Stanford Short Answers: So they can get to know me better.

Here are my initial responses to the Stanford short answer section. Please please be brutally honest, I need the feedback. :)

Name your favorite books, authors, films, and/or artists. (50 word limit)
Books:

Diablo III: The Order by Nate Kenyon, The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks, The Universe Within by Neil Turok

Authors:

Iain M. Banks for his captivating sci-fi novels and mind-bending plots.

Films:

Gaurdians of the Galaxy, Now You See Me

Words entered: 41

What newspapers, magazines, and/or websites do you enjoy? (50 word limit)
Newspapers:

Idnes, The Onion

Magazines:

National Geographic, Rock and Ice

Websites:

Youtube, Wolfram Alpha

Words entered: 14

What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)
Close-mindedness. Many people shut the doors for new ideas, without logical consideration. Close-mindedness causes illogical debates, hypocrisy, and delayed progress. Each day, the world is moving to a new age and it starts with the discussion of new ideas.

Words entered: 39

How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)
During my summers, I...

-Flew back to America both years to compete in the US rockclimbing Divisonals and Nationals (in which I placed 10th last year).

-Attended the ISSYP 2014 conference in Toronto, Canada.

-Watched the FIFA World Cup (Woooo go Germany!)

Words entered: 42

What were your favorite events (e.g., performances, exhibits, competitions, conferences, etc.) in recent years? (50 word limit)
My two most memorable recent events are...

-Traveling to Mexico for the Pan-American Championships in rockclimbing. From buying tacos off the streets to dancing with the Venezuelans, it is something I sure won't forget.

-Visiting the Perimeter Institute and being able to talk and even play foosball with current researchers.

Words entered: 50

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)
If I had a time machine, I would certainly travel back to the years of the Space Race. Not only the landing on the moon but the strong enthusiasm of everyone worldwide to reach the stars is something I had always wanted to see.

Words entered: 44

What five words best describe you?
exuberant, spontaneous, ambitious, cordial, swashbuckling

Thank You!

Sometimes when we ask for brutal honest we get people who try to make up for a lack of meaningful suggestions by being brutal only for the sake of being brutal. : )

For the favorite things.. If it's allowed.. I would use the 50 words to write to mention how they reflect your dedication to [whatever it is that you are trying to achieve by entering their degree program].

Same with all aspects of this.. resist the urge to answer in a way that simply expresses what you like. Use a double meaning. That is, I think you can use each mention of a favorite thing as an opportunity to reinforce to the reader that you are extremely motivated to achieve the goal that you will achieve during your studies at Stanford. So, what is the most important goal associated with your degree program? : )

something I had always wanted to see.

Your answers are evidently strengthened and aren't in the slots simply because you want to impress. However, maybe you can lead the reader to understanding why you can develop your ideas in Stanford by relating your answers a little more to the opportunities offered at the university.

your answers show you are being yourself however I think you should mention some activities that have to do with the area that you are interesting in.

Martin, I believe that you should maximize the use of the word count in your response to every question. 50 words maximum per statement is more than enough to enliven your very dry responses. At the moment, your responses are dull and do not really offer an insight into the kind of person you are based upon your answers. The response should be more than just the book title and author name. You need to explain, very quickly, about why you chose this book and how it influenced you as a person.

I think your answers are fine. The point of these essays is not telling why you want to go to stanford or why you want to major in something.

This is merely 7 questions that reflects your personality and show who you really are. So, I think the answer is fine

For books and publications, I think you still have the ability to add some names so that you let the comittee know more about you.

Personal Suggestion: Try to combine the books and the authors. It will enable you to gain some space