How can I improve my chances of getting admitted into Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I am currently a junior in high school and Stanford is my dream school. I am wondering what I could do to improve my chances of being admitted.</p>

<p>Should I attend the Stanford summer college? If not, which summer programs should I do, if any?</p>

<p>I am doing all the normal things. I am studying to improve my SAT scores and working hard in school.</p>

<p>So yeah, I'm just wondering you guys think I should do. What worked for/you think would work?</p>

<p>Thanks for all the help. Stanford is my top pick for multiple reasons, and I will be very disappointed if I don't get in.</p>

2

<p>I guess just work on your apps. Try for some prestigious awards (USABO/USAMO, Siemens, etc) or other local awards, like all-conference team in sports or all-districts in band. Get some volunteer hours. Do some leadership activities or start something going in some of your clubs or activities. When it comes time to do your Stanford app, write some kick-ass essays. I can’t say much other than the usual. With a prestigious institution like Stanford that receives thousands of applications for a few spots, demonstrated interest has little to no effect, so going to a Stanford summer camp will only give you a negligible advantage.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the quick reply!</p>

<p>Yeah, so I have no idea what those awards are, but I’ll research them.</p>

<p>I’m planning to have pretty good SAT scores considering the work I’m putting into the reading and writing, so I hope that will help.</p>

<p>I’m in NHS and have done a lot of community service. I started fundraising money for the ALS Foundation and raised over $14,000.
Does that look good on an application? I did everything by myself, so I hope that looks good for leadership.</p>

<p>For essays, I know exactly what I am going to write about, so I hope they will kick-ass.</p>

<p>I really hope I get in. Thanks for the advice!</p>

4

<p>From everything I have read, Stanford can be very hard to predict. One senior at our school - would have appeared to be the perfect candidate - in every way - rejected. So make sure you have back ups …</p>

5

<p>I have backups. None are like Stanford though!</p>

6

<p>Don’t just do stuff to get into stanford. I think the biggest thing that the admissions board looks for is passion. Pursue stuff that you like and hopefully it will work out.</p>

7

<p>Do things you loooooove.</p>

<p>And get good grades n’ do well on the SAT.</p>

8

<p>I was admitted to Stanford REA class of 2015. What I know got me in (and I know because of correspondence I’ve had with Stanford admissions representatives) is my passion in specific subject areas and extracurricular activities.
I was in ASB for 3 years and a 4 year athlete in two sports with 5 varsity letters. Those were my only extracurriculars.
Stanford is an institution which embodies commitment and passion… Do what you love! Of course I had the grades: 4.0 unweighted GPA, 4.8 weighted and only a 2010 sat and a 33 act, but I have seen many a more qualified applicant with respect to grades and scores to be rejected.
Bottom line, do what you are passionate about and when it comes to the application write about those passions, because in the end that is what will convince Stanford admissions officers that you belong there.
Good luck! If you would like me to proofread any of your essays or supplements, I would be glad to.</p>

9

<p>Ok, thanks for all the help. My essay is going to be about doing what I love and overcoming difficulties throughout my life that were preventing me from doing so. That’s what I had planned along, but it seems like an even better idea now.</p>

10

<p>Just remember not to be cliche. Do something memorable. If they remember you, there’s a better chance you’ll be admitted.
Also-is Stanford your absolute first choice? If so, i recommend applying REA, as acceptance rates are much higher (they want to get the best applicants before other top schools!) and it shows you really want stanford, as opposed to attending a summer session.</p>

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<p>I think it’s pretty memorable, at least I hope. If not, I have something else pretty memorable. I guess I should combine them both. However, what does REA mean? Early action? (I apologize for not knowing what this means)</p>

<p>And yes, it is my absolute first choice.</p>

<p>Also, I am going to speak with my math teacher and SUMaC. I am really into math so I am probably going to apply to that. I really hope I get in. If I get in, which I really want to, I also hear I have a good chance to get into the school too!</p>

12

<p>REA is restrictive early action, where you are restricted in applying for Stanford only but you are not required to attend upon acceptance.
I know SUMaC is extremely difficult to get into… Don’t rely just on that to get into Stanford because one thing will never make or break your application. They look at applicants as a whole.</p>

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<p>Also, make sure that you come across as genuine in your supplemental essays. Try not to brag about how smart or talented you are; that’s what the common app is for. What I think got me in was the self deprecating humor in my essays.</p>

14

<p>So… Did you get in?? I was rejected REA; surprise, surprise.
Did the summer program & loved it, so I’m shooting for grad school.</p>

15

<p>Can you message me with your info that my son can chat with you. My son has big dreams to get into Stanford. He is a Junior in HS. Any tips would be appreciated. What is REA?</p>

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<p>Did you get in? I’m really curious because I’m applying REA as well :)</p>