<p>my grandfather's daughter has given me two options; either to go to berkeley or stanford. as a ca applicant, ill get into berkeley for sure. but i dont want to go to berkeley. the professors stink, the grade deflation pervades, and you get mugged wherever you go. i dont want to go to berkeley and im scared.</p>
<p>on the other hand, stanford is heaven. having grade inflation as well as a beautiful campus one of the top biology programs in the nation, it is my first choice.</p>
<p>but i need to know how to get in; i have perfect sats and scores, but ppl say its more than that.how can i get into stanford and not go to the hellish berkeley?</p>
<p>I’m currently a senior applying to colleges so I can’t give you a “how I did it story…” But from what I know, you need to be super-involved with your community.</p>
<p>Your anti-Berkeley statements are really offensive though. I go there all the time because my brother is an econ-major there. There are great professors there and my brother and I have rarely heard of anyone who has been mugged.</p>
<p>wow. no response deserved, but i’ll say a little.</p>
<p>UC berkeley is a great college with many great professors.
the main complains i would have are simply related to finances (e.g. overenrollment) because california is frikin broke.</p>
<p>Stanford is not easier than Berkeley by any means, but yes, there is higher grade inflation. with that said, to get an A, you still have to work hella hard.</p>
<p>SATs and scores have little to do with getting into stanford.</p>
<p>Dude, Berkeley has some of the most renowned scholars in the world, and I’m not saying that just to be politically correct. It probably boasts the best overall graduate programs in the world.</p>
<p>I think what NJDS is trying to say is that SATs and scores have less to do with getting into Stanford than Berkeley. (Or even Yale, for that matter.)</p>
<p>I think the deal with SATs and ACTs are that while it definitely helps to be as close to 2400/36 as possible, if you don’t have rockstar test scores, you can make it up on other parts of the application.</p>
<p>If you look at the stats, a significantly higher number of 2400s/36s do get accepted, however just not as high as at other elite schools. So if you have a 2000 or a 30, you still have a chance at getting in, if the rest of your application stands out.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think the real problem here is that you are letting someone else dictate your life. I understand that Stanford is your #1 choice (it is mine too), but there are other options if you don’t get in. You might consider UCLA. I loved it. No one can tell you you CAN’T go to a different university. You just have to apply, get accepted, and go. If you really discuss your options and your desires with your family, I’m sure they will understand. Some people just don’t fit into Berkeley’s atmosphere. It takes a special kind of person to go to Cal and succeed. But maybe you are the kind of person that would fit in beautifully at UCSD or USC, both excellent schools. Not to mention the several smaller private universities in California and outside of California that could be perfect matches for you. Do some research and find out what YOU want, regardless of other’s approval. Then discuss it with them and be strong. Stand up for yourself. If you can’t do that, I don’t think you have what it takes to succeed at either Berkeley or Stanford. That may be harsh, but I really think you should be confident in yourself and your beliefs to succeed i a school like that. </p>
<p>Now, your “how to get into Stanford” conundrum. You have to try and be the best applicant possible. Great grades, great scores, and great extracurrics. Consider getting a job you are interested in, applying for internships, volunteering A LOT, being involved in your community; these are all things that could strengthen your application. Start working on your essays as soon as possible. They need to be SUPERB. They need to reflect who you REALLY are. Your voice needs to come through loud and clear. Demonstrate your talents and your passions. And, try to have fun with it. You should be proud of your application and your accomplishment, even if you don’t get in.</p>
<p>same problem. I’ll get into yale for sure but really really really really don’t want to go there since most people are muggers. god plzzz how can i get into harvard???!?</p>