Stanford Admissions - What Do They Look For?

Hey everyone! I have my sights set on Stanford and I'm wondering what kind of things they look for in applicants. Can anyone provide some insight about what I should be working on in my junior year to have a better shot at getting accepted? Thanks!

Stanford is known for its holistic approach to admissions, meaning that the university considers a variety of factors when evaluating applicants. In your junior year, you should focus on a few key areas to strengthen your application for Stanford:

1. Academics: Maintain a strong GPA and take challenging courses, such as AP or IB classes, to demonstrate your rigor and commitment to intellectual growth. Schools like Stanford use the Academic Index to assess whether you meet their academic threshold. Compare your stats to those of accepted students to get an idea of where you stand academically.

2. Standardized Tests: Prepare for either the SAT or ACT, as Stanford is not a test-optional school. Achieving a high test score within or above Stanford's middle 50% range can strengthen your application. Keep track of upcoming test dates and make a plan for when and how you'll study for these exams.

3. Extracurricular Activities: Successful applicants to top colleges generally have 8-10 total extracurriculars, with a focus on quality over quantity. Pursue activities that align with your interests and develop a "spike" - a highly developed specialty that demonstrates commitment to your chosen field. Aim for higher-tier activities that showcase leadership, initiative, and achievement at the state, national, or international level.

4. Essays: Start brainstorming and outlining your essays, particularly your main Common App/Coalition App personal statement and Stanford-specific supplemental essays. These essays provide an opportunity to showcase unique aspects of your personality, background, or experiences that may not be evident elsewhere in your application.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Cultivate strong relationships with teachers, coaches, or club advisers who can vouch for your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and other qualities that would make you a great candidate for Stanford. Typically, you'll need two teacher recommendations and one from your school counselor.

6. Demonstrated Interest: While Stanford does not explicitly consider demonstrated interest during the admissions process, engaging in online events or attending virtual information sessions can help you learn more about the school, which in turn can better inform your essays and overall application.

In summary, focus on your academics, standardized tests, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and research about Stanford during your junior year to strengthen your application. Remember, there's no guaranteed formula for admission to highly selective schools, but these strategies can increase your likelihood of being a competitive candidate. Good luck!