How to get into Stanford for masters in Computer Science?

Student Lounge International Students
1

I am a student pursuing bachelors of Computer Engineering at NSIT, Delhi, India. It is a prestigious government university and is ranked 2nd after IIT Delhi in Delhi (for those who do not know what NSIT is).

I have just finished my first semester and I am very confused on where I stand. I have done a lot of courses like Harvard’s CS 50 AP, Microsoft Speech Analysis, Udacity’s Computer Vision from GeorgiaTech, Bolt IoT, Machine Learning A-Z, Artificial Intelligence A-Z, Deep Learning A-Z, Advanced AI using ARS from Udemy, Python for Computer Vision using OpenCV and Deep Learning, Machine Learning by Andrew NG and many more.

I am the founder of a society-cum-start up in my college that makes tech-based integrated solutions for the betterment of the nation and socially and economically backward. Two of the projects that are being built as a part of the work of the society are going to be used for the betterment of the security at the metro stations in Delhi and one for boosting tourism in India. I am also the founder of a website where I have posted videos teaching various software implementations and techniques.

I have also built 2 individual projects on NLP- one is a replica Google Translate with the feature to pronounce the translated text(P.S.- Not an easy task based on how long it took even Google to make) and the other is a virtual assistant like Siri or Google Assistant. I am also working on 2 projects with professors which I cannot disclose as of now. By this summer, I will install an attendance marking system (with proxy detection- which is unprecedented).

I have applied for internships in some of the big names but I am not too hopeful to hear any good news because it’s just my first year at college.

I got a GPA of 8.8 in my first semester. I am doing a lot of extra course and research work but I fear my GPA will hold me back from getting into the top US masters college like Stanford. Can anyone help me understand my position? (PS. the highest GPA in my batch in first semester is 9.6/10)

Most importantly, what should I be focusing on and doing further ahead to make it into Stanford for a masters in Computer Science specializing in AI?

What exactly does Stanford want when they look at a prospective student for a masters in CS?

2

Also, my rank in terms of GPA of first semester is 29/1120 in the university and 11/120 in my class (My class has the highest ranked JEE students so it is the most competitive in the university).

3

There is no financial issue and my family will be able to afford the entire expense of the 2-year education.

I don’t have a definitive answer anywhere online as to how much my projects and my start-up cum society etc is worth.

I am still a first year student so there is a long way to go but I want to be a 100% prepared when it’s time to apply.

4

The only people who know what Stanford wants is Stanford admissions.
A major prerequisite is excellent grades.

The other thing that Stanford looks for is a record of compelling skills in all areas, especially in English written language skills.
You have to be able to write and present cohesive, grammatically correct sentences. I understand that international candidates often don’t have a strength in this area, but these tough universities expect skills in all areas. They don’t want graduates that can’t convey and communicate in all formats.
There are a number of grammatical errors and convoluted information in your writing of these posts. Proofread what you’ve posted. Working on the strengthening of your English written skills should help.

5

I’ll definitely work on that @“aunt bea”.

How much weightage does being a Founder of two potential start ups with the aim of social good, education and welfare of the country have?

6

Only the Stanford adcoms know.

7

My guess is near perfect grades in your major and fantastic boards. Plus all the other intangibles.