One does not get to be a professor at Stanford without being pretty brilliant. Some are better teachers than others, but even my least favorite classes (the freshman core humanities and writing) have given me their share of enlightenment, and my favorite ones (I highly recommend Computer Science 106A) are nothing short of fascinating.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
If there's anything more remarkable than Stanford's academics, it's the enjoyment that comes with being a student there. The campus and weather are lovely, the classes are interesting, and the extracurriculars are abundant. I've particularly enjoyed being part of Stanford's wonderfully wacky band, who will teach you to play an instrument if you want.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I won't lie: Stanford is expensive. Their need-based-only scholarship policy makes paying for Stanford about the same difficulty for everyone except the super-rich, so those whose families have very little money are not that much worse off - in fact, overcoming economic hardship often makes for a particularly good application. I was lucky to have parents who were very smart in saving for my college education, but the economic downturn means I will still need extra funds in order to pay for all four years. (I am on Cappex, after all, primarily for scholarships.) Still, Stanford has more than enough bang to make up for its buck. Don't let the money keep you from applying.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I recommend applying Early Action if Stanford is your first choice. Your chances of being accepted will not be significantly better (so they tell us, and I believe them), but if you get in, the notification comes early enough that you may be able to skip some of the more arduous college applications. Harvey Mudd and Caltech were on my list, and I was very glad not to have to answer their tricky essay questions.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students who expect fun and a good education not to be mutually exclusive; students who have worked hard, given themselves lots of opportunities, and want lots of time to explore their possibilities before they settle down; students who want to live and study in a diverse, tolerant, and modern environment, with common-sense rules and a great deal of trust. I also found Stanford made the transition to independent living very gentle, making it a great choice for the not-so-independent teenager (but don't interpret this as a negative if you're the opposite!).
One does not get to be a professor at Stanford without being pretty brilliant. Some are better teachers than others, but even my least favorite classes (the freshman core humanities and writing) have given me their share of enlightenment, and my favorite ones (I highly recommend Computer Science 106A) are nothing short of fascinating.
If there's anything more remarkable than Stanford's academics, it's the enjoyment that comes with being a student there. The campus and weather are lovely, the classes are interesting, and the extracurriculars are abundant. I've particularly enjoyed being part of Stanford's wonderfully wacky band, who will teach you to play an instrument if you want.
I won't lie: Stanford is expensive. Their need-based-only scholarship policy makes paying for Stanford about the same difficulty for everyone except the super-rich, so those whose families have very little money are not that much worse off - in fact, overcoming economic hardship often makes for a particularly good application. I was lucky to have parents who were very smart in saving for my college education, but the economic downturn means I will still need extra funds in order to pay for all four years. (I am on Cappex, after all, primarily for scholarships.) Still, Stanford has more than enough bang to make up for its buck. Don't let the money keep you from applying.
I recommend applying Early Action if Stanford is your first choice. Your chances of being accepted will not be significantly better (so they tell us, and I believe them), but if you get in, the notification comes early enough that you may be able to skip some of the more arduous college applications. Harvey Mudd and Caltech were on my list, and I was very glad not to have to answer their tricky essay questions.
Students who expect fun and a good education not to be mutually exclusive; students who have worked hard, given themselves lots of opportunities, and want lots of time to explore their possibilities before they settle down; students who want to live and study in a diverse, tolerant, and modern environment, with common-sense rules and a great deal of trust. I also found Stanford made the transition to independent living very gentle, making it a great choice for the not-so-independent teenager (but don't interpret this as a negative if you're the opposite!).