<p>Asian, valedictorian of a somewhat competitive high school, class of ~690. High SAT, AP Scholar. Band leadership, lost a club president election because of one vote (yes, I voted for him which tipped it), other minor club things. Contributed to an iPhone app. HOBY delegate. </p>
<p>I'm typing all of this with a disappointing resignation. Stanford is probably my top choice and I want to do everything I can to get in, but I can't live with the recurring thought that it is too late. I'll give myself this: I can write. And write well. I could have sold many of my essays by now but I didn't (and there goes that for any college app recognition, huh). But will passionate essays, a good academic record, and a less-than-impressive societal contribution be enough. When people say "Oh yeah Stanford even rejected our VALEDICTORIAN! (Since people have a flawed interpretation of how great it actually is. I mean, it's not that big of a deal)," they will be referring to someone identical to me. I'm sure it's a combination of me being a little hard on myself as well as legitimately not having a chance, but CC decisions threads are usually the best of the best admitted. So I guess my question would be, well along with any other advice or response you may have, what's the most typical guy getting into Stanford like? I am hesitant to use the word typical, I get that there's no archetypal accepted applicant for a school like this, but you know what I mean. </p>
<p>tl;dr: I feel like the unimpressive valedictorian whom this refers to: "___ school rejected our valedictorian." What to do... class of 2014.</p>
<p>You’re obviously smart enough to become the person that you want to be. (Hint-it’s not a club president). </p>
<p>Which college you attend will not change that. Apply to a range of colleges and attend one that you like. Study what you want. Do what you want. Become the person that you want to be. Be happy. </p>
<p>Nothing worthwhile in the rear view mirror.</p>
<p>Writing this post was a waste of your valuable time. </p>
<p>Do what you love, become successful, and you will naturally become impressive.</p>
<p>The quintessential unimpressive way to brag without bragging?</p>
<p>Well lets end this thread. I clearly didn’t express my point neither effectively nor humbly. Can’t delete threads on CC so, lets just be done with this.</p>
<p>My previous post was lame, sorry about that.</p>
<p>You make some good points which I agree with, especially this:</p>
<p>“When people say “Oh yeah Stanford even rejected our VALEDICTORIAN! (Since people have a flawed interpretation of how great it actually is. I mean, it’s not that big of a deal),””</p>
<p>With regards to your question, I would say that a “typical” Stanford admit is an entrepreneurial type, although this is a stereotype of Stanford. I don’t know too much about Stanford though. I would say just give it a chance, whatever happens happens. Reevaluate your RD applications and be strategic. That’s all one can do in life.</p>
<p>That is not a typical Stanford admit unless you are talking about the graduate business school. They have all majors. A linguistics major is not likely to be the entrepreneurial type.</p>
<p>"I clearly didn’t express my point neither effectively nor humbly. "</p>
<p>Might want to check your grammar. Kind of unimpressive for a valedictorian.</p>
<p>i completely love your approach & your style…I think you have a confidence and style in your writing that any good college would love…</p>
<p>And to expand on this a bit more, I think you’re <em>exactly</em> what these colleges want…a strong writer with a good presence and smarts…the issue is what all of the kids here face…even incredible students simply aren’t noticed…use your strong style & personality…you are going to do great.</p>
<p>p.s. A friend told me that you pretty much need to discover a new species to be accepted into Stanford…so have a 2nd school in reserve. :)</p>