential.
Preparing for Stanford means more than preparing for a test. At LifeWorks, we help students develop both the academic skills and the executive function capacities needed for success at the highest levels. When you feel supported and capable, you naturally perform better.
Get in touch to learn how we can help you reach your full potential.
