<p>So I have always wanted to go to Stanford and I have always felt like a pretty smart guy, but now CC is making think that Stanford is basically impossible. I have a 34 ACT (with a 36 science, but an 8 writing) and an 800 Sat II Chemistry, planning to take the other Sat IIs in June. I have played Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball my whole life but have never been best in my school. I have great grades and have done some leadership things, but I don't have anything truly spectacular or eye catching on my resume. I am from a town of >500 people in upstate New York which might mean something, but I kind of doubt it.</p>
<p>Anyway, is Stanford out of reach for someone like me who has not cured cancer or stopped global warming?</p>
<p>If you haven’t done anything impressive, it’s probably out of reach. It doesn’t take something drastic but with the number of quality applications they receive, you have to have some significant accomplishments outside of your GPA/scores. They’re looking for a solid internship or some state-level awards, not solutions to a global crisis.</p>
<p>There’s a ton of slots in their admitted class reserved for athletes, which makes it even more competitive than it already seems. </p>
<p>There’s nothing particularly special about Stanford so don’t get caught up in it. It’s a great university, without a doubt, but there are many great universities.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick reply! I guess I should accept that Stanford is everyone’s dream school and look harder at USC. Out of curiosity do you (or does anyone) know of things kids have done over their last summer before applications that can help them stand out?</p>
<p>don’t be too quick to rule out schools like stanford! i never did anything really “exceptional”-- no major awards, no research, nothing. but i did tell a pretty interesting/compelling story in my essays, i guess, and along with my high scores/grades, which i’d assume you have, i guess that was enough. i was accepted to harvard, stanford, and yale, and i’ll be attending stanford in the fall.</p>
<p>especially on cc, we hear so many stories about exceptional people getting into top schools. it’s easy to forget that not everyone at schools like stanford is a published novelist or has 6 patents. i didn’t believe it until i got my acceptance letter, but there’s room for “normal smart kids” too!</p>
<p>best of luck :)</p>
<p>DelAcad, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to win a state competition or even compete in one to be accepted to Stanford or any great school. Just have good grades, be active in your community, and give it a shot.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input, I’ll still apply and if I get lucky I’ll be ecstatic and if not, oh well.</p>
<p>Nothing is out of reach. The difference between possible and impossible lies within a person’s determination.</p>