Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

G1. Who is eligible to apply?

Any Stanford student who will be enrolling in their first quarter at Stanford this fall is eligible to apply. We encourage first-generation and/or low-income (FLI) students and those from under-resourced high schools to apply, however those are not requirements to participate.

G2. Are international students eligible to participate?

Yes, international students are eligible to participate. For international students who are interested in the LSP residential program, please note that sometimes it can be difficult to get an updated visa in-time to come to campus for the start of LSP in August. We encourage you to think carefully about these complications before applying. Please feel free to consult with us if you have questions by emailing thelspteam@stanford.edu.

G3. Can I apply to LSP, SSEA, and SOAR?

Yes! Please note that if you are selected, you will only receive an offer to participate in one program. Therefore, apply only to the programs you would be content with attending.

G4. How can students be involved if they are not selected for LSP?

During the fall quarter, LSP hosts a weekly seminar for first-year FLI students. We encourage you to enroll in the course and engage in other resources for FLI students.

G5. What if I don’t have a laptop to use during LSP?

Participants in LSP’s residential program will have access to computer clusters in their residence hall and will have access to laptops to borrow for the duration of the program.

G6. Will I have to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to participate in LSP this summer?

Visit the COVID-19 vaccine FAQs for undergraduate students for up-to-date information on vaccination requirements. If there are COVID-19-related concerns before the start of LSP, please reach out to us at thelspteam@stanford.edu.

Residential Program FAQs

R1. What are the dates of the 2024 summer program?

Saturday, August 3 to Saturday, August 31. Students are expected to fully participate and be present on campus for the duration of the program.

R2. What classes will be offered?

Over the summer, LSP students will be enrolled in two courses (1 unit each) - a college-level writing course or a math problem-solving course AND a research course. Students will be placed in the writing or math course based on their previous experiences with the course material and academic interests. These hands-on, small group-oriented courses focus on enhancing analytical thinking, sharpening problem-solving abilities, and developing scholarly research skills. The courses are graded on a Satisfactory/No Credit basis. The credits you receive from these courses do not replace any course requirements for the academic year (e.g., you will still be required to take PWR during the academic year).

R3. How much does the program cost?

It is free! All costs to attend and participate in the summer are fully covered. Please note: Student travel costs associated with the program will be covered by Stanford.

R4. What happens after the summer program?

Leland Scholars participating in the summer program will enroll in a one-unit course during the fall quarter of their first year. This small, weekly seminar continues the themes of community from the summer while also preparing you to take advantage of your time at Stanford. Full-time LSP staff provide one-on-one and group advising opportunities for students.

R5. Will a stipend be offered to scholars who participate in LSP?

Leland Scholars Program (LSP) is offering students a scholarship stipend of up to $800 to replace any wages you may have earned during LSP and reduce your academic year earnings expectation to help you adjust to your first year experience. Students who have outside scholarships already replacing the academic year job expectation may use the $800 Leland Scholar stipend to reduce the purchase of a computer. The Financial Aid Office has information about the purchase of a computer here.

R6. What is the time commitment during this program?

Students should expect to dedicate themselves full-time to the residential program during the month of August.