Unveiling the admissions process
Stanford director reveals how elite universities work

Q: Elite college admissions have become so difficult that it seems like many schools could fill their freshman classes with students that all have perfect SAT scores and perfect GPAs. Would you please shed some light on the application review process at elite universities?

A: Because elite universities review applications in slightly different ways, I will respond to your question by using as an example our local elite university, Stanford. I went recently to a talk at Gunn High School given by Shawn Abbott, director of admissions at Stanford. The information he provided at this meeting can be very helpful - it struck me as reliable, thoughtful and detailed. Abbott is one of 24 admissions officers at Stanford. He said that they begin by deciding which admissions officer will be assigned to which area of the globe. Abbott's assignment is New York City, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This means that he is the first person to review your application if you are applying from one of those areas.

Abbott stated that the application review process at Stanford is very humanistic, or holistic: There is no formula that decides which applicants are accepted. The application review process proceeds as follows: If you are applying from New York City, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, Abbott will be the first to review your application. If he thinks you are a competitive candidate, one of the other 23 admissions officers will review your application. If the second reader agrees you are a viable candidate, Abbott then will present your file to all the admissions officers, who will vote on whether to accept you.

When reviewing your application, Abbott gives the most weight to your academic record, meaning your high school transcript and your high school profile. When reviewing your transcript, he is looking for evidence of challenging courses as well as good grades. (Stanford only considers your record from 10th, 11th and 12th grades. Ninth-grade marks are not taken into consideration.)

The next most important factor for Abbott is your standardized testing profile - your scores on either the SAT or ACT. Unlike many other elite institutions, Stanford does not require SAT Subject Tests, however, if you have taken them, Stanford will consider your scores.

After scrutinizing your academic record and standardized testing profile, Abbott considers your extracurricular activities. He is looking for the level of impact you have had in these activities.

The next factors Abbott considers are your letter from your guidance counselor and recommendations from two teachers.

Finally, Abbott will consider your writing samples, which include your personal statement, three short-answer questions, as well as seven short profile questions.

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Reprinted by permission, Palo Alto Daily News. Jason Katz ©5.24.2008 All rights reserved. This article may be printed for your personal use, but may not be reprinted in whole or in part in any publication or website without permission. www.jkatzcollegecounseling.com