READING MY STANFORD ADMISSIONS FILE 🌲 (how i ACTUALLY got in)

Summary

In this video, Memet discusses his experience reviewing his Stanford admissions file, highlighting the complexities of the admissions process at elite universities. He shares insights from two readers who assessed his application, noting their ratings in various categories such as high school rigor and extracurricular involvement. Memet emphasizes the significance of his tutoring nonprofit and other impactful activities that contributed to his admission. He offers valuable advice for prospective applicants, encouraging them to focus on developing unique projects that reflect their interests and passions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding the complexity of university admissions, especially for prestigious institutions like Stanford, is crucial for applicants.
• 📄 FERPA allows students to access their admission files, providing insights into their application evaluations.
• 🕒 Memet had 20 minutes to review his admission file, emphasizing the limited time evaluators have to assess each application.
• 👥 Each application is reviewed by two readers, who provide ratings in various categories such as high school rigor, support, and intellectual vitality.
• ⭐ Memet received mixed reviews: a rating of 3 for high school rigor, which surprised him given his competitive course load.
• 📈 His extracurricular activities, particularly his tutoring nonprofit, were recognized as significant strengths in his application.
• 📝 Reader comments highlight the importance of unique personal essays that reflect the applicant's background and interests.
• 💡 Memet suggests that applicants should focus deeply on impactful projects or interests to capture the admissions committee's attention.
• 🤝 The application process also considers context, including the applicant's background and school profile.
• 🎓 Memet's experience underscores that strong test scores and impactful extracurriculars can enhance an application, even if academic rigor ratings vary.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Memet's video?

Memet shares insights from his Stanford admissions file to help viewers understand the admissions process and what factors contributed to his acceptance.

What does the FERPA Act allow students to do?

The FERPA Act allows students to access their educational records, including their admissions files.

How does Stanford's admissions rating system work?

Stanford uses a numerical rating system from 1 to 5, with 1 being the best score and 5 indicating a weak application. Ratings cover categories like high school rigor, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and overall presentation.

What were Memet's ratings from the first reader?

Memet received a rating of 3 in high school rigor, 2 in support (letters of recommendation), 2 in extracurriculars, 3 in self-presentation and intellectual vitality, and an overall rating of 2.

What notable achievements did Reader 1 mention about Memet?

Reader 1 noted Memet's impressive tutoring platform, recognition from a senator for his nonprofit, and his significant research hours during high school.

How did Reader 2's evaluation of Memet differ from Reader 1's?

Reader 2 was more enthusiastic and rated Memet higher, giving him a score of 1 in extracurricular activities, which is a strong rating that likely influenced the decision to admit him.

What did Memet find surprising about his high school rigor rating?

Memet was surprised to receive a rating of 3 in high school rigor, as he believed he took a competitive course load at a challenging school.

What role do letters of recommendation play in the admissions process?

Letters of recommendation provide context about the applicant's character, achievements, and potential, influencing how admissions officers perceive the applicant's strengths.

What advice does Memet give to future applicants?

Memet advises future applicants to focus on developing impactful projects or interests that showcase their abilities and contributions, which can help them stand out in the admissions process.

What does Memet conclude about the admissions process?

He concludes that understanding one's unique strengths and effectively conveying them through personal stories and experiences is crucial for a successful application.