Is it worth applying to Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

Hello,

I am a prospective transfer student who is currently in the second semester of his sophomore year at a top 200 university (ranking taking from USNWR) on the east coast. I enrolled at this institution because I was awarded a significant merit aid scholarship and I was able to keep my job to pay off my remaining tuition balance. I have tried to make the best of my situation (4.0 GPA thus far, ~60 credits taken, honors program, work full time, involved in the university, volunteer in tutoring office, in consideration for one of the university’s Truman scholarship nominations), yet I have never truly felt happy here. I have already taken most of the upper-level courses related to my major and my interests but was never academically challenged in my work. Also, many students commute, and campus life and student involvement is sparse after classes are over for the night/week. Granted, this is not a major reason for me wanting to leave, but I do believe it is an important component in forming the complete undergraduate collegiate experience that my peers are enjoying at their respective institutions.

Attending Stanford was likely not a possibility out of high school, but I have always been attracted to certain, specific programs that it offers. Additionally, I believe that the opportunity to leave home, attend school in another state, meet new friends from all areas of the world, enjoy competitive collegiate athletics, explore new academic interests, and challenge myself in a competitive environment will help me experience the personal growth that many students undergo in college.

Obviously, this is a very broad question, and I am not sure if anyone on this website can answer the question; I do not know if current/past Stanford admissions councilors (or any university admissions councilors, for that matter) browse this site, and I doubt their schedules and/or employers would allow them to answer these types of direct, personalized questions. Additionally, I have seen on this website that Stanford accepts only a handful of transfer students each year, and, using data from CC contributors, the vast majority of these applicants (~80-90%) have graduated from California community colleges, are active/discharged military personnel, or have overcome some kind of extraordinary circumstance(s). I do not fit this criteria, nor do I have a special strength, athletic ability, or musical talent that could be considered a “hook”. Granted, I am thankful to be in an situation that may allow me to earn my bachelor’s degree debt-free, but I do want to consider all possible options before making my plans for the future. I have already applied to several, lower-profile institutions, and I plan on applying to others within the next week; however, judging by how competitive the transfer admissions pool is at Stanford, is it worth it for me to apply? Or, would my time be better served by only considering more realistic options?

Any feedback is welcome.

Thanks,

Brad

2

I should have also mentioned that I will not be applying for financial aid. I understand that Stanford is need-blind and meets full demonstrated need for both freshman and transfer applicants, so I do not believe this will impact a potential application.

3

Don’t know much about Stanford specifically, beyond that it’s one of the most competitive schools in the country. It sounds like you’ve done a great job so far. Certainly no harm in putting in a transfer application to Stanford, if you have the application fee and a desire to go there. It sounds like you would merit consideration. Realistically, though, no one applying without some special consideration (i.e. a recruited athlete) has more than a slim chance of acceptance. Fortunately, if S does not work out, there must be dozens of schools where you could find a better fit for yourself. Just to take out the most competitive places, find some ranking of national universities and look at 20-60. It seems like at least a few would be well suited to you. Of course, finances could certainly be an issue, although you would be looking at 2 years, not 4.

It’s just a difficult situation when a large % of college applicants feel like it’s HYPS or bust. The truth is there are many, many great places with great people. Good luck finding one that’s a better fit for you.

4

Thanks for the message, @TTG. All very valid points, especially the mention of admission competition at the top schools. I knew how difficult this process would be going in, but wondered if my time would be better spent focusing on an application to a Vanderbilt/Wash U./Tufts/Emory rather than Stanford if it is essentially a crapshoot.

5

What exactly is it that Stanford offers that no other school does? Many college will provide you the opportunity to “attend school in another state, meet new friends from all areas of the world, enjoy competitive collegiate athletics, explore new academic interests, and challenge myself in a competitive environment will help me experience the personal growth that many students undergo in college.”

I don’t mean to phrase that question harshly. If you can legitimize specific programs, offerings, and opportunities that only Stanford will provide you, then definitely submit an application. The reality is that there are very few such things, and the majority of transfer applicants give rather superficial reasons for wanting to transfer (or allude to). The rare transfer admits not from community colleges at Stanford have done their research. They have incredibly well-thought out reasons for transferring to Stanford. Furthermore, they clearly can bring something to the campus few else can. If you can identify those specific factors and demonstrate what you will bring, then apply. If you can’t do this, it’s not worth applying. Honestly. When the transfer acceptance rate is 2% or lower, they can cut off seriously talented students.

6

I’d recommend just finishing your undergraduate studies there. Transfer rates at top schools are extremely low (Harvard takes 12 each year out of 3,000 and I suppose Stanford has similar stats). I read a post on Reddit by a company hiring executive. He would rather take a 3.5 GPA from UW than a 3.5 GPA from Stanford because of grade inflation, but of course this is one opinion. Summa cum laude looks really good on a resume though, regardless of what institution you graduate from.

Go to grad school at Stanford if you really want to :slight_smile:

7

@nostalgicwisdom not harsh at all - I agree wholeheartedly that there should be a well thought out, pointed reason to transfer to a specific institution, especially one that is extremely selective. There are programs and opportunities that I have identified through Stanford’s literature that do not exist at other colleges; I would prefer not to mention what said programs/opportunities are on this website, because I would not want to compromise a potential application. Thanks for the insight.

8

@hhjjlala Yes, that is correct for Harvard. Stanford admitted 42 transfers last year for a rate of just over 2%. I agree with the summa cum laude comment; however, I would prefer other options. Thanks.

9

Bump - trying to receive any additional feedback.

10

Applying there doesn’t mean you have to go there, so I would think you should apply and if you get in, visit and find out more before you decide to go. Yes, go ahead and apply.