"I know I meet Stanford's standards": What Makes Stanford a Good Place for You?

Why is Stanford good for me? I answered this with few specifics and more generalizations that have a personal effect on me. I answered by explaining that Stanford's student body matches the qualities of my small residential academy, a school that has taught me how to live and learn with others.

Do I make that clear? Is it a "good" essay? Thanks!

I know Stanford University meets my standards for quality education and-excuse my modesty-I know I meet Stanford's standards. I have passion for learning, I am diligent in my work, and take my future seriously. By the way, my favorite colors are crimson red and white. I know that any college I go to will be prestigious; this I am sure. All of the colleges I am applying to have nice looking campuses, a medium sized student body, and challenging classes. Stanford offers all of the organizations and opportunities I am looking for, but what make Stanford University different the most are its cohesive student body and its compatibility with my wants and needs.

I am ending my high school career at the Tennessee Governor's Academy (TGA), a prestigious residential school with twenty-six students from all over the state. We are all unique individuals with strong personalities, and we all brought something to the school. For example, I brought my heritage and religion to some who have never seen an Arab or a Muslim. I was able to teach them about my culture and religion. Here, I receive a rigorous, privileged education, like I will at Stanford. What makes attending TGA invaluable is my personal experiences with the students. The way we interact and live with each other have created precious memories and taught us lifelong lessons as a dynamic body. I know that Stanford's selection process focuses on the cohesiveness and uniqueness of the student body, and that is what stands out the most to me.

I like it mostly.


^Sounds arrogant. You should probably reword this.


^You don't need to mention the other schools you're applying to. It kind of sounds like you're telling Stanford that if they don't accept you, other nice schools will.


^Alright, I like this attitude but admissions will probably not like it. It's for them to judge if you meet Stanford's expectations.


^Delete this and tell them more about what stands out most in you.

Confidence is good, but if the whole first paragraph is all about your confidence it might be too much. Remember that people like to see us get a reality check when we seem too sure of ourselves. It will be better to just mention very briefly the fact that you feel confident about your ability to succeed. Meeting their criteria is not the same as actually being motivated enough about your chosen field to succeed in college. This essay should probably include a little more about why stanford is good for you in light of your plan for the future... it might be the best school for you as you enter a particular field.

:-)

I am ending my high school career at the Tennessee Governor's Academy (TGA), a prestigious residential school with twenty-six students from all over the state.

Stanford take more students from public schools than prestigious schools. This doesn't impress. Your essay sounds a little arrogant.

I agree with bowler8...I don't particularly like the tone of your essay.