Applying to Stanford with Sub-Par Credentials: Worth It?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p><em>I initially posted this thread in the "What Are My Chances Forum" and received mixed feedback regarding my concerns on the possibility of admissions at Stanford. I thought I might specifically ask CC users in the "Stanford Forum" for more opinions. The issue is I don't have the financial means to apply to Stanford and unfortunately I've used up all my College Fee Waivers offered by College Board. My mother may have to pay out of her pocket for the $90 college fee and this really isn't a good time for her to be spending money frivolously for a cause I am not certain of.</em></p>

<p>I come from a low-income, African American, single-parent household. I have 4 other siblings and 3 step-siblings, and I'm sure my mother makes less than 60,000 a year. Bottom Line: Money is tight. I don't know how she manages to support us on her meager earnings, but she always finds a way. My dream school is Stanford University and I'm well aware that my chances there are not in my favor based on my academics. The thing is I want to at least give Stanford a chance, but I don't even have the money to send in an application fee of $90. I'd hate to have to burden my mother by asking her to pay an expensive application fee on an ivy-caliber college that I'm not confident I would even be considered for admissions. So I'd like to ask the people on CC whether it's worth the chance (and money) to apply to Stanford. Although I may not strongly fit Stanford academically, I do feel like I have the potential to benefit from an institution like Stanford. I've had a lot of set backs (and I assume many people at Stanford and other "Ivies" have to). Many people say that my Local State and Community Colleges should suffice, but I don't agree. I feel like if I don't go to an institution of major accomplishment I'll never get out of the poverty that me and my family are facing at the moment.</p>

<p>Profile:</p>

<p>State:Florida</p>

<p>Gender/Race: African American Girl</p>

<p>GPA: 3.0 UW/3.5 W(terrible junior year academically coupled with family issues killed my gpa, but I have risen my grades substantially with my first semester senior grades--typically I'm an A-/B student)</p>

<p>Rank: Top 32 %</p>

<p>Senior Year Courseload (Semester 1 Grades Included):
(S2) AP Macroeconomics --
(S1)AP US Government and Politics A
AP Studio Art B
AP English Literature and Composition B
AP Statistics A
AP Psychology A
Honors Anatomy and Physiology B
Health B
Yearbook Staff (Honors) B</p>

<p>AP Classes: Completed 7 so far and by the end of High School I will have taken a total of 12 classes.</p>

<p>SAT: 1760 (600 Reading, 620 Writing, 540 Math)I know its incredibly low for Stanford, but I have a friend a couple of years back who got in with a 1500 (all 3 sections).--I'll be retaking them again, but I don't think Stanford would receive them on time--shooting for a 1900+.</p>

<p>SAT II: None (I don't think I have time to take them, since I plan on taking the SAT one last time in January)</p>

<p>Community Service: Just 175+ hours combined at local food kitchens and charity stops.</p>

<p>ECs and Leadership: Typical leadership positions and activities with my school. Nothing special. I'm involved in a lot of Environmental and Social Awareness initiatives, but I don't have time to do anything outside of school.</p>

<p>Recs: Decent I suppose. They are from my AP Spanish and Pre-AP English Teachers from Sophomore Year</p>

<p>Essays: Heartfelt, I believe.</p>

<p>I've already completed the Common App and Supplement, but have yet to submit it due to the fact that I haven't paid the application fee.</p>

<p>Is it even worth a chance ?</p>

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<p>Though my family’s financial circumstances are substantially better, last year I almost made the mistake of not applying because of the fee. I got in. </p>

<p>You write well, which makes me think your essays must be pretty good, and you’ve got a compelling life story. I’d say it’s worth the money.</p>

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<p>I’d definitely email the admissions office and discuss your options. Explain to them that you may not be able to pay for the application fee, and ask if there are any alternatives.</p>

<p>You can email them at: <a href=“mailto:admission@stanford.edu”>admission@stanford.edu</a></p>

<p>I hope this was of help! Also, I’m only doing this because I think that you have a serious chance of being accepted.</p>

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<p>I emailed the Office but I don’t think they’ll respond anytime soon. I think I might just have to pay. </p>

<p>Anyone else care to respond?</p>

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<p>I believe that Stanford requires at least one SAT 2, but I am not sure.</p>

<p>It’s worth applying. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>(Do keep in mind that your financial aid application will cost an additional $23 (if it is your first/only CSS school). (and depending on waivers you can get)</p>

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<p>Nope, Stanford doesn’t require any SAT II’s :)</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

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<p>PatheticHopeFul, I think you should apply. Yes, there’s a chance you may be rejected, but there’s also a chance you may be accepted despite what others may have said. And like many people have said on various forums, you NEVER know what might happen, especially with a school like Stanford. I agree with bears, you write very well and I’m sure your essays are very genuine and passionate.
Good Luck.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone, but I’m wondering how detrimental my Junior year performance might be. My grades were abysmal compared to 9th, 10th, and 12th grade.</p>

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<p>Call me an idiot, but I believe your story more than justifies your comparatively lower GPA and test scores. You are a truly genuine applicant, and I think that the possibility of you being accepted is not remote in the slightest.</p>

<p>Take a shot.</p>

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<p>The deadline’s probably already passed, but I think you should apply (or hope that you did). You’re allowed to tell them why your junior year grades were so bad, and it sounds like you have extraneous circumstances that you should explain. If you didn’t already write to them about you family issues junior year, then you should. </p>

<p>Stanford’s virtually free if you parents make less than 60k (no tuition, no room and board) and a $90 application fee shouldn’t stop you. Ive heard that the school will also pay the application fee if it’s a challenge for you to do so. </p>

<p>I almost made the mistake of not applying because I didn’t think I was qualified…I got in REA this year. Take a chance!</p>

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<p>Laeven</p>

<p>Did you get in REA with EA or ED?</p>

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<p>I’m in a very similar situation. Mom makes virtually no money and has MS. AA male with a 3.4 UW GPA(3.9 for junior and senior year) and a 2150 SAT. Do I have a chance?</p>

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<p>EA…I don’t think they offer ED.</p>

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<p>PatheticHopeful: For the record I agree that Stanford is a great school but there are others. You make it sound as if its Stanford or bust for you. There are schools that are extremely good and can help you achieve your dreams and goals. And some of these schools may be more obtainable. Stanford is a reach for anyone. Certainly your compelling life story may give you an edge but it can do that for you at other schools too. I’m confused as to why its Stanford v. state schools or cc’s. Your family income should afford you a good portion of financial aid at many schools. Just some food for thought but Notre Dame is a fantastic school, that gives out great financial aid and being an urm is an advantage at ND, considering its lack of diversity. A degree from ND is stellar and reputable. So why did you put all your eggs in the Stanford basket? Why not look at some other schools ranked in the top 20. They are fantastic and will certainly aide you in getting out of the life of poverty you speak of. </p>

<p>BTW, Kudos to you for being strong and having dreams. I commend your attitude, just know that there are other options. You will make it. You can do it!! Don’t ever give up.</p>

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<p>Thank you everyone for the encouraging feedback. I did apply by the deadline and opted for a NACAC fee waiver (thank god !:)) My application was good, but it could have been better. I really wished I had fleshed out my prevailing circumstances more in my essays. But what’s done is done.I guess I play the waiting game till April. . .</p>

<p>^@Dungareedoll You’re right. I should have more feasible back ups in case Stanford doesn’t come through (which seems very likely in my case). I actually did apply to ND, and I’m speaking with the coach there to hopefully be recruited for my sport (I play Basketball and Crew). All I really want is to get into a top university in which I could mature both academically and socially as well. I really hope Stanford can see that through my application.</p>

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<p>PatheticHopeful. I’m rooting hard for you to get in! However I have a sneaky suspicion that wherever you end up, you’ll be very successful. Best of luck :)</p>

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<p>Just in case anyone was wondering, I didn’t get into Stanford, however it’s all in good spirit because I did get into a few other good schools:</p>

<p>Accepted:
Middleburry
Bates (Attending!)
Boston College</p>

<p>Waitlisted:
Williams (later accepted)
Bowdoin (later rejected)</p>

<p>Rejected:
Emory
Vanderbilt</p>

<p>plus some state schools that I also got into.</p>

<p>I just wanted to say thank you for all the support and advice; it really helped. I chose Bates College because I visited and fell in love with the campus and people and I felt it was the right place for me to figure out what do with the rest of life. Not to mention I’m attending on a virtual full ride scholarship($53,000 in grant money with no loans :wink: ), too. So if this thread has helped anyone who wants to attend a top college but doesn’t have the means to afford or even apply to it then I’m happy I created it. I don’t regret applying one bit.</p>

<p>I’m looking to attend Stanford for Grad School so the wait isn’t over yet ;)</p>

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<p>Well done! Yes, attending graduate school is better. Just do well at Bates and keep your GPA up.</p>

<p>Congratulations!</p>

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<p>Good to hear that you loved the school you’ve chosen.</p>

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<p>Congrats! Right now I have a 3.5 and a 1900, so this gives me hope!</p>