How Do I Prepare for Stanford's Summer Session for High Schoolers?

I've been considering applying to Stanford's summer session for high school students and wanted to know how to be a competitive candidate. Any advice on preparing for the application process or insights from those already in the program? Thanks a lot!

First of all, congratulations on your interest in Stanford's summer session for high school students! It's an excellent opportunity to experience life on a college campus and explore your academic interests. Here are some steps to help you become a competitive candidate:

1. Academic performance: Make sure your transcript is strong, as Stanford's summer session will be looking for high-achieving students who can handle the rigorous coursework. Focus on maintaining a high GPA and excelling in challenging AP or IB classes, especially in subjects related to the courses you'd like to take during the summer session.

2. Extracurricular involvement: Participate in relevant extracurricular activities that showcase your passions and interests, such as clubs, competitions, or community service related to the subject(s) you'd like to explore at Stanford. Having extracurricular involvements that align with your academic interests will demonstrate your genuine dedication to the field, as well as your ability to balance academics and extracurriculars.

3. Develop strong writing abilities: Excellent writing skills are crucial to crafting a standout application. Practice by writing essays for school assignments or extracurricular purposes, and consider seeking out feedback from teachers, advisors, or writing tutors to improve.

4. Research the program: Familiarize yourself with the details of Stanford's summer session and the specific courses you're interested in taking, so that you can create a tailored and thoughtful application that reflects your genuine interest in the program.

5. Prepare early: Give yourself ample time to gather any required documents, such as transcripts, and to craft your application essays or personal statements. Starting early will also give you the flexibility to revise or refine your application materials as needed.

When writing your essays, be authentic, thoughtful, and specific in explaining why you are interested in the Stanford summer session and how it aligns with your passions, goals, and experiences so far. Reflect on what you hope to gain from the program and what unique attributes you can contribute to the community. Building a genuine connection between yourself and the program will help set you apart from even other academically accomplished applicants.

Best of luck in your application process, and I hope you have a rewarding experience at Stanford's summer session if you ultimately attend!