<p>Stanford has always been my "rock star" school. I never thought I'd make it in, and now that I have, I feel very unsure about myself. </p>
<p>I do get good grades, but that doesn't go to say I'm at the top of every single one of my classes or get A's (or even B's) on all my tests. I recently went to a reception held for admitted students, and I learned that there were those in the same room as me who have written for the American Journal or traveled to India to help kids learn English.</p>
<p>Is this really what everyone at Stanford is like? Incredibly intelligent and innovative, truly the smartest and brightest in the world? </p>
<p>I genuinely appreciate the opportunity I've been given, but I'd just like to hear what the "typical" student at Stanford is like, though I know it would be hard to generalize about such a diverse group of students.</p>
<p>I am not a Stanford student so I won’t talk about that exactly. But those admissions sessions always highlight the best of the best. Sure, there are those kids who are already extremely successful and have really blossomed, but there are probably dozens more of those kids who are like you, undoubtedly smart but definitely not as “accomplished” as some of these other kids are. Don’t let those other kids intimidate you; stanford is one of the best schools in the nation and even if you may have not fully blossomed now, it will give you the opportunity you deserve to become a truly innovative and intelligent human being. Go for it.</p>
<p>Hi-- my D attends Stanford, first year student. She has not written a book, cured a disease, or founded a company. Many of her friends are bright, energetic, interesting students who are also very typical 18 and 19-year-old young adults/kids. Probably almost everyone who gets accepted to schools at this level have moments of wondering, “Can I make it?” or even, “How did I get in? Did they make a mistake?” Notice, these are different questions than, “Can I thrive here? Will being here help me become the person I want to become?” or “Do I feel another school is a better fit for me?” Focus on the last two questions these next couple of weeks. If you decide this is where you want to be, you will find yourself in great company. If you feel like you would like to email or talk to students outside of admit weekend, that is easy to arrange. PM me if you like. Take care and all the best in this decision.</p>