How do these things affect my odds?

Applying to College
1

<p>I will be beginning college applications this summer and there are a few things that I am wondering if I should put on my apps at all. These are things that I assume would help, but may hurt- I really don't know. Any information you can give me on any of these things would help!</p>

<p>White Male, CA Resident, Very Affluent Area
Dream Schools: Stanford, UCLA, UCB, USC</p>

<p>[ul]
[<em>] My school sends a lot of kids every year to top schools... ~15 to UCLA, ~5-10 to Stanford... is this something that will help me or hinder me? I have heard it go either way.
[</em>] I have been in many leadership roles. I am an officer in many clubs and I have been in my school's Leadership program all four years- the program is very selective (it accepts less than half of the applicants) and hopefully I will be on our school's ASB Officer team next year. Wherever I go for college, I hope to become an active student body member and run for class office (or just join the school's student government.) Do you think this is something I should talk about on my app?
[<em>] Should I talk about how going to Stanford has been a dream of mine since I was very, very little, or is this something they think will just be manufactured?
[</em>] How do the admissions officers feel about students enclosing "extras"? I was thinking of sending pictures of me decked out in spirit gear and full face paint at football games to show school spirit... are these regarded as creative or just obnoxious?
[/ul]</p>

<p>Hopefully somebody here can answer at least one of my questions. Thank you in advance! :)</p>

2

<p>-Generally, it's better to go to a competitive school. It can sometimes make up for low class rank. It will also certainly make high class rank look very impressive.
-I would focus more on what you have done in leadership rather than what you plan on doing. At the very least, adequately qualify your plans for college with past experiences.
-I think you should convey that it is your top choice. Colleges like to accept students who they know will definitely attend. Your method seems a little over the top, even if it is true. A simple, "I would go if accepted," might do the trick. (Not entirely sure if this is correct).</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>The supplementals to applications are usually things like published stories or poems, tapes of singing/playing an instrument, etc. And even with these, it is only recommended to send them if they are of very high caliber. JMO, but I would highly recommend against sending the types of pictures that you described.</p>

4

<p>Stanford is very specific about "extras":

[quote]
Do not send additional materials as they will not be evaluated. Any
unsolicited additional materials will be discarded. Please do not
submit a r</p>