<p>I am planning on applying to transfer to Stanford after I complete my sophomore year. In short Stanford offers everything I want/need academically and socially with a major, extracurricular activities, and intellectual environment that perfectly fit my needs. </p>
<p>As far as I see it, one of the main factors for accepting applicants, aside from being an outstanding student, is demonstrating what Stanford offers over your current institution. And while there are various examples (i.e. the Symbolic Systems major, the laptop orchestra) I could give as to how Stanford would be a more enriching experience, I'm not entirely sure how to demonstrate this through the application. The supplemental essays are much more personal, in my opinion, and less about why one wants to transfer.</p>
<p>Could anyone enlighten me as to how one demonstrates that Stanford offers what one's current institution cannot through the application process?</p>
<p>In applying I think you are expressing interest. Stanford has its pick of 4.0 students – 32 of ~1650 were accepted this year and you can assume a handful are recruited athletes. The rest: a handful from peer institutions, military veterans that have excelled in college(i read somewhere they tend to take 1 from each branch), and the rest cc transfers and non-trads with remarkable life stories. </p>
<p>I made no mention of Stanford being an ideal fit or offering a more intellectually stimulating environment…it goes without saying unless you are applying from a peer. The key to admission in my estimation are those supplemental essays that tell your story…figure out how to portray yourself as a unique individual who will add a different perspective to campus. Over the next 6 months try to do something truly special that will really make you stick out.</p>
<p>“As far as I see it, one of the main factors for accepting applicants, aside from being an outstanding student, is demonstrating what Stanford offers over your current institution.”</p>
<p>I disagree with this. Most transfer admits are accepted because, as the above poster noted, they contribute a unique perspective to the incoming class. Stanford definitely does not care about “demonstrated interest” and you certainly don’t need to describe in your application what you think makes Stanford great, as Stanford already knows of its greatness. Stanford cares more about what you as an individual will contribute to its institution that no other applicant will. By the way, Stanford takes most of its transfers from the two-year sector.</p>
<p>thanks guys i’ll keep your responses in mind when i start my application.
aleaiactaest, when you say that Stanford takes most of its transfers from the two-year sector, do you mean they take most transfers who apply to be juniors at Stanford?</p>
<p>^^Agree. It appears Stanford enjoys giving community college students an opportunity for a “second” chance to change their life around (especially those who have traveled the unorthodox path)…more so than to the traditional students who are trying to “transfer” from another university mainly for its “prestige”…</p>
<p>Well it’s kind of hard to ignore Stanford’s “prestige” when looking to transfer but I wholeheartedly believe that it would be a better overall fit over my current institution. I wholly understand why Stanford would prefer community college students over students enrolled in 4 year, potentially comparable, schools but it will not deter me from trying my hardest to hopefully get in.</p>