What should I work on the most if I want to improve my chances of getting into Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

Hi everyone,
I know this isn’t a chance me type question, but this seemed like the best place to post it.
I have been aiming to go to Stanford for years now, and it is my #1 dream school. I know my odds for getting in are low, but I was wondering if you all could give me some advice on what to work on? I am currently a junior in high school. Also my academics are fine (4.0, 1570 on SAT, lots of AP’s, etc), so I’m mainly asking about extracurriculars. Thanks!

Extracurriculars:
Lead trumpet player of my high school’s jazz band, which is one of the best in the country. The band has won the national competition 4 times (although not while I have been a part of it), performed at Lincoln Center, and played with the Seattle Symphony

Volunteering ~100 hours, tutoring students in math and on trumpet, as well as doing trail maintenance.

Founder and President of Engineering Club at my school
Member of several other clubs

Leadership position in an outdoors organization at my school.

Cross Country (Varsity, but barely), and Track

Lastly, my father got a PhD from Stanford in 1998, which might help.

Anyways, what do you guys think are the biggest things missing from my application?

2

Well, what do you want to major in? What’s your passion? If you want to go into engineering, try and secure an internship or research position at a local university. If you love the trumpet, try to get to the level of a state symphony or otherwise recognized position. You have a lot of activities, but not too much depth in a single area. I think that’s where you can improve the most.

Best of luck to you! :slight_smile: Chance me back?
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1966406-chance-me-upenn-ed-yale-brown-princeton-etc-will-chance-back-p1.html

3

4.0 W or UW (or both…?)

ECs are not focused, try to attend some major related summer camp or internship. Legacy will be a bump for sure, but its not a golden ticket.

Engineering club - more details? (like what have you guys done, is there any outreach, any media coverage, did you meet the POTUS jk, did you make $80B jk, etc)