Where Did Daniel Naroditsky Go to College? Honoring Late Chess Star’s Education

How do you pick between chasing a world-class talent and getting a regular college degree? Daniel Naroditsky, a chess grandmaster who earned his title at 18, faced exactly this choice. His college path offers real lessons for students juggling big talents with school.

This post breaks down where Naroditsky went to college, why he picked it, and what students with similar skills can learn from him.

Key takeaways

• Daniel Naroditsky went to Stanford University and got his bachelor's degree in history in 2019
• He took a year off before college to focus on chess tournaments
• He picked Stanford even though it doesn't offer chess scholarships

Where did Daniel Naroditsky attend college?

Naroditsky went to Stanford University. He graduated with a history degree in 2019.

Here's the interesting part: he didn't follow the normal path for elite chess players.

Stanford doesn't give out chess scholarships. Schools like the University of Texas at Dallas or Webster University actively recruit chess stars with full rides. Stanford admitted Naroditsky based purely on his grades and test scores.

That says a lot about what mattered to him.

Did he take time off before college?

Yes. After high school, Naroditsky took a gap year to focus completely on chess.

This wasn't about being unsure what to do. At the time, he was already an International Master working toward his grandmaster title. The gap year let him play in tournaments without worrying about homework or exams.

Naroditsky went to Crystal Springs Uplands School in Hillsborough, California. By graduation, he'd already published his first chess book at 14 and won multiple championships.

The gap year was planned, not random.

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Why did he choose Stanford over chess-focused schools?

This is where his choice gets really interesting.

Most elite chess players go to schools specifically for their chess programs. These places offer scholarships, professional coaching, and teammates at your skill level. It makes sense financially and competitively.

Naroditsky went a different way. He chose Stanford knowing he'd pay full price (or get need-based aid, not chess money) and wouldn't have the same chess support.

Alexandra Botez, another competitive chess player who went to Stanford, explained the difference: "It's a very casual atmosphere at Stanford. We do it more for fun here than if you go to a chess scholarship school where you're expected to attend coaching, tournaments and put in a big time commitment."

What did he get instead? Stanford's reputation, smart classmates from all backgrounds, and freedom to explore stuff beyond chess.

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What did he study at Stanford?

Naroditsky got his degree in history.

History might seem random for a chess player, but the skills actually overlap. Both need pattern recognition, understanding how strategies develop over time, and analyzing complicated situations from different angles.

He wasn't just there to collect a diploma. Naroditsky took his classes seriously while keeping up his chess career.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What year did Daniel Naroditsky graduate from Stanford?

Naroditsky graduated from Stanford University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in history. He took a gap year after high school before starting, which is why he graduated a year later than usual.

Did Stanford give him a scholarship for chess?

No. Stanford doesn't offer scholarships for chess. Naroditsky got in based on academic merit and received financial aid (if any) based on family income, not chess skill.

Can you get a chess scholarship at any colleges?

Yes, several universities offer chess scholarships. Schools like the University of Texas at Dallas, Webster University, and Saint Louis University have well-funded chess programs that recruit top players with big financial packages. These programs compete in collegiate championships and provide professional coaching.

Is it worth going to a non-chess school if you're a strong player?

That depends on your goals. If chess is your main focus and you need money, a chess scholarship makes sense. If you want a broader college experience and can afford it (through aid or family money), an elite academic school offers different benefits. Neither path is automatically better.

What should I study in college if I want to be a professional chess player?

There's no "correct" major for chess players. Naroditsky studied history. Other players have studied math, computer science, business, or liberal arts.

Pick something you like that also gives you backup career options, since even successful chess careers don't always last forever or pay consistently.

Final thoughts

Daniel Naroditsky's college choice shows there's more than one way to handle elite talent while going to college.

He didn't take the obvious path of accepting a chess scholarship. Instead, he went for academic quality, took time off when it made sense, and built a career that mixed multiple interests.

For students facing similar choices, ask yourself: "What do I want my life to look like in 10 years?" and "What happens if my main talent doesn't work out financially?"

College costs a lot. Your talent is valuable. Understanding the real pros and cons of different paths helps you make choices you won't regret.

Source

• Daniel Naroditsky - Wikipedia