Hi! I hope someone can help me with a few questions I have about Stanford. I’m really curious about my chances of gaining acceptance as a Class of 2020 applicant. First, I’ll tell a little bit about myself. I am a rising senior in high school, and my cumulative weighted GPA is a 4.33. I hope to continue the upward trend for the coming year. I just took my SATs – 1410/1600, 2130/2400. I am really involved in my school’s extracurriculars. I am a part of the Science Olympiad, Academic Bowl (Captain), and Spanish Club. I am also a part of a nationally-ranked “TEAMS” (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) team (3rd & 9th in nation). I am also a captain for that. I am a member of my school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and the National Science Honor Society. I recently won an art award from the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. It earned significant recognition - 2 Gold Keys, 2 American Vision Awards, an article in Scholastic’s magazine, publication in Scholastic’s book, etc. I have also taken 5 APs/7 honors courses up to this point, and am scheduled for 5 more APs for next year (senior year). I also won the National Spanish Exam’s Junior Travel Award, an award in which recipients travel to a Spanish-speaking country for 1 week, all expenses paid. I was one of 23 in the nation. Also, I am a two-sport varsity athlete: football and basketball. I volunteer at three organizations in my free time (children’s therapeutic services, Boys and Girls Club, and a local children’s hospital). I think that covers most of it. I am seeking any insight from current/past students, or simply anyone who has some sort of knowledge of the admissions criteria. Any tips? How do I stand based on my current grades/scores/extracurriculars? I am a resident of Delaware.
What is your unweighted GPA, rank in your class and what would you like to study in college?
Honestly, I am completely against individuals who post “Chance me” posts. It seems that you just want assurance for what you are doing to continue forward. I can tell you right now that to just keep doing what you’re doing and whatever happens happens. Trying to get reassurance from others is just wasting your time. The Stanford Admissions Committee is completely unpredictable, instead of trying to find out your chances, try spending more time on what you are doing to really find what you are passionate about, because in the end that is all that matters. Your test scores are fine and GPA is above the Stanford average, just focus on your essays because that will set you apart from everyone else.
Chancing to Stanford is relatively straightforward:
- Any applicant's starting chances are roughly 1 in 20, assuming that he/she is in the top 10% of their class, is in the 50th percentile or above on standardized tests, has strong curricular rigor, and is solid or better in terms of ECs, essays and recommendations. The relevant metrics are available on Stanford's admission webpage. There is very little chance that better test scores or GPA beyond that point will improve those odds significantly.
- Those odds probably increase to around 1 in 10 for unhooked applicants assuming that they are close to or above the 75th percentile on standardized tests and top 5% of their class and are otherwise qualified as listed above, and possibly more for qualified hooked applicants (see below).
- The chances are probably lower if the applicant is weak in one or more of the above areas, or if he/she comes from a difficult demographic group (e.g., international applicant, Asian male applying in STEM).
- The chances may be a bit higher if the applicant has a weak/moderate "hook" (URM, legacy), but are still highly unpredictable.
- Unusual accomplishment or achievement in one or more ECs that is difficult to replicate or is of value to the university community may give a significant bump, but chances are still highly unpredictable.
- An applicant's best chance of increasing their chance is if he/she is a recruited athlete or has done something internationally noteworthy, or if his/her parent is an alum who has given a donation 7-8 figures or more. Even then, there is never a "sure thing".
- A poor application can sabotage almost anyone. A great application can possibly make a difference for someone who is already highly qualified, but won't do much to help someone who isn't.
I think that should chance just about everyone.
Sorry, the second bullet should have said “those odds probably increase to around 1 in 10 for REA unhooked applicants …” and “and possibly more for qualified REA hooked applicants”. My bad.
@JustOneDad My unweighted GPA is 3.9 and my school doesn’t assign class rank. However, I believe I am in the top 10%.
Hey guys! I’m a freshman at Stanford! Message me if you want advice or anything. 