Apply with barely any ECs?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

Hey everyone, do you think the path I have chose could prove effective when applying to Stanford?

I have only two ECs, Cross Country and Track & Field. I used to rank top 10 in Ontario (Canada) in elementary school, but I suffered an injury which set me back tremendously.

On the other hand, I decided to stop training for track and field seriously to focus on programming, which is one of my hobbies. I have made several apps so far for Windows and on the app store which have amassed 30K+ downloads altogether, with my latest app having been featured on the App Store by Apple. If I continue down this path and make a much more successful app, would this weigh out my lack of ECs?

I have some awards, such as winning the Junior Achievement Business challenge. My grades are all mid to high 90s. Haven’t taken the SATs yet though I am taking all the APs offered by my high school.

Also, would getting a job help as well? These are things I am planning to do. Wondering if I need to refine my path in some way or another.

Thank you!

2

CS intended majors seem super tough to get in. I know Stanford says intended major does not weigh in, but if so many well qualified people apply as either CS or Bioengineering intended majors . . .

3

Look through the posts of students who were admitted. The thing that sets them apart isn’t grades or SAT scores. It’s the extracurriculars. Without much of that, your chances are near zero. There must be schools in Canada or even in the US that are less competitive and appealing.

4

Even deferred or rejected ones have good ECs. I think it all depends on how you weave in your ECs into your essays. Even if you had two or even one EC, if you were deeply involved and you can explain how meaningful it was to you, I believe you can get in.