Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

The selection process for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is highly competitive, typically resulting in an acceptance rate of around one percent. There is no single formula for admission; instead, the application invites candidates to demonstrate their unique strengths in three core criteria: 1. **Independence of Thought:** Ability to drive change and innovation. 2. **Purposeful Leadership:** Demonstrated ability to lead and make a positive impact. 3. **Civic Mindset:** Commitment to contributing to the greater good. Applicants must complete two separate, concurrent applications: one for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program and another for their chosen full-time Stanford graduate degree program. Both applications are reviewed independently by different admission committees. Admission to a Stanford graduate program is a prerequisite but does not guarantee selection as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. Likewise, a strong KHS application does not guarantee Stanford admission. While there is no minimum GPA for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program itself, applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements of their specific Stanford graduate degree program. Competitive candidates often have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.7 or higher. **Selection Stages:** - **Initial Review:** Applications are reviewed based on the core criteria and academic competitiveness for the chosen Stanford program. - **Video Statement Invitation:** Approximately 500 top applicants, identified as desirable by both the KHS and their target Stanford departments, are invited to submit a video statement. - **Finalist Invitation & Immersion Weekend:** Around 180 finalists are invited to an in-person immersion weekend at Stanford in early March, which includes interviews and further assessment. - **Final Decision:** Final scholarship decisions are typically announced in mid-March.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program provides funding for up to three years of graduate study. If a scholar's degree program (such as an MD or PhD) exceeds three years, the home academic department at Stanford is responsible for funding the remainder of the education, consistent with its standard funding commitments for that specific program. Scholars wishing to pursue an additional graduate program may apply to KHS for supplemental funding, also up to the three-year maximum, though this additional funding is not guaranteed. The scholarship does not allow deferrals of offers; if a selected scholar cannot enroll, they must reapply for the year they intend to enroll.