<p>I'm aware that perceptions can often be painfully inaccurate. But my own perception of Stanford was that it valued diversity above HYP and other Ivy League institutions. I am a URM from an underrepresented state who is trilingual and has a very interesting life story - do you think that my circumstances would catch Stanford's eye? I've always thought of Stanford as being different from HYP in that they value applicants like me who are what they consider 'diverse' more than the average top school- and for that reason, that I would have a significantly better chance there than at HYP. So, are my perceptions correct, or wrong, or very very wrong?</p>
<p>I think your circumstances, if they are what you say, will catch most adcoms’ eyes at any schools. Trilingual URM from an underrepresented state with an interesting life story will likely get some adcoms to push your acceptance hard.</p>
<p>I think the main thing Stanford is looking for is an attitude. People who take themselves too seriously don’t seem to get admitted that often from what I can tell. This is based on results from my HS, my peers at Stanford (vast majority fit this mold), and what I’ve heard from other posters and students.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback.</p>
<p>I really I am what I say I am. I’m Latino, from Louisiana, and I’m fluent in Spanish and Arabic. I do realize that this makes me far more attractive to top schools than the average applicant, and I’m very grateful for that. However, I think what you said about the attitude is really interesting; thanks for sharing that. I’ve never been the “too-serious-for-his-own-good” type of guy. I’m pretty easygoing, and I enjoy all kinds of life experiences, so hopefully that will also work in my favor.</p>
<p>I agree with everything that Senior0991 said.</p>
<p>It’s hard to speak to this, but if you look at Stanford’s undergrad breakdown by ethnicity (look at collegeboard.com or stanford.edu, I think you’ll find it’s more spread out than HYP.</p>
<p>I dunno. Seems that alot of Atherton kids get in…</p>
<p>Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter too much. Analyzing it will not increase your chances, all you can do it apply and find out.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback, guys. I really appreciate it.</p>