Every single video, college confidential post, interview by an admissions representative, and blog I’ve read regarding Stanford admissions has something to do with passion and intellectual vitality. Accepted applicants say they were accepted because they were authentic, their essays were perhaps a bit quirky and reflective of their personality, they were passionate and did what they loved doing in high school.
But I also see a sprinkle of people who did write quirky essays and seemed to be authentic and also had passions for academics. These kids write about bubble tea and loving marching band and astrophysics. But, somehow, even with phenomenal scores and great teachers, they didn’t get in?
So how do you tell the difference between a passionate, authentic essay and a boring, inauthentic essay? I’ve read several accepted essays that are quirky but don’t convey a passion for learning and vice versa.
And lastly: would any Stanford admit like to review my essays?
As with anything, Stanford admissions are not – in fact, are nowhere near – black and white. I would argue that essays showing passion or “intellectual vitality” are not necessarily selected for, but rather are produced by the type of student that is most likely to thrive at a university like Stanford, shown not ONLY through their essays, but throughout the rest of the application as well.
Intellectual vitality is not something that I think should be obsessed over when writing an admissions essay. If you are the kind of student the school is looking for, the essay topic you choose through your own prerogative, and the way you write it authentically – meaning, with your own original voice – will stand by itself. I believe the question from last year’s application about something that makes you “genuinely excited about learning” remains a question this year. Here is where you can show your love of learning for the sake of it.
On another note, every single Stanford applicant could write the quirkiest, most authentic essay – and still, only a minute percentage of those students will be admitted. Personally, when writing my essays for Stanford, I did not focus at all on emulating the successes of previous applicants. I simply focused on using words that sounded like something I’d say. It can be tempting to write about bubble tea or astrophysics to fit the mold of what you think a Stanford student should sound like. Resist that temptation! If you aren’t naturally funny, don’t try to be funny. If you aren’t witty or philosophical, don’t force it.
Lastly, hindsight is 20/20. No one really knows for sure why they did or did not get in to a school, especially one as seemingly arbitrarily selective as Stanford. Submit an application you are proud of, and one that reflects who you are. That way, even if you’re rejected, you will know that you put forth an accurate representation of you. If a school doesn’t want you, perhaps you would not be your happiest self there.
Because Stanford tries to construct a class with a broadly diverse student body, and because the per cent admitted is so low, there is simply no magic formula for admission; so applicants should stop trying to find one. And yes, the selection process will seem arbitrary due to the factors I just mentioned. As @stannystu22 said, all you can do is write an essay that sounds like you.