So while speaking with someone who considers himself well-versed with the admissions process (debatable how much knowledge he actually posses) I was informed that while most top universities - such as Stanford - are need-blind in the sense that they do not reject people who cannot afford the cost of attendance, they are aware of financial situations and use this to further create a diverse class. Meaning that they try to accept students from all financial situations.
What are your thoughts on his assessment?
Many top institutions include zip codes in the file and it is known to the reviewer how affluent the applicant is likely to be based on the average income of that zip code. That’s one way to achieve some economic diversity while being “need blind”.
@kaukauna Would I be looked at in a negative manner, then, if I come form an area where the average income is double what my family makes and therefore have not been able to pursue things others in my area have.
Well first of all I made a general statement. I have no idea what Stanford does. But assuming Stanford does something like what I described, yes I suppose you would lose the benefit of coming from a lower income zip code commensurate with your true family income. Implicit in what I am saying of course is that in general there are more highly qualified applicants coming from higher income families. My hunch is that in your situation you would be slightly disadvantaged because while you are evaluated with the higher income students at your school in terms of difficulty of classes etc., your family would not have as much money for things like tutors, test taking courses, enrichment through travel and so on.
Having said all that be confident in yourself! If you are even close to a Stanford level applicant you are pretty darn good! There are so many terrific places, including Stanford, and wonderful ways for you to succeed if you work hard and take advantage of opportunities.
@kaukauna This has been a concern of mine actually haha. Is this something I should attempt to explain to my admissions officer (whom I have already spoken to before about something unrelated, so she vaguely knows me), or will that come off as whiny/making excuses for weaknesses?
OP. I strongly advise NOT contacting the admissions officer about this. Do not bring attention to yourself for the “wrong” reasons. There are varying family incomes and professions even in the most affluent towns whether they be Palo Alto-Menlo Park or Scarsdale-Rye or Kenilworth-Winnetka…Stanford admissions understands that…and they try to make decisions based on your individual “unique” profile…and not based on the town or zip code where you hail from…
…try not thinking about all the potential Machiavellian nuances to admissions…it’s not that diabolical. Try thinking about something else…I know it’s hard waiting for the decisions…but try…or else 8-}
@gravitas2 Yes, I see what you’re saying. Thank you for the advice! I am definitely obsessing over my application at this point.
Ivyclimber - pay attention to Gravitas. He is a long time Stanford poster and I believe an alumnus. There are so many factors, some will favor you slightly, some will disfavor you slightly. It’s natural for you to be obsessing over your application; there are tens of thousands like you around the country right now. I admire you for being honest about it.
Admitted to Stanford this year. My family can barely afford books for one quarter–Stanford’s financial aid will cover the rest. Another admitted student I know (even though they live nearby, the family is much more wealthy), is paying about $30K/year but he hasn’t factored in scholarships yet.
P.S. I’m not a URM, athlete, researcher, legacy, etc. I also did not do the QuestBridge program.