Stanford Class of 2021 REA Results Thread

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
41

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1580/2380 (800 CR, 780 M, 800 W)
ACT (breakdown):
SAT II: 800 Biology-Molecular, 790 English Literature
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.3+ (haven’t checked in a while)
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): N/A
AP (place score in parenthesis): Art History 5, European History 5, Biology 5, English Language 5, Spanish Language 4, U.S. History 5
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: AP Chemistry, AP Gov/Pol, AP Calc AB, AP English Literature, AP Comp Sci
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): National academic medals, national published poems, National Spanish Exam Medals, HOBY, few school things for social justice and learning, NMSF (not mentioned), TASP (not an award, but I loved it so much)

Subjective: (changed a few things to protect privacy)

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Academic Decathlon (Captain, many medals) 9-12, STEM Club (co-President) 9-12, Writing (published poems, did NaNoWriMo twice, local awards, etc.) 9-12, Girl Scouts (regional leadership award, Silver) K-12, Family Responsibilities/lots of family issues led to my taking over a significant portion of my younger sibling’s education (I help with homework, assign extra projects and grade them, do summer reviews before school starts – poor dear) 10-12
Job/Work Experience: all online b/c family issues, make materials for 2 test prep curriculum firms during summer 10-11, personal essay editing business (help translate essays for international students, from our first language to English) 10-12
Volunteer/Community service: 6+ years at my local homeless shelter, Girl Scout activities (run events for younger girls)
Summer Activities: TASP!!! Community college courses sophomore year (all As), writing, HOBY, work, etc.
Essays (rating 1-10, details): I’m not in a position to judge my own work, but I liked them and my English teacher said it was very fresh and abstract, and I trust his opinion. There may or may not have been plant metaphors and discussions on cats; also, full disclosure of my passion for Costco bulk deals and wall decorating in the letter to my roommate.

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): (giving an interval of 8-10 just in case)
Teacher Rec #1: My AP Euro and U.S. History teacher (sophomore/junior year) who wrote my rec letter for TASP
Teacher Rec #2: My chemistry honors teacher (sophomore year to the present) who also coaches Acadec and moderates STEM Club
Counselor Rec: She seemed hopeful of my chances and told me “my love of learning was truly genuine and infectious”
Additional Rec: N/A
Interview: N/A

Other:

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Biology/Philosophy
State (if domestic applicant): CA
Country (if international applicant): USA
School Type: Private, religious (get financial aid)
Ethnicity: Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander
Gender: F
Income Bracket: lower middle class
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):

Reflection: I am still in shock.

Strengths: My quirky essays, life story (family issues/sibling caretaking/language barrier/etc., but still I rise), commitment to my favorite activities and learning. I was satisfied with my application.
Weaknesses: Too varied array of activities, focus(?)
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I poured my essence into my essays, and I could imagine myself looking back at me through the application’s words.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: First one… (hope it’s not the last, haha)

General Comments: I usually just lurk CC, but I am incredibly grateful for all the past threads and I wanted to give back. If you are reading this and stressed out about your chances, just know that you are a luminous human being and I believe that you can succeed anywhere that you attend. An acceptance is only a doorway into the future, and a deferral or a rejection does not define you (I know it’s a cliche, but it’s true).
Best wishes, and best of luck. Be yourself in the app, even if that self is a sci-fi aficionado who rants about singularity.

42

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2270, Math: 770, Writing: 790 (essay subscore: 10), Reading Comp: 710
SAT II: Math II: 800
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.96
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP English Literature (5), AP BC Calc (5), AP Art History (5), AP US History (5), AP Latin (4)
Senior Year Course Load: Economics, AP Physics C, Post-AP Latin/Greek, Advanced photography, English (my school doesn’t offer AP english classes), Post-AP multivariable calculus
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist; National Latin Exam level 3 silver award, level 4 gold award, level 5/6 bronze award

Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Drug and alcohol prevention leadership team for my township, film photography class, tutor, managing artist for school newspaper, archery competition/certified coach, student ambassador/tour guide for my school, head of my school’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society), senior rep to my school’s student body judiciary committee
Job/Work Experience: Bakery employee, Huffington Post journalism fellowship, architecture internship
Volunteer/Community service: see above– tutor 5+ kids per year, ambassador for my school, drug and alcohol prevention leadership team for my township
Summer Activities: Intensive arts/architecture program in southern France, Wash U Architecture Discovery Program, Harvard Summer School: Secondary School, Architecture internship, Bakery internship (which later became a job)
Essays (rating 1-10, details): 10
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): 10

Teacher Rec #1: 10
Teacher Rec #2: 9
Counselor Rec: 10
Additional Rec: 10
Interview: Went well

Other
Applied for Financial Aid?: no
Intended Major: Art History
State (if domestic applicant): New Jersey
School Type: Private
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: ~150K
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None

Reflection
Strengths: I applied for the humanities/arts department (i.e. not CS), 2 arts portfolios, I do what I love and I love what I do– I never did any of it for colleges!
Weaknesses: Does anyone ever feel like they are the perfect candidate for Stanford? I was just worried that I didn’t do enough…
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: As I said above, I believe that I stood out due to my demonstrated interest in the arts. I am good at science and math (I skipped precalculus), but I truly have a passion for the humanities and visual arts, which is unique for a Stanford applicant. I wrote my intellectual vitality essay about art history and my what matters to you essay on language, so I definitely stressed this point.
To be honest, though, I swore I wasn’t going to get in. I opened my online letter so nonchalantly, simply because I expected a rejection. I’d like to say that I know precisely why I got in (I tried to explain a bit), but when push comes to shove, I really can never be sure. Perhaps the right person picked up my application at the right time and I just got lucky. Who knows… everyone is über qualified but, in the end, the cards fall as they do. I have been humbled by this experience and, while I’m glad it turned out as it did for me, I completely acknowledge all of the wonderful people who were denied.

Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I didn’t apply elsewhere yet (and I probably won’t now)… Early action.

General Comments: To all of you who were denied entry, please know that it will work out. The acceptance rate is silly and it has nothing to do with you as a student. Don’t doubt yourself because of this– you will be stronger in the end. Good luck on your other apps, but I’m sure you will end up where you belong. :slight_smile:
And to those applying– DO WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO AND DO IT A LOT! It will come across. Don’t spread yourself too thin by being “well-rounded” because, frankly, being a lopsided ameba with one really fantastic, super awesome strength is just as good, if not better. GO AMEBAS!!! :wink:

43

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): didn’t take
ACT (breakdown): 36 E, 32 M, 30 R, 26 S= 31 C and 32 Super score
SAT II: 600 Bio E, 700 Math 2
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.89
Weighted GPA: 4.5
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): top 2.5%
AP (place score in parenthesis): only declared 4 AP Comp and 4 US History
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: 5 Paps, 1 Honors Course
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):

fellowship program
grant from fellowship
semi-finalist in Coca-Cola Scholarship

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Environmental Club (President), American Cancer Society (Secretary), Relay for Life, Soccer for 3 years of H.S., NHS (lead mentor), Fellowship, Grantee for humanitarian work
Job/Work Experience: worked as waitress at two different cafés at different times
Volunteer/Community service: library volunteer, hospital volunteer, volunteers at domestic violence shelter, campus clean up day
Summer Activities: course at community college, visiting different campuses, working two jobs, went to leadership conference for the fellowship, received a grant to better my community
Essays (rating 1-10, details): 10 for common app essay (extremely detailed and told of my uncommon background), 8 for roommate email (I stated my real quirks but it seemed just as quirky as ones stated online), 9 for all other essays (intellectual vitality about my experiences with relatives’ deaths)
Counselor Rec: 7, probably very generic since she is young and new and doesn’t know me well

Teacher Rec #1: 10, got A’s both semesters, was one of five who got an A, the teacher saw my motivation and perseverance

Teacher Rec #2: 9, didn’t participate much in class but he thought I was witty and offered to write me a letter

Additional Rec: Librarian I volunteer for and knew me for three years. She writes stellar letters and knows me well.
Interview: Not given one

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Bio
State (if domestic applicant): CA
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: male
Income Bracket:120k
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None

Reflection

Strengths: essays, letters of rec
Weaknesses: GPA, test scores
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: My essays reflected my background well. I focused on specifics of how my background made me want to pursue the medical field. I spent 6 months on my essays and it was totally worth it. My upbringing was unconventional. I was honest in my essays and participated in activities that focused on giving back to my community, not for college apps.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected:

44

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 730 math, 700 reading/writing, 23/24 essay
ACT (breakdown):NA
SAT II: Didn’t submit
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA:5.05 (my school is very odd lol)
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 4/385
AP (place score in parenthesis): Didn’t submit
IB (place score in parenthesis): School doesn’t have this program
Senior Year Course Load: AP Calc, AP Chemistry, AP Psych, English 12 Honors, Spanish 4 Honors, BioTechnology 2 Honors, Gym (Required), Youth and Law, Forensics 2 Honors
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Nothing major. Few awards granted by state.

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis):
Job/Work Experience:
Volunteer/Community service: 200 hours of community service with a nonprofit organization that helps high-risk children in the community strengthen their education, health, and family bonds. 50 hours with my gymnastics center. Few hours with school, mostly for NHS requirements.
Summer Activities: Travel the nation to compete in dance competitions and attain dance conventions. I have won many national dance titles and been selected for prestigious scholarships and dance companies. Traveling is a really great networking tool and helps technique immensely.
Essays (rating 1-10, details): 10- Used the failure prompt. My entire essay was that I spread myself too thin and wasn’t able to achieve any one major goal in dance, gymnastics, or school. Strong ties to the saying “jack of all trades, master of none”!
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): These are all estimates because I wasn’t able to read them.

Teacher Rec #1: 10, I have a very strong bond and think of her more like a mom (don’t take it the wrong way lol). I did extremely well in her class and she told me that it was one of the best recommendations she has ever written.
Teacher Rec #2: 9, had the teacher for two years. The first year was a nonhonors math, and the second was an honors course. She highlighted how much I have matured in my study habits and that I have only grown stronger in my devotion to school rather than weaker… she doesn’t know I am about to have senioritis :wink:
Counselor Rec: Honestly, don’t know. We have a very rocky relationship and it could go either way. I’m guessing an 8.
Additional Rec: None
Interview: It went well… Sort of awkward but we both came prepared with a lot of questions and insight. Highlighted a lot of things in my CommonApp and also some awards I have won since submitting to Stanford.

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?:Yes
Intended Major: BioChem
State (if domestic applicant): RI
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: 100,000+
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Arts portfolio helped immensely. As I mentioned earlier, my dance technique is very refined and I am sure admissions officers liked the rarity of a male dancer.

Reflection

Strengths: Essays, portfolio, recommendations
Weaknesses: Test scores
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: My arts portfolio and I spoke from the heart when doing essays and supplements. I didn’t focus on what I thought they wanted to hear.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Haven’t applied anywhere else yet.

45

Decision: Rejected

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): didn’t take
ACT (breakdown): 33 superscore, English 31, Math 36, Reading 31, Science 32
SAT II: 800 Math 2, 790 Chemistry, 780 Physics
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): School doesn’t calculate GPA
Weighted GPA: n/a
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): top 10/ 800
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP Physics C Mechanics (5), AP Calculus AB & BC (5)
IB (place score in parenthesis): n/a
Senior Year Course Load: Honor Math, Honor Physics, Honor Chemistry, Honor Biology,Honor Chinese, Honor English(School doesn’t offer AP courses)
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): AMC 10 Honor Roll, qualified AIME,1st in China Division of Duke Math Meet, selected into National Team, 1st prize in National Math Olympiad of China, China culture ambassador nominated by Seoul Government and Chinese Culture Committee

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis):
School Olympiad Math Team Member
Student Government (Chairperson of Arts and Sports Department)
Minority Dancer, reached International Level, focusing on Xinjiang minority dances of more than 13 types
Selected to dance in South Korea and nominated Chinese Culture Ambassador by Seoul Government and Chinese Culture Committee
Class Dance Team Captain, taught students self-choreographed Chinese dance and won 1st place in School Dance Competition
Selected to dub the audio textbook for Mandarin- Uyghur Bilingual Schools, used by more than 2 million students
Captain of Class women basketball team
National Debate Competition top 8 debater in Beijing Division, qualified National Debate Championship.
Founder and leader of School broadcast station, created a program teaching more than 4000 Han students Uyghur
Tumblr Blogger, introducing Xinjiang food and recommending authentic restaurants

Job/Work Experience: N/A
Volunteer/Community service: Local Disabled Children’s center 150+hours
Summer Activities: Traveling, Harvard Summer School, solo trip, college visit and friends reunion
Essays (rating 1-10, details):
Common App: 8- Describe my role as a minority dancer and how dance shapes me to be confident and independent
Short Answer Questions: 9- Normal answers, but I like it
Intellectual Vitality: 9- Discussed how hosting and producing new programs teach me to take social influence into academic consideration.
Roommate Letter: 10- I like it a lot, talked about my quirky sides.
What Matters: 10- My favorite one, related my love of chili to my love of adventures

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

Teacher Rec #1: No idea, but I think it’s a great one
Teacher Rec #2: 9- Math teacher taught me for 3 years
Counselor Rec: 9- Principal, describe my active role in school community
Additional Rec: No idea, from my writing professor in Harvard summer school, but I think may be a good one.
Interview: 7.5- I made a few mistakes(English is my second language)

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Well… Yes
Intended Major: Communication
State (if domestic applicant):
Country (if international applicant): China, but I’m from Xinjiang, a region where no one ever applied to Stanford
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Female
Income Bracket:
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): First generation college

Reflection

Strengths: Geographical Location, Essays, my school record is actually pretty good, talent as a minority dancer?
Weaknesses: Test Scores, High school education? Maybe I’m from China?- Too many applicants each year and I’m not the best one?
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: My test score is not competitive enough, especially for applicants from China. No big honors, just a normal girl. Also I applied for financial aid.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Still waiting for UC schools and UT austin

General Comments:

Stanford was my reach & dream school, I subscribed all the YouTube channels of Stanford students, explored every aspect of Stanford. I did my best, and I was pretty sure I would be rejected before I saw the decision. But when I saw the decision, I was still disappointed. Anyway, It’s Stanford.

My advice to future applicants? Don’t be afraid to apply. Just do your best. After all, it’s Stanford. It’s OK to be rejected, life needs to move on. It’s not the school that matters the most, but what you do in college is the most important. You will end up in a school that matches you. Enjoy life in college!

46

[aB][asize=4][acolor=#008000]Decision: Accepted[/color][/size]**
DECISION: ACCEPTED

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1540/1600 – 790 (math), 750 (reading), 7/7/8 essay
ACT (breakdown): 34
SAT II: Math 2: 800, World History: 760, Chem 720
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA:4.51
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable):13/615
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP Human Geo (5), AP Chem (4), AP World (5), AP US History (5), AP Lang & Comp (5), AP Calc AB (5)
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: AP Comp Gov, AP US Gov, AP Spanish 4, AP Calc BC, AP Lit, Economics (Reg.), Health, Vocal Ensemble
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): AP Scholar, Gold Community Service, EG Youth Volunteer of the Year, All Delta League x2

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): vocal ensemble (section leader and student director),jazz band, Mathletes (youth commissioner), Challenge Day, varsity water polo (caption twice), varsity swim, Do Something Club
Job/Work Experience: swim coach and swim lesson instructor
Volunteer/Community service: a lot – worked in the nursery at my church, at the night for children with special needs, went on 3 mission trips to Latin America to work with kids with special needs, helped out with physical therapists, interned at children’s hospital
Summer Activities: went on mission trips, worked, swam a lot
Essays (rating 1-10, details): Common App (9/10 - it showed something about me that was nowhere else in my app, this project I did to further equality for special needs students on my campus), Intellectual (8.5/10 - talked about traveling a lot), Roommate (10/10 - I consider myself quite hilarious), What Matters to Me (8/10 - my faith and how it shapes my values)
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): 10/10

Teacher Rec #1:my calculus teacher, he’s known me since 7th grade and is in charge of some of my extracurriculars as well
Teacher Rec #2:my gov’t and AP human teacher, saw me freshman and senior year and I excel in those subjects.
Counselor Rec: didn’t see
Additional Rec: my water polo coach, who I also worked with as a coach for my swim team
Interview: N/A

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?:yes
Intended Major: Ethics in Society or Sociology
State (if domestic applicant):CA
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: public
Ethnicity:white
Gender:F
Income Bracket:120000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): legacy

Reflection

Strengths: my grades, my community service, my essays
Weaknesses:my ACT writing score (24), white, female
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: God is amazing. And also my app I think was authentic and strong
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Baylor University, accepted

General Comments: I’ve been dreaming about going to Stanford since I can remember and I’m so happy. If you are looking to apply, start now and be authentic. Look for some project to set you apart from other applicants. My brother got in because he worked to design 3D braces and prosthetics. I didn’t expressly look for a project but I followed my gut and started a petition against having special needs at my school pick up trash as a part of a class. It turned into this whole research project, bureaucracy fight and in the end it was successful but that’s what I wrote my essay about. I’d say grades and a good variety of extracurriculars are good to get in, but a lot of people have that. My advice is to look for something that sets you apart, that no one else has done. If you aren’t sure about applying, do so anyway. Shoot for your dreams you got this. And in the long process of waiting which has been killing me the past months, just pray a lot, and then let it go. Worrying can’t do much. :slight_smile:

47

Decision: Deferred

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2120 (old SAT) 690 CR 710 Math 720 W
ACT (breakdown): 34 (34 Writing 34 Reading 34 Science 33 Math)
SAT II: Did not take (extenuating circumstances junior year)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: My school does not rank
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): N/A
AP (place score in parenthesis): APUSH (5) Composition (5) (my school does not offer too many APs)
IB (place score in parenthesis): N/A
Senior Year Course Load: AB BC Calculus, AP Literature, AP Physics B, AP Government
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): none

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Varsity basketball (Captain) School Magazine (Editor in Chief) Improv Club (president) Girls Softball (manager)
Job/Work Experience: worked as a janitor at my local jewish center
Volunteer/Community service: spent 120 hours working with URMs cleaning beaches in Brooklyn
Summer Activities: Did Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies in 10th grade
Essays (rating 1-10, details): 11/10. Not trying to brag but my essays were phenomenal. Spent a month writing them
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): 9/10. I haven’t seen em but I have great relationships with the people who wrote em. And my physics teacher is a Stanford grad

Teacher Rec #1: 10/10. Actually got to see this one! It was rlly nice and thoughtful
Teacher Rec #2: 9/10. Physics teacher is the bomb.
Counselor Rec: 10/10. My college counselor must have wrote great stuff about me, and he also emailed Stanford constantly.
Additional Rec: 10/10. Got it from my SPCS teacher
Interview: 10/10. It went really really well. I was told at the end that I “would be a perfect fit at Stanford” so yeah

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Communications
State (if domestic applicant): NY
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Jewish private school on Long Island
Ethnicity: Jewish
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: ~140,000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Kinda first gen college. Also I’m a quadruplet and had a lot of hardship in junior year

Reflection

Strengths: Essays and being a quadruplet
Weaknesses: Grades, also didn’t do a lot of amazing internships and stuff
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I have a very interesting life story and I believe that I am a strong writer
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Accepted to Tulane, waiting on a bunch of ivy leagues as well as a couple of other school

General Comments: Don’t think about Stanford too much if you’re in the same boat as me. Do the optional update, keep pushing in school, and start looking at other schools. I’m treating this as a rejection until I hear back in March. And stay positive!

48

Decision: Rejected

I loved going through the CC results thread from the class of 2020, so I thought I’d stop lurking and \contribute to this one. Really wanted to go to Stanford, but I guess it just wasn’t for me.

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2240, 780 M 760 CR 700 W
ACT (breakdown): -
SAT II: 800 M II, 750 Physics.
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 43/45 predicted IB score
Weighted GPA: -
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): School doesn’t rank
AP (place score in parenthesis): -
IB (place score in parenthesis): Predicted & current scores: Maths HL 6, Physics HL 6, Economics HL 7, English L&L SL 7, Spanish Ab Initio SL 7, Business Management 7.
Senior Year Course Load: See above.
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): none really

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Model United Nations - 7 years (Secretary General) Organized school conference, participated in about 15 conferences over all, Blue House Sports Team (Captain), School Newsletter (Editor), Submitted a Patent application to the USPTO on own idea, related to advertising, Published mathematical paper on own theory in small high-school research journal, Online Data Science course “Data Science Specialization” on Coursera by Johns Hopkins.
Job/Work Experience: -
Volunteer/Community service: Volunteered at multiple different NGOs and other organizations over high school, about 300+ hours in total.
Summer Activities: Online courses,
Essays (rating 1-10, details):
Common App: 9/10 - Wrote about developing Patent idea and tied it into Data Science and future aspirations.
Intellectual Vitality: 9/10 - Identifying a relationship in maths from the number plates of cars while on a drive, tied it again to Data Science.
Roommate: 6-7/10 - Fairly normal, wrote about how I like climbing things, am good at killing mosquitoes with my hands and a few suggestions for our room.
What matters to me and why - 6-7/10 - Thought it was a pretty nice topic, the value of my word, but didn’t develop it as well as I would have liked.
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

Teacher Rec #1: 9/10 - Maths and Physics HL teacher. Spoke to my aptitude for my intended major, confirmed love for data science and wrote a bit about personal qualities. Didn’t read, but knew the teacher for a while and quite liked him.
Teacher Rec #2: 8/10 - Knew her for a few years, teaches economics and taught me in 8th grade as well. Didn’t read either, but she said it was very good and she talked a little about data and the patent app.
Counselor Rec: 6-7/10 - He joined the school in senior year and didn’t get the chance to get to know him very well. Probably quite a generic one.
Additional Rec: -
Interview: 9/10 - Started out a bit nervous, but went on really well, got the sense he liked me, talked for about 1 hour about a huge amount of things. Surprisingly, I ended up asking him more questions than he asked me.

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: No
Intended Major: Mathematical and Computational Science (For Data Science later), SymSys - backup.
State (if domestic applicant): -
Country (if international applicant): India, lived here for 10 years, but born in the US and a citizen.
School Type: Private (In India most people will be applying from private schools)
Ethnicity: Indian
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: ~150,000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):

Reflection

Strengths: Was focused on an up and coming field not so common among high-school students. Really interested in it and talked about how a lot of the things I’ve done in my life sort of lead me there.
Weaknesses: SAT I score, 2 of the supplementals, maybe counselor rec.
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Could be a whole host of reasons.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Haven’t heard anything from anywhere else.

General Comments:
To everybody else who was rejected, don’t feel disheartened, your achievments and the skills you’ve gained in the process are still very valuable. Now we have the chance to prove the adcom wrong :).
Even though it didn’t work for me, I still think the best thing to do is find something you love doing and demonstrate serious interest in it. Also, Admitsee is a great website if you want to check it out, along with some of the posts on PrepScholar.
Congratulations to everyone accepted, and thank you CC people, it was a fun experience. This is the end of my Stanford chapter.

49

Decision: Rejected

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2210
ACT (breakdown): N/A
SAT II: 800 M2, 780 Chem, 750 Bio, 740 Phys
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.00
Weighted GPA: 4.71
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): at least top 9% for sure!
AP (place score in parenthesis): three 5’s, three 4’s, three 3’s (oops!)
IB (place score in parenthesis): None
Senior Year Course Load: 6 AP classes
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): national merit commendation, some ap scholar ones, basically nothing special

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): many leadership positions, don’t want to go into detail, but I was pretty much sleep-deprived every day

Job/Work Experience: none
Volunteer/Community service: ~1000 hours
Summer Activities: volunteering, research, outreach camps, teaching/tutoring, study XD
Essays (rating 1-10, details):

common app: 7, could have been better
intellectual vitality: 8 pretty good I’d say
roommate: 10 , showed my personality
what matters: 7, could have showed more passion
short answer: these were perfect! 10!

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):
(didn’t read any of them)
Teacher Rec #1: 9 math teacher
Teacher Rec #2:9 english/history teacher
Counselor Rec: 9 regular counselor
Additional Rec: 9.5 violin teacher liked me
Interview: didn’t do

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Mech E
State (if domestic applicant): California
Country (if international applicant): N/A
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Chinese
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: “low” 6 figures
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): under-represented majority, musical talent: showed interest in orchestra

Reflection

Strengths: GPA, especially my two college classes, community service, arts portfolio, strong ECs
Weaknesses: Screwed up in 9th grade, SAT score too low. Not a minority, no legacy either, west coast applicant
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Stereotypical Asian male w/ high income going into STEM. Essays could have been much more better… didn’t have enough time
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Idk, we’ll find out. Stanford was my first app tho

General Comments:
No surprise I got rejected lol. Good luck to everyone else applying! Stanford is basically like taking a shot in the dark =)

50

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1320/1600 , 680 Reading, 640 Math, 22/24 Essay
ACT (breakdown): N/A
SAT II: 660 US History, 660 Math II
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.5/5.0
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): School does not rank, but running for Valedictorian so easily Top 20 out of 900
AP (place score in parenthesis): World (5), US History (5), AP English Language (4)
IB (place score in parenthesis): School doesn’t offer
Senior Year Course Load: AP Calculus AB, AP Government Politics/ AP Macroeconomics, AP Spanish Language, AP Physics 2, AP Psychology, Chamber Choir, AP English Literature
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): AP Scholar, POSSE Foundation Scholarship Finalist, Homecoming Queen (other school honors that are negligible)

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Engineering & Robotics (Founder/Prez.), Advanced Choir (Section Leader), Varsity Track & Field (Former Captain -injury-), Black Scholars Club (Prez.), Women’s Leadership Coalition (Co-Prez, Financial Leader), Gospel Choir (CFO), CSF/NHS (Treasurer then Prez.)
Job/Work Experience: AP Student Tutor (12th)
Volunteer/Community service: Z-Girls (Selective community service club for only top senior girls), Recreational Park Mentor/Counselor
Summer Activities: Park Camp Counselor/Mentor, Varsity Track Camp, Pepperdine YCS (selective)
Essays (rating 1-10, details): COMMON APP: (10/10)- Easily my favorite essay. I knew that the perspective I used on my chosen topic was completely unique, NOBODY else would have written it from the lens I did which makes me quite proud. Connected my background to my educational dreams and aspirations etc. I chose prompt one about sharing some of your background. Only shared it with my English teacher who also said it was great.
INTELLECTUAL VITALITY: (8.5/10)- Wrote about how taking AP Physics allowed me to see the entire world through a secret lens, almost like X-ray vision. Told it through a story that happened during a class experiment and made it very entertaining. Also connected the laws of physics to all of my other activities as well.
WHAT MATTERS: (9/10)- My second favorite essay. Instead of writing about some general quality like honesty, integrity, curiosity, etc. I wrote about the top row of bleachers in my high school’s football stadium. (Basically my happy/peaceful reflection place). I used that as an example of how my home is what matters to me and how it has shaped me to be the person I am today.
ROOMMATE: (7/10)- Least favorite of the three prompts. I didn’t know how to really attack the prompt in a creative way with such little space, however I shared some of my personality that wasn’t reflected in my application like a love for musical theater, soy products, and dream analyzing.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ESSAY: Talked about a grueling sand dunes practice with my track teammates that showed how our bond was strengthened through these types of experiences together. Wrote it like a movie scene in a way.
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): Luckily the teachers I chose all insisted that had a copy of each letter after they hit submit (even though I waived the rights). Along with my academic strengths, every single letter highlighted my personal qualities as well. Included that of, modest, helpful, dependable, witty, cheerful etc. I was really pleased with how personal each one was, it truly is important to have a genuinely pleasant relationship with your teachers.

Teacher Rec #1:(8/10)- HONORS PRE-CALCULUS(Junior Year)- Although the letter was a little short, it was extremely flattering. Attested to my mathematical intuition and achievements, strong presence in class and other small quirks that impressed her. She’s also head of the math department at my school so I’m sure that carried some clout.
Teacher Rec #2: (9/10)-SPANISH III teacher (Junior Year) - His letter was also very flowery in language and attested to my strengths in foreign language. Talked a lot about my personal qualities as extremely helpful, focused etc. Referred to me as “the friend we should all be lucky enough to have” and noted that I “seem to be most at home in an rigorous intellectual setting” etc.
Counselor Rec:(7/10) (All 4 years) Didn’t read but she is an advisor in one of the club I lead so it was probably pretty good. She has 450 other students to counsel so that may have affected it somewhat.
Additional Rec: (10/10) FAMILY FRIEND/SPANISH II TEACHER/COACH) (Known him since I was three years old)- Easily my most heartfelt letter. Noted some specific instances in his class but also highlighted how he has watched me grow up since I was a kid to now as a senior. Talked about how I wanted to show him my dollhouse at 3, then sat on the sidelines in elementary, all the way to winning Homecoming Queen as a senior. It was very long, a page and a half single spaced and thorough. Couldn’t have asked for a better letter from anyone else.
Interview: Not offered to CA applicants

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Management Science & Engineering
State (if domestic applicant): CA
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Very large public magnet (4000 students)
Ethnicity: African American
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: 100,000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): URM

Reflection

Strengths: ESSAYS, GPA, Recommendations, Leadership positions and long term commitments, URM status
Weaknesses:Test Scores, “Well Rounded” everyone says that’s a “weakness” nowadays so
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I’m sure there’s a bunch of reasons for a decision to go either way so I’m not sure if I can pinpoint exactly one thing. I think my voice and personality really shined through my application which is a plus when literally EVERYONE is so qualified academically.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Nowhere else yet, however I did send in UC apps already.

General Comments: Don’t fall for CC syndrome! If you are afraid to apply because you have a sub 1450, DO IT ANYWAY. Been here for awhile( since sophomore year) under different names and almost did not apply because of that but I’m so glad I did. Stanford has been my dream for years and now it is a reality. You never know what makes them accept you so you might as well throw your hat in the bucket if Stanford is your first choice. (They took two from my school REA which has NEVER happened before). Also reallllly polish those essays. In my opinion, those hold the most weight in your admission decision, especially for Stanford. I wrote each one like a movie scene and really drew a picture as if the reader was there, try not to bore your audience! No matter what though, if you apply in the first place it’s almost a given that you will soar no matter where you go, so stay optimistic and you’ll land where you are meant to be! Now I swore off CC when I got my decisions and now is the time. If you want to talk about anything app wise, share essays etc., PM me because that’s the only thing I’ll keep up with, cheers!

51

Decision: Accepted
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1490 (790M, 700R/W); 7/7/6 essay (20/24)
ACT (breakdown): didn’t take
SAT II: 780 Biology (M); 750 Math 1
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): my school doesn’t calculate, but I had perfect grades in my school
Weighted GPA: -
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): probably top 5
AP (place score in parenthesis): -
IB (place score in parenthesis): -
Senior Year Course Load: Biology (advanced), Chemistry (advanced), Algebra and Calculus (advanced), Geometry (advanced), Russian (as a first language), Literature, Physics, Computer science, History, English as a second language.
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Awardee of Russian National Biology Olympiad (13th nationwide),

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Biochemistry and Biotechnology clubs; Environmental research (leader of a research team and environmental activist); Member of Russian reserve team for International Biology Olympiad; Linguistics course (attendant and amateur interpreter); Small home business (initiator);
Job/Work Experience: none
Volunteer/Community service: Member of food sharing movement; Group trips to orphanages and specialized schools (organizer/initiator); our guide in Moscow (organizer of trips for tourists); Bird keeper and animator in Ethnoworld for free.
Summer Activities: Family vacation; Trips to orphanages; Volunteering as a tour guide; pre-college course in UC Berkeley
Essays (rating 1-10, details): Common App essay 8/10 about my growth from being a rational skeptic and debater to a sensitive searcher. Roommate 7/10 wrote in form of an introduction to an anonymous alcoholics (‘roommateholic’) club, but later realized that I didn’t tell much about my personality; Intellectual Vitality 8/10 wrote about an idea of ‘eternal return’ and tied it to my love for life and biology; What matters 9/10 wrote how I love Moscow despite it being the worst city in some aspects.
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

Teacher Rec #1: Biology teacher (5th-11th grades) 10/10; she thinks I’m a genius lol
Teacher Rec #2: Chemistry teacher (9th-11th grades) 8/10; she loves me but doesn’t know a lot about my personality
Counselor Rec: 9/10. She was my teacher for some time and actually loves me
Interview: didn’t have one

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: yes
Intended Major: Biomedical computation (i think I’ll switch to biochemistry or smth)
State (if domestic applicant):
Country (if international applicant): Russia, but I am a US Permanent resident (never lived in the USA yet)
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White, Russian
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: -
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): -

Reflection

Strengths: EC’s and essays
Weaknesses: SAT scores (although I don’t think they are bad)
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I guess I really stood out with my essays and love (can’t say ‘passion’) for biology and helping people.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected:

General Comments: Do what you want/like to do! In my country, if you plan to become a biologist (for example) you do everything connected with it and prepare for it, instead of being ‘well-rounded’. ‘Well-rounded’ is typical, and YOU ARE N O T TYPICAL in any way, so don’t pretend to be! And actually, don’t listen to anyone giving you advice here, because according to these people I had no chance of getting into Stanford :slight_smile: Spend a lot of time on your essays but don’t go crazy with them. Write from your heart and reflect on who you are, not who you want them to see you. Take risks with essays and be original, that pays off. By the way, I wrote all supplemental essays in a week the were due (intellectual vitality on October 31st lol). I am super amazed now so I can’t write normally. If you have any questions, please, CONTACT ME! I really want to see all of you getting into your dream school.

52

Decision: Rejected

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1290 (700 CR-W, 590 M, & 24/24 W) Retook on Dec 3 but haven’t gotten my scores yet.
ACT (breakdown): 30C (35R, 35E, 26S, 25M) Don’t know my essay score but my SAT one was significantly better.
SAT II: 800 Spanish W/out Listening, 680 Biology E
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.44
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1/106
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP Spanish (5), AP Biology (4), AP Literature (4), AP Art Drawing Portfolio (3)
IB (place score in parenthesis): School doesn’t offer
Senior Year Course Load: Government/Econ, Teacher’s Assistant, AP Physics 1, AP Calculus AB, AP Composition, Human Biology (Dual Enrollment: 1st semester), Medical Terminology (Dual Enrollment: 1st semester), Public Speaking (Dual Enrollment 2nd semester), Chemistry (Dual Enrollment 2nd semester [this class is subject to change, might not be able to sign up for it, if can’t sign up for it, will possibly replace it with Astronomy])
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): None, it’s almost impossible to have those in a non-sports related way at my school. Most of my awards are school related, one regional, and a few state.

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Interact (Treasurer), Success (Community Service Officer), Creative Writing Club (Vice President), ROAR
Job/Work Experience: Library Page, Agriculture Worker
Volunteer/Community service: All my extracurriculars except the Creative Writing Club. Also, reader at St. Anthony’s Parish
Summer Activities: 2 Dual Enrollment courses, Summertime Success, Daily St. Anthony reader, began my Senior Project
Essays (rating 1-10, details): I liked them but felt they were kind of repetitive. I think I had too much fun on them and forgot that they were about me. Should have strived to have them better represent myself. Probably 7.
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

Teacher Rec #1: Spanish teacher. Great recommendation, talked about my character, which I really liked. (9)
Teacher Rec #2: Math teacher. Okay recommendation. I should have used my English teacher’s instead. (6)
Counselor Rec: She liked me and thinks I’m going places. But I don’t think she took very long on my rec, so 6.
Additional Rec: Loved it. From my boss, and we get along very well. 10
Interview: None

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Human Biology
State (if domestic applicant): CA
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Small Public
Ethnicity: Mexican
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: 87,000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Minority, First generation (but I think I accidentally put that I wasn’t 1st gen in my app)

Reflection

Strengths: ACT E & W scores, doing Dual Enrollment Independently, rigorous course load, high GPA
Weaknesses: Extracurriculars, should have been athletic, test scores (especially math scores), no big awards
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Lots of geniuses out there and I’m not one of them.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: No where yet. I applied to UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Santa Cruz. I will apply to Brown, Cornell, Vanderbilt, and the University of Southern California. So we’ll see how that goes.

General Comments: At least I didn’t have to pay $90 to get rejected. I wonder if I had applied for an English major if I would have had a higher chance of getting accepted. If I could do this over again, I would not apply early action because this was my first college app and I basically had no clue what I was doing. So for future people, only apply early if you know what you’re doing. And make sure essays really represent you. Like if you dropped your application, someone could pick it up and immediately know it was yours.

53

Decision: Accepted
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1480 (770 Math, 700 ERM)
ACT (breakdown): 32 C, 34 M, 31 R, 30 E, 33 S
SAT II: 800 Math II, 760 Chem
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.981
Weighted GPA: 4.375
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1 of 546
AP (place score in parenthesis): European History (4)
IB (place score in parenthesis): N/A
Senior Year Course Load: (All courses at Community College): Calculus IV, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Principles of Biology (BI 211-213), US History (HST 201-203), Independent Study: Chemistry (CH298), Tutoring and Instructional Issues (ED125), Forensics (SP 221)
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): College NW Forensics Regionals IPDA Debate Bronze and 2nd Speaker

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): National Honor Society; Forensics; College Chemistry Lab Aid/TA for majors-level General through Organic chemistry (Lead TA for 2 years); Taekwondo (2nd Degree Black Belt/Kid’s Class Assistant); Middle College New Student Program (Peer Mentor); Organic Chemistry Research (One of only two students on campus); Church Youth Ministry; Reynolds Orchestra including Chamber Orchestra; MHCC Orchestra and Symphony
Job/Work Experience: College Math, Economics, Statistics, and Chemistry Tutor
Volunteer/Community service: Hospital Volunteer (Trainer for New Volunteers); Church Lector at Mass; Various Mini Service Projects (The Media Foundation, Food Bank/Pantries etc.), MHCC Chemistry Study Group and Volunteer Tutoring Organizer
Summer Activities: Community College courses and road trips
Essays (rating 1-10, details): 10 for sure. I think this is what really got boosted me.
Common App: 10 - My personal statement really gave a unique perspective into my life that really seemed to connect well with the theme of my other essay questions, and was something pretty quirky. Focused on my thirst for knowledge from various aspects.
What Matters Most: 9.5- This showed how much family meant to me, and I talked about how my father’s battle with memory loss inspired me to get into medical research.
Future Roommate: 12. Yes a 12. This was so much fun to write, and took the least amount of time. I went for that quirkier side, talking about how I take pictures of my meals all the time, how I always whistle songs in the morning, and talked about my gnome named G3W Terepcho (my Gen Chem professor gave me this).
Intellectual Vitality (still not entirely sure what that means): 9- I talked about my fascination with puzzles, and how I valued the diversity of perspectives on approaching problems, and how my unique ways have allowed me to really be able to help students through services like tutoring and being a TA
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): Didn’t read any but can give a pretty good estimation (Both teacher recs are Ph.D’s. One received their’s from Duke, and the other from Cornell):

Teacher Rec #1: 10 - This was my first college professor, and it was for majors-level general chemistry (CH 221-223). I had her for one year, and have been a TA and lab aid for her for my second year now. I am about the same age as her son, so she is almost like another mother to me. Had 100% in all her classes, and got the highest percentile on the ACS standardized examination, actually tying my score with one of the professor’s who tried taking the test that year.
Teacher Rec #2: 9 - I had her for the 300-level Organic Chemistry sequence (241-243/331-333). It was a very tough class, but managed to get all A’s, and I now do research with her, and it’s been a blast. Like my first recommender, I am about the same age as one of her children, so she also is like a motherly figure. I also TA for her organic chemistry students this year, and her nursing/dental-major chemistry students.
Counselor Rec: 9 - My counselor and I are actually neighbors, which is really nice. He has been a big supporter of me taking college courses since the summer of my freshman year, and always keeps in touch to make sure I am progressing well in school.
Additional Rec: Didn’t put any
Interview: 10 - My interview was so interesting and fun. Met at this cute coffee shop near downtown Portland, about 35-40 minutes from where I live, since pretty much every alumni is from the west side. The interview lasted over an hour, and actually ended because the next person being interviewed arrived, although she happened to be one of my good friends. We had a wonderful conversation, and I learned a lot from our time.

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Biology (planning on getting a concentration in biochemistry) and also maybe a double major or at least minor in political science.
State (if domestic applicant): OR
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: public
Ethnicity: Asian (Filipino)/Pacific Islander (Chamorro)
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: 150,000-160,000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): URM, both of my parents went to a college but never received a degree, I live in a region of the metro area that seems to always be viewed as inferior in academic performance compared to those schools on the west side that are generally wealthier and supported by former alumni.

Reflection

Strengths: I think the fact that I genuinely cared about every single one of my activities and hobbies showed, both in the interview and essays. My essays highlighted things about my personality that were interesting, unique, and quirky without sounding like a broken record. Also, taking classes at a community college including 300-level majors courses and already receiving two Associate’s degrees helped. Additionally, I had lots of support from my family and friends, which really motivated me.
Weaknesses: My test scores weren’t stellar. I only took them once and never studied, so I think I had the potential to score better. Only took 1 AP test, although it was because they only offered one during freshman and sophomore year, and then I went into the Middle College/Running Start program. I also don’t have the extensive list of awards and am not a team captain.
Why you think you were accepted: I think that in the context of my school and situation I excelled past many expectations that people had. My essays were very strong, with my personal statement being unusual (I talked about picking apart remote controls, electrical outlets, trying to learn my parent’s native languages, etc).
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I’ve only applied to ‘safety’ schools. Accepted: University of Portland, Washington State University, Coe College, Creighton University, Northern Arizona University, Pacific University. Still waiting on: USC, Washington and Lee (Johnson’s Scholar Program), Washington University in St. Louis, Reed College.

Advice to Students

Don’t be afraid to apply to Stanford. Even though the acceptance rate is excruciatingly low, if you show that you have a genuine interest for the things you do, then you will be on track for success, even if that turns out to be at a college/university other than Stanford. Also, watch out for the misconception of being a well rounded student. Yes, it is good to show versatility, but also focus on the things that really interest you. For me, that was becoming a chemistry TA, doing research, helping in the labs, and becoming a tutor. It’s a variety of activities, but it also centers around a common theme. Make sure to unwind though, whether that involves reading books, playing music, going for drives, etc. just remember that you deserve a breather.

54

Decision: Accepted

Objective:

SAT I: 1510/1600
ACT: n/a
SAT II: 750 Physics, 710 Literature
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): IB, so n/a
Weighted GPA: IB, so n/a
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 3/300
AP (place score in parenthesis): n/a
IB (place score in parenthesis): 43/45 Predicted. 776 776 3 <- You IB bunnies will understand that code.
Senior Year Course Load: Higher Level Physics (7), Higher Level Mathematics (6), Higher Level Economics (7), Standard Level French (6), Standard Level English (7), Standard Level Chemistry (7). 3 Bonus Points.
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): University of Auckland Engineering Science Competition (1st Place)

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis):

  • Road Cycling, Premier Captain, 5th Ranked Nationally
  • Duke of Edinburgh Gold, Silver, Bronze
  • Triathlon (NZ Team Duathlon Champion, 1st Nationally in Teams Duathlon 2015, qualified for Worlds)
  • School Prefect

Job/Work Experience:

  • Run my own technology company, with international (primarily US-based) clients
  • SAT Tutoring
  • Sold an old technology company that I used to run

Volunteer/Community service:

  • Junior Cyclist Coaching
  • Organised several fundraisers for World Vision and Tear Fund
  • Service trips to local schools.

Summer Activities:

  • Skiing
  • Meetings throughout Silicon Valley with technology companies after selling my first company
  • Bike crash (I cry everytime... :( )

Essays (rating 1-10, details):

  • Common App: 9/10. Talked about IP that I had designed and sold, and the failures I had along the way. Hopefully good, humble, reflective but also I had a lot of fun designing and marketing some cool stuff, so hopefully that comes through...
  • Intellectual Vitality: 9/10. Talked about how meeting a Stanford Professor on aforementioned trip through Silicon Valley changed my perspective on education. I went from the New Zealand system where you pick a degree and get it done ASAP, and how I found that I preferred the American way of trying a few things and working out what you really like. Linked it into an extended metaphor about skittles quite well, I think. That sounds weird, but you have to read the essay to understand it. I'll share it once I start at Stanford.
  • What matters to you and why?: 8/10. Probably my weakest. I talked about how I was inspired to try and help improve educational standards from those less fortunate than myself, so I organised a fundraiser and world record attempt, and we made a documentary about it that won a few awards. It was pretty cool what happened, but I feel like it was probably my most generic essay.
  • Roommate Letter: 9/10. Tried to make it quite casual and funny. Talked about how I can't ever sleep in like a normal teenager, and how I'm terribly messy. Self-deprecating but also provided an insight into my work ethic etc.

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

  • Teacher Rec #1: Chemistry - 9/10. Great teacher, got along with him really, really well. Great guy, good writer, went to Oxford so a bright cookie and would have written a great write up.
  • Teacher Rec #2: Economics - 8/10. Good guy, good writer. Got along with him well, but not as well as Chemistry teacher. Would've been some good stuff, but likely cobbled together.
  • Counselor Rec: 6/10. She let me read it. Pretty generic guff really.
  • Additional Rec: This got me in. Can't go into detail for privacy reasons, but it was amazing. 10/10.
  • Interview: Really great. Informal, conversational. We had a good laugh and I learnt a lot about Stanford, as well as communicating what I'd been up to in general terms in the past

Other:

Applied for Financial Aid?: No
Intended Major: Economics, Computer Science
Country: New Zealand
School Type: Private, Large
Ethnicity: NZ Pakeha, White
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: $1,000,000+
Hooks: Nothing really.

Reflection:

Strengths: ECs, genuine and probably original essays (mainly my Intellectual Vitality one…)

Weaknesses: Probably grades. SAT is bang on the Stanford Average, and I felt I could’ve done better in subject tests, mais c’est la vie. Only sat the SAT once (International Student and only decided recently to go for Stanford.)

Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: ECs honestly. I do a lot of work in the technology space, running a company, which really fits with the ethos of Stanford. Having sold a company fits the mantra of entrepreneurship too.

Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Nowhere! Only University in America I was interested in applying to was Stanford. I got accepted with a Scholarship to the University of Sydney, which was my backup plan.

General Comments:

If anyone is reading this for advice, I don’t know much, but the philosophy I put into place was to make a story for myself. I wanted to show the admissions department exactly why I would fit into Stanford, and that means more than a perfect SAT or GPA. You have to give them a reason to go “Hey, we need this guy,”. I did that with my technology, and you can use whatever you really love. That said, don’t make up some fake story to define yourself, be genuine - tell them what you actually love. If it was meant to be, it’ll be.
I also didn’t bother talking too much about stuff I wasn’t passionate about. I mentioned ECs I did, but didn’t love in my EC area in the Common App, but left it at that. All my essays were passions. Can’t stress that any more really.
To all who were accepted, congratulations!!! I look forward to meeting and studying with you all (Stanford is the place to go… :wink: ).
To those who were deferred - heads up, you have a great shot in the regular round. I’ve heard REA is harder?
To those who were rejected - Stanford is the most selective University in the world, and there’s a good deal of luck involved. Good luck for your other applications, you’ll all do great. If you’ve even applied to Stanford, you’re going to be incredibly talented and brilliant, no matter where you matriculate.

55

Decision: Rejected

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown):
New SAT: 1440 (670 Math, 770 CR-W)
Old SAT: 1940 (650 Math, 650 CR, 640 W), 1950 (630 Math, 630 CR, 690 W)
In hindsight I probably should have used score choice to hide the fact that my scores went down in two of the sections over time, but I wanted to demonstrate how much better my writing was.
ACT (breakdown): Never took it
SAT II: Math 1 670, French w/ Listening 700
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.0 (My school doesn’t weight GPA)
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): My school doesn’t officially rank but I’m consistently #1 out of 11 seniors
AP (place score in parenthesis): My school doesn’t offer these
IB (place score in parenthesis): None of these either, I’m not sure if this had anything to do with my rejection
Senior Year Course Load: Geometry, Physics, Reading and Writing Short Stories, Women in Literature, Research Methods, Botany, Musicianship, Senior Seminar, Dual Enrollment Pre-calculus (Math 137)
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): No major awards but I listed California Piano Certificate of Merit levels 5 and 6 as well as Le Grand Concours (National French Test) Level 3A Silver medal.

Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Ballet 5 years, Piano 12 years, Student Government 4 years (Treasurer junior year, President senior year)
Job/Work Experience: Summer Camp Assistant at a tech-focused summer camp
Volunteer/Community service: Volunteering for 4 years at the local hospital
Summer Activities: Touring colleges, working for the summer camp
Essays (rating 1-10, details):
Intellectual Vitality: 9/10 Talked about how an unguided dissection lab ignited my passion for using science as an interdisciplinary opportunity to study and explain the world around me
Common App Essay: 9/10 Told a story about overcoming my anxiety in order to become the best I could be, super cheesy story about overcoming but honest and emotional
What Matters to You?: 8/10 Explained how growing up introverted made me lonely and because of that I learned to value and protect other people’s emotions, also mentioned the opportunities I’ve created to give others a voice since when I was in their place there was no one to help me
Describe an activity: 7/10 Used piano as a metaphorical heartbeat for my life that sets the pace for everything I do, grounds me when I feel lost, and has taught me to attack challenges head on

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):
Teacher Rec #1: 7/10 French teacher who’s known me for 4 years, I had a full year of one-on-one classes with her and now co-teach two of her classes. She’s sweet and said tons of great things about me but I think the language started to sound repetitive because English isn’t her first language.
Teacher Rec #2: Unsure of ranking because I didn’t get to read the letter but I picked a science teacher who I’m also good friends with outside of school, taught me Physics, Chemistry, Geometry, and Calculus and was also the lead counselor I worked with at the summer camp
Counselor Rec: My counselor likes me and was the biology teacher that led the dissection I talked about, I’m sure it was good but I never got to read it
Additional Rec: I had my piano teacher write the additional rec because of how much I talked about piano, never read it but she really likes me and knows me outside of lessons as well because I grew up with her daughter
Interview: None offered in CA, but I think it would have helped me a lot

Other
Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Human Biology
State (if domestic applicant): CA
School Type: Extremely small private school with no religious affiliation
Ethnicity: Chinese-American (Chinese mom, White dad)
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: 110k-ish
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): definitely first generation college student, not much else to offer in terms of hooks though

Reflection
Strengths: New SAT scores, probably letters of rec and writing, eclectic short answer section responses, 10-15 classes of dual enrollment
Weaknesses: Not very many EC’s/awards and my school offers no honors/AP
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I think I was rejected just based on the mediocrity of my EC’s and awards, I think that I could have played it up to stand out more but I just didn’t know how at the time. I’ve definitely grown a lot since that application was sent.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Only heard back from Stanford so far, but I can update when I hear back from UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB, UC San Diego, USC, and USD.

General Comments:
Apply to Stanford even if you’re not convinced that there’s any chance you’d ever get in. I told myself for years that I’d never be able to do it, but in reality I was on par with tons of other applicants and even with many admitted students. It’s not about being the 2400 kid with a 5.0, it’s about having passion for learning and a determination to achieve greatness. Although I ended up getting rejected, I’ve had so much fun with this application and it helped me reflect on what I wanted and what I was passionate about. I learned who I really am and although I’m a lil bummed I didn’t get in, I know that I’ll end up somewhere awesome anyways. It’s a good experience and I don’t want anyone to ever back down from the challenge.

56

Decision: Rejected

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2180 (730,710,740 - one sitting)
ACT (breakdown):
SAT II: Math II 730, Lit 750
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.93
Weighted GPA: 4.46 (didn’t report)
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1
AP (place score in parenthesis): 3 AP’s - 2 5’s, 1 4
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: 3 AP’s - AP Lit, AP Human Geo, AP Physics + French 3
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Commended Student

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Student Council President (4 years, 8 hours a week) + some other leadership positions within school (all for four years each, 4+ hours a week)
Job/Work Experience: Summer retail job
Volunteer/Community service: Founder and president of a charity that has raised over 70,000 USD and has received several awards from the Indonesian government + president of another charity that has given half/full scholarships to 150+ impoverished kids in Indonesia - 3,500 hours in total for these two over 4 years
Summer Activities: Retail job
Essays (rating 1-10, details): 6/10, my teachers and editors all really liked my essays and so did I (I used to think they were like 9/10), but now I feel like they weren’t that stellar and their messages were kind of generic. My Common App didn’t show my personality that well, but I think my supps really did.

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

Teacher Rec #1: 8/10 - AP Science teacher, she wrote about my academics (I got the highest AP score in her class last year) and a lot about my EC’s (Charity + StuCo)
Teacher Rec #2: 6/10 - AP Cal teacher, talked about what I add to the classroom dynamic and how I am in the top 3 students of her entire teaching career (she adored me lmao)
Counselor Rec: Not sure, but it came from my principal and she’s very good at these things
Additional Rec: StuCo advisor, she talked basically about how community-oriented I am and about my work with StuCo

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes
Intended Major: Public Policy, Political Science
State (if domestic applicant):
Country (if international applicant): Indonesia (US dual citizen)
School Type: International
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: F
Income Bracket: Below 100,000 USD
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): I’m gay?? Not sure if that’s a hook anymore, but I wrote about the discrimination I’ve faced in Indonesia for being gay for my Common App)

**Reflection **

Strengths: Volunteer work, rec letters
Weaknesses: Average scores and academics, no math in senior year (AP Cal was the highest level math course in my school, but I already finished it last year)
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I think my essays were too all over the place. I mean, they were good, but they didn’t really contribute to an overall theme. I was trying to theme my application around how I am extremely community-oriented and my rec letters really helped that, but I only talked about caring about my community in the ‘what matters’ essay.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Haven’t applied anywhere else yet.

General Comments: I’m pretty bummed right now, but I know Stanford only accepts + defers a small percentage of REA applicants so I’m okay. I was expecting a rejection anyway lol. I’m glad I applied REA, because this application taught me a lot of things about the college application process, so hopefully I won’t make the same mistakes in the RD round. Looking back I think I should have applied to Stanford RD instead, because Stanford was my #1 school and I would have avoided making some of the mistakes I made applying REA. Congrats to everyone who got in! :slight_smile:

My advice to future applicants is not to let a lot of people know you’re applying. I originally kept it a secret, but one of my friends told my teacher and the teacher told everyone else, so my whole school knew I was applying even though I didn’t want anyone to know. They all thought I was a shoo-in, so I honestly don’t know how to tell them I got outright rejected. Especially since I am the only one applying to Stanford + Ivy League schools in my school this year.

57

Decision: Accepted

Objective:

Old SAT (breakdown): 2390/2400 (800M 800CR 790W b/c of 8/12 in essay lol)
ACT (breakdown): 36 (36E 36M 35R 36S)
SAT II: 800 Math II and 800 Chemistry
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA:
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1/400
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP Bio (5), AP Cal AB (5), AP Chem (5), AP Lang (4)
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: AP Stats, AP Lit, AP Physics 1, Economics/US Gov, Upperclassman Genetics course at University
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): 2-time AIME qualifier, 2-time ISEF Finalist, Biology Olympiad Semifinalist, National Merit Semifinalist

B Subjective**

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Research at local university about the central dogma of biology, Science Olympiad (Founder/President), Science Bowl (Founder/Captain), Mu Alpha Theta (President), piano for 10+ years
Job/Work Experience: none lol
Volunteer/Community service: Volunteer at nursing home over the summers and tutor students every morning.
Summer Activities: Nursing home (see above), Interned at a Duke cancer biology lab, National Beta Convention

Essays (rating 1-10, details): honestly what I think made all the difference
Common Application: 10/10 - Spent months on it, probably the best essay I’ve ever written (I’m usually the type of person who thinks everything I touch is crap). Wrote about my longstanding love for science and the many ways I have explored it through the years.
Intellectual Vitality: 9/10 - was also about science so could have seemed a little redundant. Talked about a research experience and how I was excited to uncover a problem, tackle challenges, and continue trying ideas for the future.
Letter to Roommate: 9/10 - demonstrated my knowledge of Stanford and briefly mentioned some of my favorite things about it. Then went into a talk about my conversion to a foodie and hope for our future friendship
What Matters to Me: 7/10 – could’ve been bad because it was about piano and I didn’t have a supplement. Also wasn’t too specific and was kinda stereotypical for an Asian. Wrote about how piano was a way to relax my mind and complement my science side.

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details): what I was worrying and freaking out about
Teacher Rec #1: 9/10 - my Organic/AP Chem teacher. I was one of her best students in her class and she loved me. Was also the Bio Olympiad Sponsor (strange I know)
Teacher Rec #2: 6/10 - my math teacher last year. I had one of the highest grades she ever had but I’m not sure if she knew me that well outside of grades and awards. I really didn’t talk to her that much so she never got to know my humor or my experiences. Probably generic
Counselor Rec: 9/10 - regularly got into touch with him and we talked a lot about college and everything I’ve done. Great guy who really thinks highly of me.
Additional Rec: Nope
Interview: 8.5/10 – Aside from a potentially dubious comment on my choice of beverage at Starbucks (peppermint mocha), it was pretty great! We talked for 45 minutes about what my interests, strengths, weaknesses, my fascination with speed, etc. The only potentially bad thing was that for my pet peeves when I just rambled something about communication. In the end, though, she told me I would be a perfect match for Stanford with my motivation and dedication.

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: Of course
Intended Major: Human Biology
State (if domestic applicant): Trying to maintain a tiny bit of privacy here, so let’s just say South/Southeast
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Chinese
Gender: M
Income Bracket: $60000-80000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Weak sibling legacy who attended a decade ago.

Reflection

Strengths: Scores/GPA, taking initiative of my own science learning, loving what I do, underrepresented geographical region
Weaknesses: Stereotypical Asian with STEM/piano accomplishments, no publications or supplements to show for them, potentially bland recs
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: I was very genuine in my essays and didn’t try to seem to be a perfect student. My curiosity and passion for science really shown through in my essays.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: Also applied to Harvard/MIT RD, will update

General Comments

For people who aren’t applying this year, you still have time to get your GPA/scores to the level you want. Working on those will make you more competitive. This is pretty cliché, but don’t do things just to look impressive to colleges. They’ll know. Outside of class, my advice would be to follow your passions and develop good relationships with your teachers. You don’t have be the best well-rounded student to get in.

For seniors, the only thing in your control now is basically the essays. It would make things a lot easier to start essays early in the summer (for future years’ applicants). Personally, I spent 4 months to write what the best essays I had ever written. I’m pretty sure that with mediocre essays, I would have been a faceless Asian in a sea of impressive applicants. The essays are super important, making you not just competitive but COMPELLING. Demonstrate your interests and show them what drives you to get out of bed in the morning (excluding coffee, unless you genuinely are interested in its properties or effects on society lol).

58

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): none
ACT (breakdown): 34, 35E/33M/35R/34S
SAT II: 740 Math II, 720 USH
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.92
Weighted GPA: 4.63
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): top5%
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP NSL (5), APUSH (5), AP Calc AB (5), AP Psych (5), AP Macro (4), AP Micro (4), taking: AP Lang, AP Studio Art, AP Stat
IB (place score in parenthesis): none
Senior Year Course Load: AP Lang, AP Studio Art, AP Stat, Linear Algebra, Personal Finance, Honors World, Science Internship
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Varsity Girls Golf (Founder), international book club (founder), Jack and Jill (secretary), School Journal (business manager)
Job/Work Experience: Marketing intern, work at VERY well-known awards show as an intern
Volunteer/Community service: 300 hours, various things
Summer Activities: Golf, marketing intern
Essays (rating 1-10, details):
Common App Essay: 9/10, talked about founding a varsity sport that is still a symbol of power and elitism as a black female.
Intellectual Vitality 8/10, talked about working the election polls as a teen. Pretty sure only three counties in the country allow students to do that, so even if it wasn’t particularly insightful it was a unique experience.
Roommate 9/10, made sure it was super specific and tried to do an actual letter to an actual roommate.

Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

Teacher Rec #1: 6/10, definitely generic, from my Physics teacher, definitely not a “bad” rec but probably didn’t add any additional insight.
Teacher Rec #2: 8/10, there was this long, drawn-out process for this teacher because everyone wanted this teacher and I got them so I am assuming that it is probably pretty decent if they picked me.
Counselor Rec: 10/10 DEFINITELY the best rec ever, checked “best in career” for everything except GPA (duh).
Additional Rec: 9/10, person was a fortune-100 director, wrote about how i will be successful.

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: yes duh
Intended Major: Product Design
State (if domestic applicant): East Coast
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Public, #1 in the state
Ethnicity: Black
Gender: F
Income Bracket: a lot
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): URM

Reflection

Strengths: essays, rec
Weaknesses: not strong STEM classes considering I applied for engineering
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: no clue? it would be hella hypocritical if I said that I knew why i got accepted after the fact, as with all these schools it is super random and weird.
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: no where yet

General Comments: good luck! #pray dm me if u want help

59

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): OLD 2350: 800 M, 790 R, 760 W; NEW 1550: 800 M, 750 R&W
ACT (breakdown): N/A
SAT II: 800 on Math II, Physics, Biology E, Biology M
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.67 / 5.00
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1 in 522
AP (place score in parenthesis): Environmental Science (5), Calculus AB (5), Statistics (5), Calculus BC (5), Music Theory (5), US Government (4), Human Geography (4), Physics 1 (4), Physics 2 (5), Biology (5), English Language (4), Capstone Seminar (5), World History (5)
IB (place score in parenthesis): N/A
Senior Year Course Load: AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, AP English Literature, AP US History, AP Capstone Research, AP Computer Science A, Linear Algebra, Science Department Aide
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Numerous Maryland State Music Teacher Association (MSMTA) theory and keyboard awards, National AP Scholar, National Merit Semifinalist, smaller local awards

Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Piano, Math Team (Captain), Envirothon Team (Captain), Chemathon Team, Key Club (President), Tutoring (biology, physics, chemistry, calculus), violin/orchestra (Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, section leader)
Job/Work Experience: Summer intern at county State’s Attorney’s Office
Volunteer/Community service: Kiwanis Club (see Key Club), Chinese School (led student volunteer organization)
Summer Activities: Internship at SAO, enrichment camp in China
Essays (rating 1-10, details): Common App (9/10), Intellectual Vitality (8/10), Roommate (9/10), What Matters (7/10)

Recommendations:
Teacher Rec #1: 10/10 English teacher; has known me for over 2 years, knows me well as a student and a person
Teacher Rec #2: 7/10 Biology teacher; has known me for over 3 years, but doesn’t know me as well as a person
Counselor Rec: 8/10 Same as Teacher Rec #2, but probably just has a nicer recommendation
Additional Rec: N/A
Interview: 9/10 Lovely interviewer; we actually went over the planned one hour by 10-15 minutes

Other:
Applied for Financial Aid?: Yes, CSS and FAFSA
Intended Major: (1) Biomedical Computation, (2) Mathematical and Computational Science, (3) Political Science
State (if domestic applicant): MD
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Female

Reflection:
Strengths: Academics (grades/classes), test scores (sort of)
Weaknesses: Stereotypical Asian (i.e. science and math, piano and violin), lack of stand-out awards
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: My applications was relatively well-rounded and diverse.

General Comments:

  • Always, always, ALWAYS get other people to proofread your essays. Especially people who know you well (i.e. family, close friends, a teacher who really likes you, etc.)
  • Don’t be repetitive in your essays. Saying something once in one essay gets the point across as well as saying it four times in four essays. You want to tell AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE in your essays, so find a way to make them all different.
  • Let your own voice and character shine through.Be honest and humble, but don’t be afraid to brag a bit. Just make sure you don’t sound conceited when praising yourself.
  • Be consistent. You don’t want an application that’s STEM-oriented and then say you want to be a Lit major. Or vice versa.
  • Don’t slack off senior year. Your senior year schedule is crucial, especially for top colleges like Stanford. They want to make sure the rigor of your senior courseload matches those of your first three years of high school.
  • Build good relationships with your teachers. Not only will this help you with college applications, but it will allow you to enjoy your classes more.
60

Decision: Accepted

Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1510 (760 M, 750 RW)
ACT (breakdown): 34 (36 M, 36 S, 33 R, 32 E)
SAT II: 800 Math 2, 760 Chem
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.49
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 3/~800
AP (place score in parenthesis): Chem (5), Calc BC (5), Psych (5), Comp Sci (5), US History (5), Lang (5), Bio (5), Physics C (5/5)
IB (place score in parenthesis): n/a
Senior Year Course Load: AP Stats, AP Enviro, AP Lit, AP Macroecon, AP US Gov
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): nothing major, just some little school awards

Subjective:

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Peer tutoring, Girls who Code, Heal the Bay club, Theater Production/set design
Job/Work Experience: worked at a restaurant over the summer
Volunteer/Community service: Worked at animal shelter
Summer activities: job, surf camp
Essays (rating 1-10, details): 8/10. I did more telling than showing :confused:
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):

Teacher Rec #1: 9/10, very close
Teacher Rec #2: 7/10, ehh didn’t get to read
Counselor Rec: ??
Additional Rec: none
Interview: none

Other

Applied for Financial Aid?: no
Intended Major: Chemical Engineering
State (if domestic applicant): CA
Country (if international applicant):
School Type: large public
Ethnicity: white
Gender: F
Income Bracket: 500K+
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): none

Reflection

Strengths: scores?
Weaknesses: not a lot of ECs, no research, and no major awards…
Why you think you were accepted/waitlisted/rejected: i think my essays were actually better than I thought they were, looking back especially the stanford specific ones really helped showcase who I am
Where else were you accepted/waitlisted/rejected: nowhere else for now, we’ll see about USC and the publics :slight_smile:

General Comments: I still can’t believe it. I think I proved that an unhooked applicant from CA with average ECs can still get into Stanford :smiley: work hard on those essays! as long as your essays show the real you, you’re good. I like to believe that the admissions officers tend to accept/reject based on fit, and so if your essays are honest, you’ll get the right decision. So if you’re rejected, it’s probably because you’re not a good fit for the school, and you’re better off somewhere else. You will all find a perfect match !