What is SoCo?

Sophomore College (SoCo) is an immersive learning experience. Class meetings are held every morning, and most afternoons include class activities, explorations of Stanford or field trips, with evenings and weekends often filled with movies and informal dorm events.  Special events punctuate the three weeks in September, with an Opening Dinner, SoCo Picnic, and Symposium, plus a Faculty Panel sharing "When I Was a Sophomore..."

Fast Facts about Sophomore College

Considering SoCo? Choose up to 3 classes, or add more in second-round applications. Don't limit yourself--faculty want to mix potential majors with novices excited about exploring a new field.

SoCo is a commitment. Creating experiential learning means faculty need the freedom to use evenings and weekends, sometimes at short notice. Learn more about who is eligible and the commitment Sophomore College will require. 

Apply by Tuesday, April 16 (deadline 11:59pm), 2024. Want some tips on the application process? Learn the results and commit or decline in early May. More information if you are accepted.

The program fee is $750, which covers unit tuition, housing, dining, and trips and excursions that are part of the course. All classes are heavily subsidized for all students and over one-third of participants receive assistance with the program fee, based on need. No application required—we review all applicants automatically with Financial Aid.

Arrive on campus or at the seminar's point of origin by Monday 2 September 2024 (Labor Day), and take classes from Tuesday 3 September through Friday 20 September (with some travel courses continuing into the weekend). Want a peek inside the classes? Check out the SoCo September Calendar and photos from some of the SoCo class activities, or our Instagram feed.

The class is a community. Each class has 10-15 students, plus two SCAs who often become your mentors. Students live on campus, usually in doubles with a classmate. Classes eat together, sometimes with your faculty. More information about living on campus in September.

After SoCo, friendships remain. Classes often hold reunions (funded by SoCo) and students may choose to continue working with their SoCo faculty on related projects.