How to Write the Stanford University Admissions Essay

 Stanford Excerpt

by Sarah O'Neill, Coatesville, Supreme Editing

Stanford wants to see your commitment, dedication and genuine interest in expanding your intellectual horizons. They want to see the kind of curiosity and enthusiasm that will allow you to spark a lively discussion. They want to see the energy and depth of commitment you will bring to your endeavors. They want to see the initiative with which you seek out opportunities and expand your perspective.


According to Stanford admissions (via their website)

In your essays, we learn about your ideas and interests, and what is meaningful to you.  By focusing on your achievements in context, we evaluate how you have excelled in your school environment and how you have taken advantage of what is available to you in your school and community. We look for your preparation and potential to succeed. We expect you to challenge yourself throughout high school and to do very well.


“The essays are your chance to tell us about yourself in your own words; there are no right or wrong answers and you should allow your genuine voice to come through. [The Stanford questions] help the admissions committee get to know you as a friend, future roommate and classmate.” They are looking for diverse backgrounds and experiences, talents, academic interests, and ways of viewing the world. When looking at non-academic activities, Stanford looks for exceptional depth of experience and passion. They want students who are energetic, who take risks, and who explore innovation. They want to understand the impact you have had at your job, in your family, in a club, in your school or in the larger community, and they want to learn of the impact that experience has had on you. Your essay should ultimately reflect on who you are and what is meaningful to you. They want to know how you are UNIQUE.


In history, the types of students admitted consisted of: applicants who wrote responses that are straightforward and direct. They are honest and reveal critical   thinking about the different aspects of their personality. Their responses vary– not centered on only one activity or theme. They write with engaging imagery and strong diction to help the reader visualize the setting and move the reader along with the person in the narrative. They convey an overarching, compelling message. Strong endings leave the reader with the most dominant impression, and a wrap-around essay reinforces the purpose of the narrative.


Supplemental Essay Example: Note to future roommate

Hi roomie,

Warning! I set fifteen alarms every morning. Please don’t request a roommate change yet. My self- diagnosed sleep disorder is slowly being conquered by a coffee addiction. Other, more pleasant, sounds will fill our room like your favorite songs on my electric piano. Or in the form of late- night conversations about our favorite films (mine is La La Land, which should’ve won the Oscar).

I’d also describe myself as a “m-ean” person, messy and clean at the same time. At home, I have a pile of books, doodle notepads, and a slew of assignments. I even unearthed an armada of origami fighter jets I made. Although some people (hint: my mom) think I’m too lazy to clean, I enjoy challenging myself to find something from the pile. Don’t worry, I won’t “pile up” in our room, but I would happily form a larger pile of photographs and memories with you.

As much as I love a relaxing day inside, I can’t get enough of the outdoors. If you’re up to it, we can play spikeball at Wilbur Field, ponder the meaning of life at CoHo, or nerd-out over Harry Potter while rooting for Quidditch.

I will do whatever I can to make the most of our time together. Whether we are Pomodoro studying for classes or having karaoke sessions in our room, you can always count on me to crack a joke. By the end of our year, you might even underSTANd(FORD) my humor :).

Your future friend, 

Andrew

by Sarah O'Neill, Coatesville, Supreme Editing

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