To apply or not apply....help?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>I have a basic list set of colleges that I'm applying to. Stanford (regular decision) has been on the border, and my mom and I have been having opposing views about applying there. My mom is using the "Why not? It can't hurt to try" argument, while I am taking the "I won't even get in, so why waste the time, money, and effort?" approach. I just feel like I don't have what it takes in comparison to all the other kids applying to Stanford. Here are some of my stats:</p>

<p>-ranked 16 out of 800 students
-SAT score of 2290 / ACT score of 34
-many AP classes and exams at a pretty good public school
-National Merit Semi Finalist
-some extracurricular activities (few leadership positions, but nothing special in particular)</p>

<p>As you can see, none of my stats particularly stand out, especially in terms of Stanford's standards. So what should it be? Apply, or don't apply?</p>

2

<p>Your stats are competitive enough for you to have a solid shot. In the worst case scenario, you just get rejected from Stanford. Big deal, as I’m positive there will be many other top-tier universities that would love to have you as a student. :)</p>

3

<p>You’re in the running academically, so it all comes down to your essays and your rec letters. If you think you have something interesting to say for yourself, and you think your teachers are likely to talk about you in glowing terms, then go for it. You lose nothing by trying.</p>

4

<p>Your stats are fine. RD is supposed to be slightly less competitive than SCEA so that might help you.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>