The Stanford roommate essay is one of the most famous prompts in college admissions. It's a simple, direct question that tests your ability to be authentic, personal, and engaging. This isn't a formal essay; it's a chance to speak in your own voice and show the admissions committee—and your potential roommate—who you are as a person. The goal is to be memorable and genuine. To help you find your voice, here are three examples that showcase different successful tones.
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better. (100-250 words)
The best notes are specific and show, rather than tell, your personality. Here are three examples that succeed in different ways.
Hey!
So, a heads-up: I’m a planner. Not in a stressful way, but in a “let’s make the most of this” way. I’ve already bookmarked three different hiking trails near campus and started a spreadsheet ranking the best late-night burrito spots (a work in progress, and I’m open to suggestions).
I promise our room won’t be run by a color-coded calendar, but you can count on me to know when the free-bagel events are happening. I’m also a firm believer that any problem can be solved with a good playlist and a walk, and I’m already curating a “Surviving First-Quarter Midterms” mix.
My main hope is that our room becomes a comfortable home base for whatever adventures we find. Whether we’re cramming for finals or debating the merits of pineapple on pizza at 2 a.m., I’m excited for all of it.
Can’t wait to meet you,
Hello future roommate,
I should probably tell you that I collect stories. Not in a creepy way, I promise. It’s just that I’m fascinated by the little details. I’m the person who will spend an hour in a museum staring at a single painting, wondering about the life of the artist. I keep a journal filled with snippets of conversations I overhear and funny things I see on my walk to school.
This means I’ll probably ask you a lot of questions. I’m genuinely curious about what music you love, the story behind that poster you’ll hang up, and what makes you tick. I’m a great listener and a quiet co-worker when you need to focus. My side of the room will likely be a controlled chaos of books and half-finished projects, but my mind is always open.
I’m excited to learn your story and to start our own at Stanford.
Best,
To my future roommate,
I have a few simple truths to share. First, I believe that a day should not begin before 9 a.m., but I can be bribed with good coffee. Second, I have a completely rational fear of moths (butterflies are fine, it’s a whole thing). Third, I have a talent for assembling IKEA furniture that I’ve been told is “borderline supernatural.”
On any given night, you’ll probably find me sketching in a notebook, losing a game of online chess, or quietly trying to learn the ukulele via YouTube (I apologize in advance for the first few weeks of that). I’m pretty low-key, but I’m always up for a spontaneous adventure, especially if it involves food.
I’m not the life of the party, but I’m a reliable source of bad puns and a loyal teammate in any dorm decorating competition. Hope you’re ready!
See you soon,
Ready to write your own? Find hidden mistakes in your draft and then perfect it with the college essay editor for a final, comprehensive review.
