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What would Stanford be like if you only had to focus on a single class? Join us in September for a different kind of learning. 

Fast Facts about Sophomore College and Arts Intensive

What's the difference? You can only do SoCo the summer before your second year at Stanford (so frosh and first-year transfers), and courses come from all over the university. Arts Intensive is open to all returning students, and all courses are in the arts. Otherwise, same concept—3 weeks, 2 units, 1 class full of hands-on experiential learning beyond the classroom. Same structure—same calendar, live with your classmates.

Don't limit yourself. Faculty want to mix potential majors with novices excited about exploring a new field, so all classes are open to students from all backgrounds. Choose up to 3 classes in each program, or add more in second-round applications. 

Plan to commit. 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 required. 

Apply by Tuesday, April 14 (deadline 11:59pm), 2026. 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 $1500, which covers unit tuition, housing, dining, textbooks, art supplies, and trips and excursions that are part of the course. All classes are heavily subsidized for all students and nearly half 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 Sunday August 30, and take classes from Monday 31 August through Friday 18 September (with some travel courses continuing into the weekend). Want a peek inside the classes? Check out the SoCo Photo Gallery and Arts Intensive Photo Gallery.

The class is a community. Each class has 10-15 students, plus two SCAs or AIAs 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 September, friendships continue. Classes often hold reunions (funded by the program) and students may choose to continue working with their faculty on related projects.