How to get into Stanford (from an admitted student)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>After having been over-familiarized with CC, I have become sick of useless chances posts, useless speculation about how to get in, and useless crying and complaining about the process.</p>

<p>The purpose of this post is to give back to the CC community with the way to get into college for the "normal" student (normal in quotes because you really do have to be extraordinary to get in). It is absolutely cliche, but most take it for granted and come far from realizing...</p>

<p><strong>Do what you love and do it well.</strong></p>

<p>Really well. Really really really well.</p>

<p>You should be well rounded and intellectual in that you get good grades in most subjects and score decently well on the SATs/ACTs/SAT IIs. You should be specialized in that you are clearly passionate about something.</p>

<p>It is actually true that an application can only be evaluated as a whole, and in the end, "stats," as CC people call them, tend to fade out. In particular, the importance of recommendations is completely undervalued by most applicants.</p>

<p>More oversaid cliche advice about essays: actually be yourself. Everybody thinks they are being themselves...very few actually are. The point of the essays are <em>not</em> to "sell yourself" to the committee (even in the intellectual vitality essay). You have the rest of the application for that. The essays are to make your reader <em>like</em> you. Make them want you on campus. Make them want to be your roommate. Also, weave multiple ideas into your essays to make them more you.</p>

<p>In short:
Grades - show well-roundedness, initiative
Course Selection - show either well-roundedness or a special interest, initiative
SATs/ACTs - show base-level smarts
ECs - show PASSION, DEDICATION, and LEADERSHIP, initiative
EC essay - again, passion, leadership, community involvement, initiative
Main essay - show who you actually are, and make yourself likeable. And again: passion, passion, passion
Intellectual Vitality - they couldn't have made it easier. Show your passion, intellectualism, and again, make them like you.
Roommate - really make them like you; be casual.
Why Stanford - make them see why stanford is the "best fit" for you, and vice versa
Short Answers - make yourself real to them, and make them like you. Find a way to show your voice here, too.</p>

<p>Never let your parents or teachers take out your voice in your essays. Never let them call your essay too flippant. They should be conversational. Formal is boring.</p>

<p>Do not overanalyze your application. The criteria described here are really the only things that the admissions officers "look for" when they first open an application. Remember, most admissions officers are not much different than yourself, a few years older. Make them like you. But please don't be gimmicky so that you'll be remembered. Do not try to over-impress. So please, cut the chances threads. In the Stanford facebook group, I see that <strong><em>everyone regrets using CC.</em></strong> So take this advice and get OFF.</p>

<p>Good luck. Want to change the world and show them that. Then get in and actually change it.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the help. I would say this is general advice and can apply to any top school.</p>

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<p>This is great advice. But even though I know chance threads can get annoying (even though I'm guilty of posting a few of them myself :P), I don't think that people will stop posting them. I mean, the college admissions process is very stressful and because of that, a good amount of kids (don't forget that chance threads are posted by teens) lose their better judgement and try to find reassurance in any way possible.<br>
Chance threads are just nature's way of releasing stress.</p>

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<p>Wow, rarely do I see such valuable advice in such a succinct format. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge with the community! Of course, congratulations on being admitted to Stanford.</p>

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<p>as an admitted student also (and incoming freshman yayyy!), i totally agree with your post-especially how much you stress having PASSION/DEDICATION for something. i truly think thats what makes certain students stand out among the rest.</p>

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<p>This is true. I didn't have a strong personal passion or focus to show in my application, but I did strongly emphasize my lifelong commitment to my family's business. </p>

<p>I did have high grades and test scores, but they definitely weren't the most compelling part of my app. I think the numbers-based stuff will help get your foot in the door, but it's how you convey your personal situation and circumstances that will ultimately make or break your case.</p>

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<p>Thank you!</p>

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<p>This is good advice. Whether or not applicants take it is up to them, but I wholeheartedly agree with all of avdaxes points</p>

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<p>Where is the "how"? None of that was "how." For example:</p>

<p>
[quote]
make them see why stanford is the "best fit" for you, and vice versa

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I think that's pretty obvious in the question. So, what the prospective student is now wondering, How do I do that?</p>

<p>I'm not even sure how you're supposed to show initiative in grades--what, self-studying APs?</p>

<p>Nobody can claim to know how to get into Stanford--because there is no "how-to." The general themes you described, though, are important (as the admissions office has emphasized): passion, initiative, dedication, leadership (PIDL, as it were). Or as Stanford puts it: "intellectual vitality." That's the unifying theme, I'd say.</p>

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<p>@kyledavid:
I do apologize for the obvious statement you quoted. </p>

<p>The "how" of the post was simple: "do what you love and do it well." The rest was really commentary.</p>

<p>The more specific "how"s, like in the Why Stanford question, as you say, have no formula, and vary greatly from person to person. And yes, you are correct about intellectual vitality as a unifying theme (of course, they basically give you an essay for this, too).</p>

<p>Oh, and self-studying APs doesn't hurt :)</p>

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<p>I promised myself to stop using CC in a week.
I have 3 days left :(
i'm really gonna miss this</p>

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<p>I think the message of the OP is kinda common sense</p>

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<p>Great Advice! Thank you so much! :D</p>

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<p>All your essays should be CASUAL AND FUN! This is Stanford, home of the Wacky Walk at graduation and the crazy band. This isn’t Chicago or Swarthmore (aka “where fun goes to die”). Be upbeat, entertaining, yet showcase your interests and talents. Don’t worry about being risky - BE RISKY! I sound like I belong in an insane asylum in my roommate essay (in a good way, I guess haha). This app was actually a ton of fun to write. Seriously!</p>

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<p>It really is a “ton of fun to write”! However, I’m still confused about the roommate question…do they use this to find a roommate for you or is it just for the Admission Officers to say “oh, I would want to be this person’s roommate”!</p>

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<p>^ the latter. You’ll fill out a seperate housing form when you’re admitted. </p>

<p>I had a BLAST with my essays… be honest, direct and if you’re quirky, show your quirks :wink: Make the admissions officer have a reason to stand up for you in a meeting and fight for your place at Stanford. Don’t write what you think the adcom wants to hear, write about what YOU want to say.</p>

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<p>Everyone thinking about applying should watch the new “Office Hours” segment with Dean Richard Shaw on Facebook! It’s on the Stanford University fan page. He pretty much sums up what the admissions office is looking for. You can ask him questions too!</p>

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<p>@bluebubbles: which profile’s name is that?</p>

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<p>[Videos</a> Posted by Stanford University: Stanford Open Office Hours: Richard Shaw, Part 1 | Facebook](<a href=“Stanford Open Office Hours: Richard Shaw, Part 1 | Dean Richard Shaw is answering your questions about undergraduate admissions, financial aid, academics, and student life. Post questions and comments in... | By Stanford UniversityFacebook”>Stanford Open Office Hours: Richard Shaw, Part 1 | Dean Richard Shaw is answering your questions about undergraduate admissions, financial aid, academics, and student life. Post questions and comments in... | By Stanford UniversityFacebook)</p>

<p>I just looked up “Dean Richard Shaw Office Hours Facebook” on google.</p>

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<p>so are you attending stanford currently?</p>