@orange8monkey
Hey there. I got a 1540 on the sat first try 790 math 750 english. 790 math 2 and 800 chem subject tests. Sat scores don’t seem to matter too much, though. Good grades and such, I’m in the band and on school weightlifting team. It’s exciting for sure.
Applying as chemical engineering major
@darkcrescendo Yes, SCEA (REA in Stanford’s case) is a non-binding way students can apply earlier and therefore be notified earlier. SCEA/REA does not allow students to apply to any other universities during EA/ED deadlines, but there are exceptions. Check out Stanford’s website to see the details:
[Restrictive Early Action: Stanford University](Page Not Found : Stanford University)
@bluepear2000 Hey!! I am applying for Fine Arts as well, and will be sending arts portfolio! And I also play tennis lol. Stanford does not require SAT Subject Tests, so if you don’t think you can improve your tests (above 750, depends on each subject tbh, maybe 700 for some?) then I’d suggest you to not send it. I’m taking the subjects on November and hopefully they will receive it before the decision is made. If you are also sending an arts portfolio I’d like to talk to you about it, cuz it’s pretty intense over here. Good luck!!
@AimingTop50 Good job, that’s a really good first try. And yeah, I agree with what you were saying about test scores though— I feel like Stanford also focuses more on the quality of the individual rather than just test scores, like some other top schools. I’m applying as a humanities major, but haven’t settled down on which yet. Chemical engineering is definitely one of the more difficult majors to apply into.
@bluepear2000 haha I’m sorta in the same situation as you— I got a good ACT but my SAT subject scores really sucked. And with the essays, I’ve started the roommate one and almost finished my common app. Yeah, they’re so open-ended, it’s really difficult to narrow down a focus.
@factoryboylol Yeah I’m also submitting a supplement! Remember, that means the deadline for REA moves up to October 15th instead of November 1st! (Definitely we should chat! I’m soooo stressed/excited about it, National Portfolio Day for me is this weekend too)
That is great great news!! I guess I won’t send them in then ahaha. But also I know that if new stuff comes up like new awesome scores or an award or you’ve gotten an internship placement or something you can always call them or have your counsellor add it to your file with them even after submitting the app, which I think is pretty cool
@orange8monkey . Yes, at least based on our own experience, Stanford seems to look at the overall application, especially how essays resonate with the reviewing adcoms.
Thanks @websensation
Are you applying, too?
i’ve heard mixed thoughts on this topic: is being from small-town midwest considered a slight hook for “diversity” at top-tier schools? simply because there are not as many people applying from these areas?
@cornfield from what I have read, actually yes, especially if you’re a strong applicant. Diversity in this sense is all about bringing people together with different experiences and progressions of life to create the most vibrant community possible. In this way, location plays a big part in that! If you’re one of the few applying from a particular area, that is definitely a plus they take into consideration. (not sure how much it weighs though…)
@orange8monkey No, I am father of a kid who got into Stanford REA last year but who decided to take a gap year. Because we went through this together and actually spoke with the adcom who reviewed our kid’s application, I feel like I have a slightly better insight than others. I do agree with someone who posted before that there are 3 groups of students who get in. Basically, if you are not in the first 2 groups, you have to write essays that “resonate” with the adcom. It’s like a movie that on the outside doesn’t seem all that interesting but after you watch it, you go “Wow, how did I NOT hear about this movie?” I strongly feel that the more you convey, without coming off cocky or trying to sound impressive, who you really are in a genuine way and influence the sensitive reader to empathize and root for you, better chance you have to be admitted. You can do it through several ways: genuineness, humor and/or honesty.
I really did not think my kid’s essays were awesome like some people say their essays were, but I did think they captured my kid well and he was genuine in his essays. I strongly feel that for him, it came down to his essays because his test scores and GPA were not off the chart, although his ECs were interesting and a little more unique than others.
I’m a Canadian applying to SCEA. Stanford says any American with an income of less than US$65,000 and typical assets (less than US$300,000) gets a full ride asides from the student (me) working at a job, and I fit everything aside from being American. Would it still be the same case for an international :(( ?
^ By full-ride, I meant my parents pay $0, and I pay like $2500 but it goes down to $0 if I work at a job while I’m at Stanford, therefore free university.
I was originally planning on applying to Harvard, but I got a 1470 on my SAT (780M/690RW) when I wanted 1500 or above, so I’m applying for Stanford right now because I feel like I can do really well on the short essays/questions along with having a score in their middle 50% (compared to Harvard with just a supplemental essay which I feel I wouldn’t do as well on and a below-50% SAT score), then taking the SAT again in December, then start applying to every other university in RD (or only Harvard if I get accepted to Stanford somehow ;
)
For example, one of my short essays (intellectual vitality) is a story on how self-studying US history was such an important thing to me that it made me realize how studying other subjects were equally as important, and how the only Canadian university options I have lack a wide offering of courses for me to flourish my huge eagerness to learn (as unis like UoT and McGill are too expensive) leading me on to say that Stanford would allow me an amazing opportunity of different and amazing courses. I also have an 800 SAT II USH score to show that I really did study a lot 
I couldn’t convey that on my Harvard app, but on my Stanford app I could, hence why I chose Stanford, because I feel like my essays could make up for my SAT score.
I’m super stressed out right now, I’m planning to apply the arts portfolio REA. But I’m really stuck with the common app essay, I’ve been writing drafts after drafts since summer and I feel like none of them are that good… any advice?
@literaltrash I’m sending arts portfolio as well. And I’m kind of done with CommonApp Essay but definitely not with the rest of supplemental questions. As cliche as it might sound, just be yourself. My first draft was so poetic. I sent it to essay review service and my friend, and they both said it wasn’t telling much about me. Just keep the description very little and use the rest to talk about yourself. What is it that define your way of living and thinking? What do you do? How do you affect people? You can use these questions to brainstorm. Other than that, good luck!!!
I would give yourself more time and apply RD. It’s better to apply with a stronger essay then than apply with an essay that you aren’t as satisfied with early.
Does anyone know if not sending official score reports looks bad? The website site says you can self report and don’t have to send anything official until you get accepted.
Neither Stanford nor any other college is asking applicants to read between the lines. So, take them at their word. Although considering that both ACT and SAT offer free score reports, I’m not sure why you would not send if Stanford is a top choice for you.
Obviously, you need to report your scores accurately, since you will need to send an official report if accepted, and any discrepancies can result in an acceptance being rescinded.
Just submitted my FAFSA… Now for the essays
Do you have to submit FAFSA so early? When is the deadline? I though Stanford financial aid deadline is not until Nov. 15?