Stanford SCEA?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Hi! I'm wondering if I would be considered a strong applicant for Stanford Early Action in the 2013-2014 admissions cycle. I'm having difficulty choosing between this and Yale - I've heard that Yale's EA is slightly easier than Stanford's, but Yale defers a ton while Stanford does not.</p>

<p>Ethnicity: South Asian Indian
Location: Greater Seattle, WA Area
Intended major: Applied Economics and Math</p>

<p>GPA: 3.986 UW (So far - I've only had two A-'s)
SAT: 2300 (750 M, 770 CR, 780 W) - I've only taken it once.
SAT Subject Tests: Will take Math II and Lit</p>

<p>AP/College Classes:
- Taken: World History, Calculus AB, Physics B, English Literature, Psychology (5's on all exams), University of Washington IT
-Will take Senior Year: Chemistry, Government (American), Statistics, Macroeconomics (had to petition to get that), UW English</p>

<p>Extracurriculars and Leadership:
---Technology Student Association:
-------Chapter Officer (2 years - Reporter, Sgt.-at-arms), State Officer (Reporter, Vice President-Elect), National Officer (Information redacted for privacy)
--------Awards won: 2 national awards (1st place and 2nd place in debating technological issues in two different years) and 10 state awards (events include extemporaneous speech, debating tech issues, web design, movie production)</p>

<p>---Knowledge Bowl (four years - state qualifier my junior year)</p>

<p>---Hi-Q (Quiz Bowl competition - 2 years) - 2nd in state 2012, 3rd in state 2013; was the team secretary/treasurer in 2012 and the team vice-president last year. I had to leave because I was too busy with schoolwork and other commitments</p>

<p>---Mock Trial (two years) - 3rd place at districts and 15th place at State (2013)
We're a really young team, and Junior year was my first year. I'm surprised we did so well.</p>

<p>---Managing Editor of an Online Public Policy Journal - I manage writers from all over the country who report on public policy and give op-eds from a libertarian/conservative standpoint. We have over 25,000 likes on Facebook. Some of our contributors even include Republican congressmen and candidates. I would give the name, but I value privacy.</p>

<p>Volunteer Hours/Community Service
---Head organizer of an annual benefit concert for Help the Afghan Children (>$1100 raised) (~200 hours spent)</p>

<p>---Volunteer in my city's Public Works/Finance Depts. as a summer intern (~75 hours)</p>

<p>---National Honors Society member for three years (at my school, NHS starts sophomore year) --> Probably around 50 hours of comm. service so far with more to come Senior Year</p>

<p>---I am a General Future Planner at an educational consulting service my twin brother started. I do a lot of tutoring, schedule planning, and future advising for students that need help. (~25-30 hours)</p>

<p>Essays/Recs: I'm not going to try to quantify something so subjective. I won't factor that in just yet.</p>

<p>So how do I look? Do I stand a fair shot? Should I risk the deferral at Yale, or should I do Stanford instead? Your feedback is much appreciated :)</p>

2

<p>Oh and I’m involved in both Class Congress and School Senate. I have been since sophomore year and will continue to be in those two organizations.</p>

3

<p>First off, there is no evidence to suggest that Yale SCEA is “slightly easier” than Stanford REA. They’re both among the most selective schools in the country, meaning that they’re both long shots for almost all applicants. The difference is that Yale defers about 66% of the SCEA pool, whereas Stanford defers about 10% and rejects close to 80%. Stanford likes to make final decisions whenever possible, thinking that deferrals are somewhat cruel to applicants. Because of this, it defers very, very few people. This doesn’t mean it’s harder to get into; it just means that you’ll be more likely to get a final decision from Stanford. Having said all these things, you should know that a deferral isn’t bad. I know several people who’ve been admitted after a deferral. You should apply early to the one that you like more. </p>

<p>Academically, you’re a competitive applicant, meaning that your folder will move past your regional admission officer for further appraisal. In short, you definitely stand a chance. As you’ve probably read on here, no one can tell you anything accurate past that. </p>

<p>However, you seem to be lacking a passion for one or two things. Based on the people I’ve seen admitted and my own classmates, Stanford seems to really value sincere passion. It thinks that passion is a transferrable personal quality: people who are passionate about certain things are likely to be passionate about (and thus engaged in and good at) other things as well. Highlight those things about which you are passionate when you sit down to write your application. </p>

<p>At this point, all you can do is work on those essays. When you sit down to write them, focus not on getting in but rather on representing yourself authentically. The essays that stand out really are those in which a student’s genuine voice stands out, so discuss something about which you care in a writing style that reflects your own voice. Also, have a look at this blog:</p>

<p>[Confessions</a> from Stanford – ARCHIVED](<a href=“http://confessionsfromstanford.blogspot.com%5DConfessions”>http://confessionsfromstanford.blogspot.com) </p>

<p>I found that it really showed me how to let my voice come through in my essays. Plus, it also provides insight into the type of person Stanford is looking for.</p>

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<p>My passion is in social economics/policy - that’s why I’m involved in a lot of gov’t/economic policy ventures with hours spent in them - and TSA (I mean, achieving national office in a CTSO warrants passion). Those somewhat intertwine due to a similar passion in leadership roles.
I see what you mean though! I definitely know what to write on my “What matters” and “Intellectual Vitality” essays now! Thank you!</p>