Since both Fall Quarter and the admissions cycle are rolling around, I thought I'd offer to restart another one of these threads for any incoming students or interested applicants! I absolutely loved my time at Stanford, having made some of the best friends and best memories of my life during my time there, and love talking about the school (hence this post). I am a:
-(Relatively) recent Stanford graduate
-Former Frosh dorm RA
-Biology major with a concentration in neurobio
-Volunteer alumni interviewer for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions*
-Current medical student at a US MD-granting institution
But I'm happy to answer any general questions outside of those areas to the best of my ability. I'll try to check CC to respond when I can, but med school can be quite busy. Hopefully other Stanford alums and current students will contribute to this thread as well. :)
*Remember that, as an alumni interviewer, I am not privy to all the inner workings of undergrad admissions; moreover, some of the information they do tell us is confidential. So please don't ask about chancing.
MODERATOR'S NOTE: CC doesn't allow threads to be monopolized by one person. Anyone is free to ask or answer questions in this thread.
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Ask a recent Stanford grad & admissions interviewer (almost) anything!
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Should I delete my ACT score?
I'm a senior this year applying to Stanford and my SAT is 1560 but I got a 30 on the ACT without essay. On Stanford's website it says they focus on the highest composite, english, and writing ACT scores. They also require to send all ACT and SAT scores and require the SAT with essay or ACT with essay. What made my ACT score lower was a 26 in science. I got a 32 on the english section which is better but still not where I'd like it to be. I can't sign up to take the ACT before early admissions but I do have time to delete the score if need be. Should I keep the score and hope that they don't focus on the ACT score too much or delete the score but have them wondering why I didn't take the ACT? Also, I already checked, the ACT score is not on my transcript.
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GCSE grades
So those of you who do the British system would know that GCSEs are a two year course from year 10 to year 11 (which is grade 9 to grade 10- freshman and sophomore years). So when we first start the course, we are assessed at the same level we would be in two years time, and for those two years we work towards a single exam. During those two years, I received a considerable number of As and Bs (and even a couple of Cs at the start), however, this was quite early on in the course and all of these grades did not involve coursework. In my final exam, 6/10 of my subjects involved coursework. In the actual GCSEs therefore, I got 9A*s and 1A. I want to apply to Stanford, but I was wondering if my transcript would disadvantage me alot?
My school transcripts are based entirely on internal exams, while GCSE is a public qualification, and I ended up doing better in those. Would GCSEs be weighted as more than my school transcript since they are public exams and well recognised, while school exams are internal?
Also, do they count As and A*s differently?
Thanks.
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Incoming freshman considering Econ & CS
To all those Stanford CS minors:
I have no programming experience but am fascinated by CS and after living in a house full of CS majors I know that it's something I would like to study.
My question: how difficult is the CS minor at Stanford? Difficulty meaning mostly workload and ability to comprehend when coming with no programming experience. Planing to start with 106A.
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Chance for Stanford?
I didn't really want to apply to Stanford but my parents convinced me to do it. Not sure if my stats and EC are considered low. Also, I'm not a good writer, and don't have much leadership. I am planning on applying for Biology
GPA uw: 3.98, weighted: 4.38
SAT:1420
SATII:
Bio E: 800
Chem: 730
Math 2: 750
AP: Biology (4), Chemistry (5), Physics 1 (5), Psychology (5), Calculus BC (IP), micro+macro econ (IP), Statistics (IP)
Currently taking: AP Calc BC, AP Stats, AP Econ, Principles of Biotechnology, Physiology, Shakespeare, American Democracy
EC:
School Swim Team
Karate
Shield and Scroll Honor Society
"Explainer" at museum
Reconnect Club (Co-Founder, Co-President)
Lawrence Hall of Science Volunteer
Spirit Committee
Volunteer at pool
Peer Mentor
Ping Pong Club
A lot of these EC are recent or only done for 1 year.
Hoping I can get some ideas or advice on if applying would be worth. Thank you!
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AP subjects to take
So, I'm interested in business and was wondering if I were to take AP European History how would that affect my chances with applications. I'm doing Chemistry AP, English AP, Math 31 and 35 AP, and Art AP. The way my school has AP set up is that it blends the required curriculum and the AP curriculum together. So, it's very difficult to get more than 5 or 6 AP's without being overloaded with course work. I'm just wondering what courses I should take to have the best chances with Stanford.
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Could I get into Stanford?
Hello,
Since I've started college my grades aren't that bad. I've passed almost all my classes with As and one B. However, during my freshman fall semester of college, my grandfather unfortunately passed away and with my culture/religion I actually had a role to play in the funeral (so it was mandatory I must attend). Anyways, my professor FAILED me for that course with an F. Despite all my great test and homework scores she actually failed me. When I talked to the administration about it they said they couldn't do anything because my grade all depended on my professor. The class was college algebra and my professor wouldn't even talk to me about it when I asked her.
The next semester I was taking health online and my professor made it insanely impossible to pass the class. She would take off an absurd amount of points if you got one question wrong. It was the same thing with the essays and the only time I could actually get a fair score on something was on quizzes. I decided to drop the class but it will show as a "withdrawal" on my transcript.
I really want to go to medical school, especially Stanford Med. I am involved with extracurriculars, volunteer work, internships etc and my current grades for this semester are As. Since college algebra isn't a required course for medical school I don't know if it'll matter that I failed it the first time (I retook it and got an A).
With these two setbacks do you think I could get into Stanford?
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Handwritten / Mailed Recommendation Letter?
I have a teacher who only writes handwritten, mailed recommendation letters. I know Stanford says that it accepts a mailed supplementary recommendation letter, but the website does not say much about handwritten recommendations as part of the 2 required ones. Does anyone know anything about this?
Thanks
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Stanford Admissions
I was wondering what my chances are of getting into Stanford. I currently have a 4.7 gpa going into my senior year as well as a 1570 on my SAT. Also I have been rowing for 4 years ( I am 6 feet 4 inches), started 2 clubs at my school, and do many other extracurriculars. My AP scores are a 4, 4 and a 5. Lastly my sister is going to be attending Stanford as a junior.
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Chance me at Stanford?
Resume
I am a concurrent Sophomore Student in High School.
GPA ~ 3.99+/- (a-3.99, b-?)
PSAT ~ 1570
Freshman Year: [a]
1st Semester, 2nd Semester Average
Debate I ~ 100,100
AP Human Geography ~ 99,100
Pre-AP English I ~ 99,100
AP Calc AB ~ 100,100
Pre-AP Spanish I ~ 100,100
AP Physics ~ 100,100
Intro to Engineering ~ 100,100
Sophomore Year:
1st Semester, 2nd Semester Average
PAP Spanish II
Advanced Aerospace
Advanced Debate
AP World History
AP Physics C
Pre-AP English II
AP Calc BC
Junior Year: [c] {Potential Courses}
Multivariable Calculus or Linear Algebra
Physics DE at Community College
Extracurriculars:
•Chess Club - Novice (2 years)
•Rocketry Club - Designs Manager (1 year)
•Robotics - Reigning Assessor of Integrity for General H Team (2 years)
Texas Academy of Mathematics & Science
(Currently assumed College Calc I-II)
•Independent Study of Physics - Research
(Near publishing stage, need to further establish my print version of research)
•Debate - Competed in 8 tournaments
(Extemporaneous Speaking, Informative Speaking, Public Forum, and Humorous Interpretation)
Goals:
•Stanford University Bachelors -> Stanford University School of Medicine ->
Pursuing Neuroscience/Neurosurgery
(^99% sure I'm going to pursue this)
•Stanford University Doctoral Degree of Applied Physics/Engineering Physics dual major, content with a possible internship.
(^50/50 if I'm still pursuing it.)
Notes:
•My dad is a concurrent Stanford alumni, granting me legacy status.
•Possible letter of recommendation(s) from teachers in the physics department, AP Calc AB teacher from last year.
•Has a passion for physics, pursuing premed- tangible still, planning on taking premed related courses next year instead of engineering centric courses.
•Am planning on taking summer courses for Multivariable Calculus or Linear Algebra alongside Physics DE at Community College this summer, to get ahead(if possible).
Possible Questions:
-What is my 'chance me' possibility at getting into Stanford, or any other Ivy League for that matter, with this resume?
-Does legacy status bump my chances?
-Is there much more I can do to reflect initiative to the colleges?
-What comes next?
Thanks again, it means a lot to me.
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Does Stanford send transfer student applicants acceptance letters or emails?
Hi, I am a college student looking to transfer to Stanford. I will soon apply but am wondering if they send acceptance letters or emails or both?
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"What Classes Are You Taking" 2.0: Class of 2021 Edition
Hi guys,
I wanted to revive this topic to see what everyone else on CC matriculating to Stanford was planning on taking during fall quarter. Here's mine:
SLE 91 (8 units)
CME 100 (5 units)
CHEM 31X (5 units)
Total: 18 units
P.S. Maaaaaan, that premed grind where I could have taken CHEM 33 but have to waive my AP credit to take 31X...
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Stanford Chance Me Please :)
Wanted to get everyone's opinion on my chances at Stanford. My entire application will be centered around medicine. I will be applying this cycle, thank you!
Asian Male
UW GPA: 3.9
W GPA: 4.35
SAT: 1470
SAT2: Math 2: 710, Biology: 700, English: 750
Rank: 5/1200
AP's (9): Bio (4), World History (5), English Language (5), Calculus AB (5), US History (4), Government, Calculus BC, English Literature, Physics
Extracurricular:
Varsity Tennis: 3 years
UCLA Summer Neurology Research Assistant: 1 year
Academic Decathlon, Captain: 1 year
Key Club: 2 years
Student Council: 2 years
School for Advanced Studies Club: 2 years
Awards:
Ephebian Society
USC Global Government Award
Recommendations:
AP Bio teacher/ Tennis Coach: Very strong - He has taught me since 9th grade and has known me for 3 years
AP Calculus teacher: Strong
Honors English teacher: Very strong - She taught me for 2 years, key advisor during high school
AP English teacher/ Vice Principle: Very strong - She taught me for 2 years, key advisor during high school, also TA for several of her AP classes
MD/PhD UCLA Professor: Very strong - He has known me for a year and states I did an excellent job on the paper we are working on. Paper is not published but I am able to mention the title on my application
Thanks for all your input!
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Does Stanford treat Trig/Pre Calc as a pre requisite?
Hi I'm a college student whose planning on transferring to Stanford University and had a question about trigonometry and pre calculus apparently not affecting your GPA? I am taking an advanced one semester class so I can finish both and then take Calc 1 and 2 next semester, but was told by a friend that apparently trig and pre calc are pre requisites for "most colleges" so it doesn't affect your grade and that it is treated as a pass/fail on your transcript. Apparently this applies to UCs but I want to know if it applies to Stanford. If anyone could confirm this for me, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
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Chances an International Student for Stanford SCEA (I will chance back)
Hello, fellow CCers! Senior Here.
Chance Me! Demographics: Middle Class Indian International Student attending a renowned private high school.
Financial Aid : Required. Family Income is ~90,000$
Test Scores & Academics: SAT 1 : 1500 (800 M / 700 R&W)
SAT 2 : 800 Math 2 & 800 Physics
10/10 CGPA in Freshman and Sophomore Year.
91% in Junior Year
Class Rank : 1/250
National Merit Scholar
ECs :
1) Published 11 Apps On The App Store : 4 Apps have reached the top charts. One app became the No.1 Top Paid app in 5 countries. Received 30 million views and made $60k in profit. Another App became the no.1 top paid app in 1 country. 2 sticker apps reached no.2 on the top paid charts of 3 countries. The apps have gained international recognition and articles have been published by various media houses.
2) Blogging : I developed my own tech blog and write weekly. The blog has been visited by 100,000 unique visitors from over 180 countries.
3) Beta Testing : I have beta tested products for various companies and startups. One major product was for a hongkong based startup in which I also helped them in raising over 150,000$ on kickstarter.
4) Student Council : Head Boy for 2 years. Founder & President of IT Club, Founder & President of Entrepreneurship Club etc.
5) Volunteer Work : Have volunteered for over 200 hours at my local Nursing home.
Honors and Awards :
1) Apple's WWDC Scholarship Winner
2) Infosys Hackathon Winner (1st Prize) : Competed with over 250 students from 29 colleges and 7 schools.
3) State Science Exhibition Winner (1st Prize)
4) Awarded the title of "Young Achiever" by a leading national daily. Published my interview in their Newspaper.
5) All India Rank 10 in a cryptic hunt competition (Won't go in detail) That's all folks. Please comment honestly.
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Chance an International For Stanford SCEA
Hello, fellow CCers! Senior Here.
Chance Me! Demographics: Middle Class Indian International Student attending a renowned private high school.
Financial Aid : Required. Family Income is ~90,000$
Test Scores & Academics: SAT 1 : 1500 (800 M / 700 R&W)
SAT 2 : 800 Math 2 & 800 Physics
10/10 CGPA in Freshman and Sophomore Year.
91% in Junior Year
Class Rank : 1/250
National Merit Scholar
ECs :
1) Published 11 Apps On The App Store : 4 Apps have reached the top charts. One app became the No.1 Top Paid app in 5 countries. Received 30 million views and made $60k in profit. Another App became the no.1 top paid app in 1 country. 2 sticker apps reached no.2 on the top paid charts of 3 countries. The apps have gained international recognition and articles have been published by various media houses.
2) Blogging : I developed my own tech blog and write weekly. The blog has been visited by 100,000 unique visitors from over 180 countries.
3) Beta Testing : I have beta tested products for various companies and startups. One major product was for a hongkong based startup in which I also helped them in raising over 150,000$ on kickstarter.
4) Student Council : Head Boy for 2 years. Founder & President of IT Club, Founder & President of Entrepreneurship Club etc.
5) Volunteer Work : Have volunteered for over 200 hours at my local Nursing home.
Honors and Awards :
1) Apple's WWDC Scholarship Winner
2) Infosys Hackathon Winner (1st Prize) : Competed with over 250 students from 29 colleges and 7 schools.
3) State Science Exhibition Winner (1st Prize)
4) Awarded the title of "Young Achiever" by a leading national daily. Published my interview in their Newspaper.
5) All India Rank 10 in a cryptic hunt competition (Won't go in detail) That's all folks. Please comment honestly.
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How many undergrad girls are enrolled in computer science at Stanford
How many undergrad girls are enrolled in computer science at Stanford? What about as a math undergrad? Thanks
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Impact of getting a B in senior first semester
Iam interested in Engineering. There is a risk of getting a B in AP Spanish.
Considering whether to continue it or drop it.
Appreciate your suggestions.
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Any Stanford Transfer Students here?
Are there any Stanford transfer students here on this site and would you be kind enough to share your experience on how you got into Stanford and provide details of GPA, standardized test scores, and ECs + college app essay details. Thank you!
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Chance me for Stanford REA?
Stanford REA. Intended major: Linguistics/Classics/Philosophy. Maybe the joint CS+X major, but probably not.
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: White
Public School ~1500 students
Income: ~$80,000
SAT: 1520 Math 770, English 750
ACT: 35 Composite. 36 math 35 english 35 science 34 reading
SAT II: 800 Math II, 780 World History
Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted GPA: School doesn't calculate
AP Scores
US History 5
World History 5
Computer Science A 5
French 5
Calculus BC 5
US Government 5
Biology 4
Freshman Courses:
Biology (accelerated)
Principles of Engineering
English 9 Honors
French II
Orchestra
AP United States History
Algebra II Honors
Sophomore Courses:
Orchestra
Honors Chemistry
Precalculus Honors
AP Computer Science A
AP World History
English 10 Honors
French III
Junior Courses:
Orchestra
AP Biology
AP Calculus BC
AP French
AP United States Government/Politics
United States Literature Honors
Aerospace Engineering
Senior Courses:
At my high school:
AP Physics I
AP Literature
Full time enrollment at a major public university:
First Semester:
Linear Algebra
Upper level undergraduate French
Elementary Arabic I
Premodern Chinese Literature.
14 Semester Hours total.
Second Semester:
Elementary Arabic II
18th Century French Philology
Elementary Russian
14 Semester Hours Total
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): National Merit Semifinalist, Le Grand Concours (National French Contest) Gold Laureate (95% percentile national), nominated for outstanding attorney at state mock trial championship.
EXTRACURRICULARS:
Math Team 4 years (senior captain)
Mock Trial 4 years- placed 7th out of 32 at a very competitive state championship.
Very much devoted to these 2 activities… during the school year.
Also qualified for the national forensic speech championships, but I couldn't go.
Counselor at a YMCA summer camp- I spent the entire summer (10 weeks) in the middle of nowhere as a counselor for kids 5-14, had been a camper for 11 years. The 2 summers before, I was in the leadership program for 7 weeks. Story of my life, honestly. Have over 300 volunteer hours there, too.
Teacher Rec #1: English teacher grades 9 and 11. Loves me. 10/10
Teacher Rec #2: Calculus/Aerospace Engineering teacher grade 11. Knows me well. Should be good. 9/10
Additional Rec: From my program director at summer camp. 10/10 or better. Has known me since I was 6.
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