A major chosen after university-wide admission
Stanford says you apply to the university as a whole, and the majors you indicate do not bind you in any way. The pages read describe no separate application to Data Science.
Undergraduate · Stanford
Stanford Data Science: the B.S. that succeeded Mathematical and Computational Science
Stanford says you apply to the university as a whole, not to a particular major, and Data Science is a B.S. major that Stanford describes as the successor to Mathematical and Computational Science. Its framing is a core of mathematics with computation, decision making, probabilistic modelling and statistical inference built on top. This guide makes no claim of a separate application to the major.
Official information · read 1 November 2026, no entry-year label
What Stanford says about Stanford Data Science
Taken from Stanford's Explore Majors page for Data Science and Stanford Undergraduate Admission's First-Year, Testing and International pages, read on 1 November 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check Stanford's pages for the 2028-entry details.
Successor to MCS
Stanford says the B.S. replaced the Mathematical and Computational Science major.
Theory behind the methods
Students learn the theory so they can keep up with a fast-changing field.
Pathways and electives
Electives and pathways let students go deeper in finance, biology, marketing or engineering.
The SAT or ACT is required
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required and sets no minimum. It has no preference for a specific curriculum, naming A-Level and IB.
Official sources
- Stanford Undergraduate Admission: First-Year Applicantsadmission.stanford.edu
- Stanford Explore Majors: Data Sciencemajors.stanford.edu
- Stanford Undergraduate Admission: Testingadmission.stanford.edu
Read on 1 November 2026 on Stanford's Explore Majors page for Data Science and Stanford Undergraduate Admission's First-Year, Testing and International pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. The Stanford Bulletin's requirement lists, the department website, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The major
What Stanford says the major is
Stanford's major page says the B.S. in Data Science is the successor to the Mathematical and Computational Science major and aims to give a broad and deep understanding of the discipline's foundations. Students acquire core mathematical knowledge and build competence in computation, optimal decision making, probabilistic modelling and statistical inference, and learn the theory so they can design new methods and keep up with developments. Electives and pathways allow applications in finance, biology, marketing and engineering. This guide does not list the requirements.
Is it the right major?
Data Science beside Mathematics and Computer Science
Stanford lists these as separate majors, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general.
Data Science fits if
you want mathematics and computation focused on data, inference and decisions.
Mathematics fits if
you want the discipline itself. Avandy's Stanford Mathematics guide covers it.
Computer Science fits if
you want computing as the main subject. Avandy's Stanford Computer Science guide covers it.
Admission and testing
A Stanford application, an SAT or ACT and A levels or the IB
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required and that there are no minimum test scores required to be admitted. It does not have a preference for a specific curriculum, naming A-Level, IB, AP and national curricula, and asks international applicants to complete the coursework needed for a bachelor's degree programme in their home country. The major is not a separate application. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Stanford's.
Do you want theory behind the data methods?
The major stresses it.
Is applying data science to another field appealing?
Electives and pathways support that.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Stanford's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check Stanford's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 1 November 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Stanford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check Stanford for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the major page and the Stanford Bulletin entry, and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Stanford University or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with Stanford University. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to Stanford Data Science?
No. Stanford says you apply to the university as a whole, not to a particular major, department or school.
Is it a new major?
Stanford describes it as the successor to the Mathematical and Computational Science major.
Which areas can pathways cover?
Finance, biology, marketing and engineering are the page's examples.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required, and that there are no minimum test scores required to be admitted.
Do A levels and the IB count?
Stanford says it does not have a preference for a specific curriculum, naming A-Level, IB, AP and national curricula.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Stanford's wording with no entry-year label. Check Stanford's pages again when Stanford publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Stanford Data Science
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics and computing, how they weigh data science against mathematics and computer science and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.