Tips for getting into Stanford?

Hi! I've had my sights set on Stanford for a while now and I'm a bit stressed about the admission process. Do any current Stanford students or alumni have tips on how to get in? How did you make your application stand out?

While I'm not a Stanford student or alumni, I can provide some general tips to help your application stand out for a highly selective school like Stanford. Keep in mind that there's no fixed formula for guaranteed admission, but these suggestions can help you navigate the process better:

1. Academics: Excelling in rigorous coursework is a top priority. Aim for a high GPA and take challenging classes such as AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses at a local college. This will demonstrate that you're prepared to handle the level of rigor at Stanford.

2. Standardized Tests: For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Stanford is test-optional. But if you have strong SAT or ACT scores that are in the range for accepted Stanford students, you may benefit from sending them. High scores can be an additional indicator of your academic abilities.

3. Develop a "Spike": Stand out by having an area of expertise or a passion that shows deep engagement—this could be academic, extracurricular, or even a personal project. Demonstrating consistent commitment and a genuine passion for a specific field can set you apart from other well-rounded applicants.

4. Extracurricular Activities: Get involved in 8-10 extracurricular activities, both in-school and out-of-school, that reflect your interests. Aim for leadership roles or significant accomplishments, as these will help you showcase your skills and dedication.

5. Meaningful Essays: Stanford's essays offer an opportunity to showcase your unique personality, experiences, and perspective. Your main essay should highlight an aspect of yourself that may not be evident in the rest of your application. Be authentic, open, and reflective. For the Stanford-specific essays, do thorough research on the university to show that you understand its values, culture, and programs.

6. Letters of Recommendation: Choose teachers and mentors who know you well and can speak about your strengths in-depth. Discuss your choice with them and make sure they are willing to provide strong and positive recommendations.

7. Research Opportunities: Seek research opportunities to explore your interests, particularly if you’re drawn to STEM fields. This may involve working with a professor, participating in a summer program, or conducting an independent project.

8. Demonstrated Interest: Although Stanford does not use demonstrated interest as a factor in its admissions decisions, learning more about the school through online events, local alumni, and campus resources can help you better understand its values and culture, which can then be reflected in your essays.

Remember that admissions to a school like Stanford are highly competitive, and even excellent applicants might not get a spot. Don't forget to apply to other schools, including target and safety options, to ensure that you have a diverse range of options. Keep honing your skills and following your passions—best of luck!