Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Summer program · Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies

Rising high school juniors and seniors live on Stanford's campus for three weeks, taking small seminars led by Stanford faculty and graduate students on questions in history, philosophy, and literature. Applicants submit unofficial transcripts, a short analytical or persuasive essay/research paper, and a teacher recommendation from an English, history, or social science instructor; a video essay is optional but encouraged for non-native English speakers. Need-based financial aid is available to both domestic and international students and does not affect admission decisions.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 10–11

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsHumanities · History · Philosophy · Literature

Logistics

Cost to you$8,850; $65 application fee (waivable)

Financial aidAvailable

StipendNone

FormatResidential

Length3 weeks

WhereStanford, CA (Stanford University campus)

Applying

OpensTypically opens December

DueNot yet posted (2026 cycle closed February 2, 2026)

You submitUnofficial transcripts, a work sample (analytical/persuasive essay or research paper, up to 5 pages), teacher recommendation, and an optional video essay

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