how to get into stanford: don't be yourself

Summary

In a candid and humorous video, a Stanford sophomore reflects on the harsh realities of college admissions, especially for high-achieving students. Sharing personal anecdotes, the speaker critiques the misleading narratives propagated by institutions, emphasizing that admissions decisions often hinge more on wealth and luck than merit. They outline cynical strategies for gaining acceptance while lamenting the emotional toll on applicants, likening the process to a corporate game. Ultimately, the video encourages viewers to redefine self-worth beyond institutional validation and highlights the importance of personal authenticity amidst a flawed system.

Takeaways

• 😀 College admissions often prioritize profitability over individuality, viewing applicants as potential dollar signs.
• 😀 Many students, especially high achievers, are misled into believing their worth is determined by college acceptance.
• 😀 The admissions process is more formulaic than it appears, despite claims of holistic evaluation.
• 😀 Achievements and personal stories are often reduced to numerical evaluations, stripping away their humanity.
• 😀 Luck plays a significant role in college admissions, affecting outcomes more than personal effort or merit.
• 😀 Success in gaining admission often requires sacrificing personal development for the sake of impressing institutions.
• 😀 Students should focus on building resumes that appear profitable rather than genuinely exploring their interests.
• 😀 Vulnerability in essays can be beneficial, but there's a fine line between relatable and overly tragic.
• 😀 Networking and familial connections can significantly influence admission outcomes, emphasizing systemic inequalities.
• 😀 Ultimately, one's college choice is less important than personal growth, self-acceptance, and realizing that worth is intrinsic.

Q & A

What prompted the creator to make this video?

The creator decided to make the video in honor of the president's resignation and to shift focus from critiquing individuals to critiquing institutions, specifically Stanford.

What is the creator's background in terms of college admissions?

The creator is a Chinese international student at Stanford who applied as a CS major and reflects on their high school experience as an anxiety-ridden high achiever.

How does the creator compare college admissions to the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter?

The creator likens college admissions to the Sorting Hat, suggesting it superficially determines where students belong based on a flawed evaluation of their worth.

What are some of the 'lies' about college admissions mentioned in the video?

The creator discusses the misconception that colleges care about personal stories and dreams, stating that they are primarily focused on profitability and future contributions.

How does the creator suggest students should approach their college applications?

The creator recommends a cynical approach: prioritize activities and achievements that enhance appeal to colleges rather than genuine personal development.

What role does luck play in college admissions according to the creator?

Luck is portrayed as a significant, uncontrollable factor in college admissions, influencing whether applicants are accepted or not.

What is the creator's opinion on the concept of holistic admissions?

The creator argues that holistic admissions are a guise for quantifying students' personalities and achievements, reducing them to numerical values despite claims of valuing humanity.

What practical advice does the creator offer for prospective students?

The creator advises students to exaggerate achievements, focus on marketable skills, and understand the competitive landscape of college admissions.

How does the creator feel about the overall impact of college on personal identity?

The creator suggests that college marketing falsely promotes a sense of belonging and warns against defining self-worth based on college admissions.

What final message does the creator have for students who are anxious about college admissions?

The creator encourages students to see themselves beyond a dollar sign and reminds them that college experiences can be fulfilling regardless of the institution attended.