Fmr. Asst. Dean of Admissions at Stanford sharing U.S. College Admission tips

Summary

The video discusses the university application process, highlighting differences between public and private institutions. Public universities tend to focus on grades and standardized test scores, while private schools like Stanford evaluate candidates more holistically, looking for intellectual vitality, passion, and leadership. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal attributes beyond academic achievements. They also discuss the competitiveness of admissions due to increasing applications, advising students to differentiate themselves and focus on career exploration and financial aid opportunities. The goal is to find the right fit for long-term success, not just getting accepted.

Takeaways

• 📊 The evaluation process at large public universities is typically straightforward, focused on grades, SATs, and program choice.
• 🏫 Private universities tend to have a more in-depth and holistic application process, considering personal characteristics and achievements beyond academics.
• 📚 Grades are a fundamental factor in both public and private school evaluations, though private institutions look for more holistic qualities.
• 👥 Private school applications evaluate whether the student would be a good fit for their community, akin to determining if they would be a desirable lunch companion or dorm mate.
• 💡 Key qualities private schools look for include intellectual vitality, passion, purpose, leadership, and character.
• 🚗 Example of a poor challenge essay: A student wrote about not getting a new Lexus for their birthday, which showed a lack of genuine struggle or personal growth.
• 🎓 Stanford, specifically, looks for students who demonstrate engagement in learning, self-discipline, and take responsibility for their own education.
• 🌱 Out-of-the-box thinkers and students with entrepreneurial mindsets are highly valued at Stanford, more than just standardized test scores.
• 📈 College competitiveness has increased due to more applications and similar school lists among students, making it harder to stand out.
• 🎯 The ultimate goal of college counseling is to help students find the best fit, not just for college admission, but for a long-term career path that aligns with their strengths and vision.

Q & A

What are some key differences between applying to a large public university and a private university?

For large public universities, the application process focuses on basic metrics like grades, SATs, and the chosen program. Private universities, on the other hand, use a more in-depth evaluation process, looking beyond academics to assess qualities like character, leadership, and intellectual vitality.

What is the first aspect universities consider in applications?

The first thing universities, both public and private, typically consider is the student's academic performance, including grades and test scores. This acts as a primary filter for the application.

What personal qualities do private universities look for in applicants?

Private universities focus on personal qualities such as intellectual vitality, character, leadership, and passion. They want students who demonstrate an active engagement in learning and take responsibility for their own educational growth.

Why are letters of recommendation and personal essays important in the application process?

Letters of recommendation and personal essays help universities evaluate a student's personal characteristics, such as leadership, challenges they've overcome, and intellectual curiosity. These components allow schools to assess whether the applicant is a good fit for their community.

What is meant by 'intellectual vitality' in the context of college applications?

Intellectual vitality refers to a student's active enjoyment and engagement in the learning process. It reflects a genuine love for learning, curiosity, and the ability to take initiative beyond what is required by the school.

How do universities like Stanford evaluate non-academic qualities?

Universities like Stanford look for qualities like maturity, self-discipline, creativity, and a willingness to take risks in learning. They value students who can demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and show the potential to contribute to the campus community.

What kind of applicants do universities like Stanford aim to attract?

Stanford looks for out-of-the-box thinkers who are not just satisfied with good grades and test scores. They seek students who are curious, entrepreneurial, and engaged in their learning, rather than those who are focused solely on academic achievements.

Why might having a high SAT score potentially hurt an applicant's chances at Stanford?

A high SAT score could be seen as a sign of excessive focus on standardized testing, which Stanford does not view as the best measure of a student's potential. The university values a broader set of qualities, including creativity and intellectual engagement, beyond test scores.

What makes the college application process so competitive?

The competitiveness of the college application process is due to an increasing number of applicants, many of whom apply to the same top-tier schools. This creates a high level of competition, making it important for students to differentiate themselves through unique experiences and personal qualities.

How does the script suggest students approach choosing colleges to apply to?

The script advises students to avoid applying to the same schools as everyone else and to create a college list based on personal fit, not popularity. The focus should be on finding a school that aligns with the student's strengths and career aspirations.