Program Information
The Stanford Science Circle is suspended for the 2020-2021 academic year. We encourage you to explore our other academic enrichment programs.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an enrichment "Circle"?
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What is an enrichment "Circle"?
Circles are weekly gatherings that follow a model of education that emphasizes interactive education and deep engagement. Our enrichment circles are evening after-school programs intended for students who are passionate in a given subject and want to learn more beyond what is available in their schools. Through lectures, activities, and hands-on engagement, circles encourage students to develop creative and critical problem solving skills.
I do not live in the Stanford area. Am I able to participate?
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I do not live in the Stanford area. Am I able to participate?
Yes! Students from any geographic location are welcome to enroll in the online Circles program. Students are expected to attend all live online classes, and should only register for sections that are appropriate for their schedule and time zone. Please note that all class times are in Pacific Time.
Can I fill out the whole application for my child?
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Can I fill out the whole application for my child?
No, students must at least fill out the section of the application asking for their written response, or else their application will be rejected. Parents may, of course, help fill out the rest of the application, but the written response must come from the student.
How much earlier can I arrive to campus each week?
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How much earlier can I arrive to campus each week?
Remember that we are visitors on a college campus and that University staff, faculty, and students may be working or attending classes nearby. We must try to minimize noise and obstructions inside University buildings, so we ask that students and families not wait in the hallways outside a classroom more than 5 minutes before class.
How can I be notified about the registration opening?
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How can I be notified about the registration opening?
We will post the link to our online registration as it becomes available. When the registration period is closed, please sign up for our mailing list to be notified when the application will be available for next quarter.
I was not accepted this quarter. Will you reevaluate your decision?
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I was not accepted this quarter. Will you reevaluate your decision?
Given the heavy demand for the limited available space, students are admitted via a lottery, and applications will only be available for a short period of time. If a student is not admitted in a particular quarter, we will not be able to reevaluate our admission decisions.
What should I bring?
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What should I bring?
Each student should bring a notebook and a writing utensil for notes. Special supplies for any class activitites will be supplied by your instructor.
Tuition Questions
What is the tuition used for?
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What is the tuition used for?
The tuition fee covers expenses for session leaders, website maintenance, administrative costs, and use of the Stanford University facilities.
Why is the Stanford Science Circle (Grades 7–8) tuition higher?
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Why is the Stanford Science Circle (Grades 7–8) tuition higher?
The tuition reflects programming differences between the two offerings. Stanford Science Circle (Grades 7–8) has smaller class sizes and more hands-on activities than the high school level class.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies General Questions
What are other science resources for pre-collegiate students?
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What are other science resources for pre-collegiate students?
At Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, young students passionate about the sciences can explore the world of scientific discovery. We have a number of programs that focus on the sciences.
- Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a residential program of intensive, enrichment courses, including courses in Theory of Relativity, Java & Robotics, Engineering, Cosmology, Artificial Intelligence, and Bioscience & Biotechnology.
- Stanford University-Level Online Math & Physics offer largely self-paced courses designed for students who have advanced beyond AP Physics and want to earn Continuing Studies credit.
- Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is for low-income 11th and 12th graders from Northern California and the Central Valley, providing them with expsoure to health careers and assistance with college preparation.
- Stanford AI4ALL engages 9th-grade young women in the ever-evolving study of artificial intelligence.
For other opportunities at Stanford please refer to the Stanford Office of Science Outreach.
Will attending a Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies program improve the chances of getting into Stanford?
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Will attending a Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies program improve the chances of getting into Stanford?
Many colleges and universities are familiar with the rigor and academic level of Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs. However, the fact that a student has participated in a given program, activity, or work is not in and of itself the value-add to their college application. What is most valuable is how students learn, grow, and develop their talents and curiosity because of these experiences.
Stanford University’s undergraduate admissions process is separate and independent from Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies programs. As with any extracurricular activity, participation in this program can help students present themselves as strong candidates, but does not guarantee admission into Stanford University.