MAPS CEO interview Dean of Admission from Stanford University

Summary

In this video, Stanford University's Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Rick Shaw, discusses the college admission process, focusing on the importance of authenticity. He emphasizes that Stanford looks beyond grades and test scores, seeking students who are passionate, transparent, and deeply engaged in their interests. Shaw encourages applicants to be genuine in their essays, showcase their intellectual vitality, and build strong relationships with teachers for recommendation letters. The message is clear: Stanford values individuality and a student's willingness to share their true self, rather than following a formula.

Takeaways

• 📍 Stanford University is located in Northern California, 35 miles south of San Francisco, and is the second-largest campus in the world.
• 📍 The university admits students at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a highly competitive admission process.
• 📍 Stanford evaluates over 30,000 applications annually, admitting roughly 1 out of 11 applicants.
• 📍 Strong academic performance, including grades and the type of courses taken, is a top priority in the evaluation process.
• 📍 While test scores are considered, they are supplemental to the primary evaluation of grades and course rigor.
• 📍 Stanford emphasizes authenticity in the application process; there is no formula for admission, and applicants should be honest and transparent.
• 📍 Passion, depth, and engagement in activities are highly valued, and applicants are encouraged to pursue what excites them rather than what they think the school wants.
• 📍 The application includes short and long essays where students can showcase their personal interests, motivations, and unique qualities.
• 📍 Teacher recommendations are important, and students should build strong relationships with their teachers to ensure thoughtful and personalized testimonials.
• 📍 Stanford seeks intellectual vitality, meaning they are looking for students who are not only academically successful but also enthusiastic and engaged learners.

Q & A

Who is the special guest introduced in the video?

The special guest is Rick Shaw, the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Stanford University.

Where is Stanford University located?

Stanford University is located in northern California, 35 miles south of San Francisco.

What is the acceptance ratio for Stanford University?

Stanford receives over 30,000 applications and admits about 1 out of every 11 applicants.

What are the primary academic factors considered by Stanford in the admissions process?

Stanford prioritizes good grades and the types of courses students take. Test scores are considered supplementally.

What distinguishes successful applicants at Stanford beyond academics?

Successful applicants distinguish themselves by being authentic, transparent, and sharing their true passions and interests through their application essays.

How does Stanford University view authenticity in student applications?

Stanford values students who are honest and open, willing to share who they are, and avoid trying to fit into a 'formula' for admission. Authenticity and passion are highly regarded.

What does Stanford expect students to express in their application essays?

Stanford wants students to express what excites them, their passions, and what makes them unique as individuals. The essays are an opportunity to share their hopes, dreams, and intellectual vitality.

What advice does Rick Shaw give regarding teacher recommendations?

Rick Shaw advises students to seek recommendations from teachers with whom they have a strong relationship, regardless of subject, and to develop those relationships early in their high school career.

What does the term 'intellectual vitality' mean in the context of Stanford admissions?

Intellectual vitality refers to a student's enthusiasm for learning and their ability to celebrate their high school experience beyond just earning good grades.

What is Stanford's stance on students following guidebooks for application essays?

Stanford discourages students from using guidebooks to find 'what essays work.' Instead, they encourage students to be themselves and share their true experiences and aspirations.