You know the phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” Take it to heart. Picking up a sport, a language, a hobby, or a skill is infinitely harder the older you get. Do yourself a favor now and get involved in whatever you can. By the time you need to apply, you’ll be the cream of the crop.
Keep your career goals in mind when it comes to choosing classes. For example, becoming a doctor would require Algebra 1, 2, Geometry, Calculus, Trigonometry, and any other math classes you have offered in your school along with Physics, Chemistry, and any other science classes you have. For art/design careers, physics, geometry, art, and computer design are wonderful. Be aware that Stanford recommends 4 years of English with an emphasis on writing and literature; 4 years of Mathematics with emphasis on algebra, trigonometry and geometry; 3 years of History/Social Studies, preferably with an essay component; and 3 years of laboratory science, such as biology, chemistry and physics. Three-to-four years of a foreign language is also recommended.
That being said, you can get into this school with a less than perfect GPA. If you have a 3. 5 but you invented a school curriculum that 10 states have adopted, you’ll still get in. You just may end up going to MIT instead![3] X Research source To maintain a high GPA, you have to maintain good activities and good extracurriculars. Also, it is important to have good relationships with your counselors and teachers.
This is important because Stanford weighs certain classes against others. The more AP classes you have – and if you get good grades in them – the more impressive your application will be. Harder classes are given more consideration.
No extracurricular activity has more merit than another at this college. As long as you can prove you’re sticking with it and advancing, it’s impressive. Participate in clubs that your school has, like Student Council, Spirit, Debate, or NHS. Run for class president and be one of the officers. Participate in a school play. Start an environment group. Be as well-rounded as possible.
Look into volunteering at your local hospital, animal shelter, homeless shelter, nursing home, daycare, or with larger groups like Habitat for Humanity. If you’re interested in an organization doesn’t have an established volunteer program, ask! Very few people turn down those willing to work for free.
Two SAT subject tests are recommended, but are not required. You will need to include official results if you choose to submit these tests. Take reading and math, as this is pretty much the bare minimum of the two tests. Take writing if possible. Go on websites like number2. com in middle school so you will get a perfect score in high school! If your results are less than you were hoping for, don’t let it keep you from applying. There are a dozen other things being considered in addition to your test scores.
Both students A and B did things that were very impressive and required hard work – no one’s going to argue otherwise. However, student A did things that most people could see themselves or someone they know doing. As for student B – how they heck did they get involved with the UN at 17?! They must have something special about them. Even though student B got lucky, attended a conference and just schmoozed the right people, no one knows that. They just know that student B did something incredible. Something they can’t explain. And that’s impressive. Stanford loves impressive. [5] X Research source
“Restrictive Early Action” should only be used if you are confident Stanford is your first choice. Conduct a thorough search of other colleges before you assume this is the action you should take. Visit admission. stanford. edu/arts for information on submitting the arts supplement. If you are serious about the arts and intend on pursuing them in some form (no commitment to pursuing them at Stanford is necessary), consider this section of the application and its respective deadlines.
You must apply online unless you have special circumstances that prevent you from doing so. Stanford University only accepts online applications unless you are given special permission to send in paper applications.
Your high school transcripts are also required. Your school has the choice of sending them electronically or by mail. There are three forms that must be completed: the Secondary School Report, the Mid-Year School Report and the Final Report. These forms can be completed or downloaded at the Common Application Web Site. You must also send in a $90 non-refundable application fee with these forms. If you’d like to have the fee waived, talk to your counselor and fill out the necessary form online or fax it to (650) 723-6050.
These evaluations must come from 2 different core subjects. Examples of accepted subjects include Math, English, Science, Foreign Languages or History/Social Sciences. You may take the option of including a third letter not from a teacher, if you feel it would round out the impression you give of yourself. However, this is optional and a third letter will neither increase or decrease your chances.
It is possible to write an essay on your love of ice cream and get in. [6] X Research source Don’t think you have to write your standard “Look at how awesome I am” essay – at least directly. If you show you have drive, commitment, and are willing to step out of the box, you stand a decent chance of getting in.
You should always, always have safety schools up your sleeve. If Stanford doesn’t work out, you need a backup plan. If they accept you it doesn’t mean you have to go!
Yep, Stanford is a very, very expensive school to attend. You’re looking at over $13,000 a quarter. [10] X Research source But again, don’t write it off. Stanford knows it’s expensive – it wants to help you out. It doesn’t care whether you’re the best of the best – if you need aid, you will receive it. Apply for the CSS PROFILE (College Scholarship Service) and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. It’ll take about 20 minutes and should be done by January. [11] X Research source
Traditional students abide by an earlier timeline – they apply by January. They’ll also get notified by April, whereas you’ll get notified by May.
Only classes in which you obtained a C- or higher will be counted toward your degree. What’s more, only coursework from accredited universities that is similar to what Stanford offers will be accepted for credit. [12] X Research source In order to obtain a degree from Stanford, you need to complete at least two years of coursework at the university. [13] X Research source
The process for you is very similar to process traditional students undertake. Instead of just high school transcripts, you’ll be offering up your college ones, too. The same fees apply. [14] X Research source
Just as with the traditional students, you may submit an optional third letter from someone other than a teacher who knows you well and can round out your character. It will neither increase or decrease your chances. [15] X Research source Have your instructors submit them online, if at all possible. Stanford is trying its hardest to go paperless and highly prefers online submission.
Translation of official transcripts and teacher evaluations into English is required. Original copies of your instructions should also be translated. These translations should be by teachers or school administrators who know English well. You can also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if you are not a native English speaker. The test is not required, but is recommended.
If you don’t get in, don’t stress. Getting in as a transfer student is even more difficult statistically than getting in as a traditional student – in recent years, somewhere between 1 and 4% of transfer applicants get accepted. That’s because only 20 to 50 spots are open annually. If you don’t get in, you’re in good company.
