Each year, as I work with my students to explore their colleges of interest, several of them ask me about my undergraduate experiences at Stanford University. I’m always happy to share my memories of the school, which range from fountain hopping as a nervous freshman to taking the train up to San Francisco to explore the city with friends. I’m also quick to highlight the intellectual opportunities Stanford offers—the university allowed me to read Hemingway and Steinbeck alongside experts in American literature and to travel to the UK to study the haunts of the Bloomsbury Group.
STANFORD ACCEPTANCE RATE
It has, however, been many years since I attended the university, and I recognize the experience has changed in many ways. Not only has the acceptance rate dropped (from 10.9% when I applied to today’s shockingly low 3.68%), but the school itself has developed countless new initiatives and opportunities. To give interested students an accurate sense of life at Stanford, I reached out to two former Top Tier students who are currently attending the school, one as an undergraduate and one as a graduate student. Their responses to my questions offer insights into everything from beloved traditions to things to consider before applying.
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DISCOVER STANFORD
What are you studying at Stanford?
Undergraduate student: I’m studying Management Science and Engineering, Computer Science, and Spanish.
Graduate student: I’m a social scientist at the School of Humanities and Sciences.
What made you choose Stanford over other colleges and universities?
Undergraduate student: I was really drawn to the academic flexibility that Stanford offers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard advisors, professors, and TAs encourage students to explore different academic interests before settling on a major at the end of their sophomore year. Also—and this sounds obvious, but it was incredibly important to me—I wanted to choose a school with friendly students. Stanford students are kind, compassionate people. We like to say that the “Hello Spirit” is not only alive and well on campus, but also that it’s an ingrained part of Stanford culture.
Graduate student: I loved Stanford’s openness to interdisciplinary work, and I knew the professor I’d be working with would be a great mentor. For me, it was also important that the stipend I received did not hinge on constant teaching. Stanford asks students to TA only one quarter out of the year, leaving lots of time for research, which was my priority.
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What are some of your favorite things about Stanford?
Undergraduate student: I have had so many incredible experiences at Stanford: driving down Palm Drive, walking around Lake Lagunita, dorm trips to places like Disney Land and Lake Tahoe (which are free for students), Late Night at Lag, and so many more. However, my favorite Stanford tradition actually happens before the first day of school. After five days of New Student Orientation, the new frosh class goes to sleep early. That night, flocks of RAs and upperclassmen cover the Main Quad, the Student Union, Hoover Tower, and the campus streets and sidewalks with encouraging messages in chalk, which greet the anxious freshmen when they walk or bike to class the next morning. I remember reading the kind words of upperclassmen as a new student, which definitely soothed my nerves on the first day of school.
Graduate student: Stanford has far fewer traditions for graduate students, although the Halloween party is always fun! Personally, I really enjoy Stanford’s location—between the suburban setting and the great weather, it’s really easy to enjoy the outdoors here.
Is there anything you wish you had known before you applied to Stanford?
Undergraduate student: This might sound strange, but I wish I had understood how helpful my friends, roommates, and classmates at Stanford would be. I wrongly assumed that, at Stanford, I’d get thrown into this highly intense, competitive academic environment. In reality, everyone I have encountered has been more than willing to help me nail down a concept, finish a PSET, or study for an exam. So for high school students like me who are anxious about Stanford potentially being uber competitive—it’s definitely not!
Graduate student: I did a pretty thorough job researching Stanford before I applied, although since I’ve been here, I’ve discovered some amazing resources (including events and interdisciplinary opportunities) that I didn’t know about before. I do wish I’d been a bit more prepared for what graduate school coursework looks like at Stanford. At my undergraduate institution, courses generally offered an opportunity to introduce myself to totally new subjects. In graduate school, I’ve found that courses are designed with research in mind, and all of my coursework has focused on supporting my project. I’ve really enjoyed that, but it’s definitely a transition!
If you could give one piece of advice to current students interested in Stanford, what would it be?
Undergraduate student: Do your research! Don’t just apply to Stanford because it’s Stanford—apply because you’re attracted to a specific program or characteristic of the school. Also ask yourself if you’re the type of student who will thrive with a quarter system and do well with Stanford’s undergraduate general education requirements.
Graduate student: This really holds true for all graduate programs, but make sure you do research on the professors working in your department before applying. You want to find faculty members who are not only doing work in your area of interest, but also whose personality and advising style work for you. Remember, this is somebody you’ll be working with for the next five years!
Do you believe Top Tier Admissions helped you develop a compelling application for Stanford?
Undergraduate student: Without a doubt. Top Tier figured out what was unique and compelling about me and helped me bring that to life through activities, awards, and essays. I also appreciated having many years of support and guidance, from the personalized suggestions I got in my initial Admissions Report to help I received when drafting essays and submitting applications.
Graduate student: Definitely! Top Tier helped me understand what an application essay for graduate school should look like—it was much less personal and much more research-focused than I had expected! You also helped me figure out what projects I wanted to work on and where I could find information on professors and resources. That strengthened my application and ultimately helped me figure out that Stanford was the right place for me.
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