How Did You Get into Stanford?

To people who have been accepted to Stanford, what do you think made your application stand out? What were your stats, extracurriculars, essays, and strategies? Just trying to get a feel for what they're looking for!

As someone who has studied college admission trends, I hope I can provide some insight on what successful Stanford applicants often have in common. While I can't share personal experiences, I can tell you that the secret sauce often boils down to a strong academic profile and well-developed extracurricular interests.

Academically, successful applicants usually have high GPAs, SAT or ACT scores in top percentiles, and rigorous course loads. While there isn't a specific cutoff for admission, a higher GPA and test scores make you more competitive. To get a feel for what their average accepted applicant looks like, take a look at Stanford's class profile.

Next, let's talk about extracurriculars. Stanford, like other top colleges, values depth and passion in its applicants. This means having a combination of 8-10 extracurricular activities, with some being seasonal. Typically, it's not about having a list of dozens of extracurriculars, but rather excelling and demonstrating leadership in a few, preferably expressing a "spike"—a highly developed specialty.

For example, a successful applicant may have the following extracurriculars:

1. President of their school's robotics club and led them to win regional competitions

2. An original research project on climate change, which they presented at a state science fair.

3. A community service project they created and managed, which benefits the local environment.

Essays are another important piece of the puzzle. They should provide insight into the applicant's personality, values, and growth. It's crucial to avoid cliché topics, and instead focus on sharing unique stories or experiences. Top applicants would use their essay to demonstrate how their spike and personal qualities have shaped them, tying them to their future goals.

Lastly, successful applicants often have strong letters of recommendation that attest to their academic abilities, character, and commitment. It's important to choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths. Maintaining good relationships with teachers, coaches, or advisors can be key to securing these letters.

Also, be sure to check out this CollegeVine article for more in-depth advice on making your Stanford application competitive: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-does-it-really-take-to-get-into-stanford

Remember, while these are common factors, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to getting into Stanford. Every applicant is different, and the admissions committee takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications. Make sure to give yourself the best shot by being authentic, passionate, and reflective in your application. Good luck!