Stanford C/O 2016 Applicants Thread Forum

[aredhello]

I'm an early November complete that has yet to hear anything. Stanford is probably my #1 choice, and I'm thinking about sending a LOCI because I did not include a Why Stanford in my PS.

Too early?

[BigZuck]

I'm an early November complete that has yet to hear anything. Stanford is probably my #1 choice, and I'm thinking about sending a LOCI because I did not include a Why Stanford in my PS.

Too early?

Considering they have just barely started making decisions and considering you have not withdrawn your application why would you have to send them a letter demonstrating your "continued interest?" Isn't the fact that you applied there enough?

Also a Why Stanford is unneccesary, they know you want to go there because it's Stanford.

[aredhello]

Also a Why Stanford is unneccesary, they know you want to go there because it's Stanford.

Agreed -- this is why I initially felt like a Why Stanford would be a waste of space in my otherwise concise PS, but I've been second guessing every part of my application now that December completes have started hearing. I guess I'm just searching for any way to tip the scales in my favor, even if it is as slight as an absolute commitment to attend Stanford if admitted (which is pretty much what I would try to express ever so tastefully in a LOCI).

[az21833]

they dont care at all why stanford. they care why you cured cancer or set an olympic record. if you have done either, write a letter. if not, sit tight like the rest of us mediocre folk.

[whereskyle]

--ImageRemoved--

i remember this from gameday. I've been a heat fan my whole life, and this moment marked the first time i felt respect for lebron. Sure, it's sophomoric to respect lebron, but he puts in the effort: 180% of it.

[aredhello]

they dont care at all why stanford. they care why you cured cancer or set an olympic record. if you have done either, write a letter. if not, sit tight like the rest of us mediocre folk.

I know that a "Why XXX" is not significant at the top schools, but I'm not sure that it's completely meaningless. For example, Harvard asks many interviewees "Why Harvard?" and I think that a thoughtful answer to this question can belie certain attributes that they might be looking for in an applicant.

Just my two cents of course -- I don't claim to know any more than the next person posting here.

ETA: I also don't think it hurts to know that a potential applicant will definitely matriculate if admitted -- yield for a variety of reasons does matter to these schools...otherwise, why bother with handwritten notes, bumper stickers, and Moleskines in their admission packets?

[Cobretti]

they dont care at all why stanford. they care why you cured cancer or set an olympic record. if you have done either, write a letter. if not, sit tight like the rest of us mediocre folk.

I know that a "Why XXX" is not significant at the top schools, but I'm not sure that it's completely meaningless. For example, Harvard asks many interviewees "Why Harvard?" and I think that a thoughtful answer to this question can belie certain attributes that they might be looking for in an applicant.

Just my two cents of course -- I don't claim to know any more than the next person posting here.

I agree completely. A good "Why XXX" doesn't talk about how highly ranked or prestigious a school is, it talks about why it is a unique fit for you, which simultaneously says why you are a unique fit for them. This helps a ton. My PS was all about ALEP, and how I hope to contribute to it someday.

[az21833]

ok il qualify, they will still care, but not enough for you to submit a whole additional statement while your application is simply in queue. the time to do this at t6 schools is:

1) in interviews at schools , as mentioned above
2) in tailored, personalized P/S, as mentioned above
3) once you get formally held or waitlisted

for now just enjoy the ride

[ManOfTheMinute]

ok il qualify, they will still care, but not enough for you to submit a whole additional statement while your application is simply in queue. the time to do this at t6 schools is:

1) in interviews at schools , as mentioned above
2) in tailored, personalized P/S, as mentioned above
3) once you get formally held or waitlisted

for now just enjoy the ride

+1

[Cobretti]

ok il qualify, they will still care, but not enough for you to submit a whole additional statement while your application is simply in queue. the time to do this at t6 schools is:

1) in interviews at schools , as mentioned above
2) in tailored, personalized P/S, as mentioned above
3) once you get formally held or waitlisted

for now just enjoy the ride

I agree those are the only times you should do it too. LOCI before waitlist wreaks of desperation, and if you are on track to be outright dinged then it won't be enough anyway.

After waiting two weeks for a status checker, it comes. Only they dont have the dean's cert which was sent in NOVEMBER!

That sucks man, I was really paranoid about mine too. Had it sent in August but I guess they held onto it.

[jbagelboy]

Anyone have an idea when our rejections will start coming in? and will it be by mail or email?

[sinfiery]

Anyone have an idea when our rejections will start coming in? and will it be by mail or email?

I believe if your status checker changes to decision letter sent and you haven't received a phone call, you can assume bad news.

[callmemaybe84]

Just went 'submitted for review' on 1/24. Submitted app on 1/7.

GPA 3.89; LSAT 175 (retake). Happy to jump aboard this ship with you all!

I'm curious, did you provide Stanford an addendum explaining your retake score? My 3rd score was 7 points higher than my first two scores, but I didn’t write one because I couldn’t think of a non-BS argument to make.

I jumped by 7 points from LSAT number 1 to 2 and was admitted and did not write anything explaining it.

[ssanonymous]

Anyone have an idea when our rejections will start coming in? and will it be by mail or email?

I believe if your status checker changes to decision letter sent and you haven't received a phone call, you can assume bad news.

My friend was rejected via paper mail last year, but I don't think he checked his status checker first.

[vividviolin]

After waiting two weeks for a status checker, it comes. Only they dont have the dean's cert which was sent in NOVEMBER!

Ugh, that happened to me too...waiting for my Dean's office to get my stamped envelope and resend it to Stanford was aggravating.

[ManOfTheMinute]

After waiting two weeks for a status checker, it comes. Only they dont have the dean's cert which was sent in NOVEMBER!

Ugh, that happened to me too...waiting for my Dean's office to get my stamped envelope and resend it to Stanford was aggravating.

Yeah thats rough. My DoS offered to send it certified mail, even though it went find for me that probably would have been the prudent choice.

[zebra6777]

Just went 'submitted for review' on 1/24. Submitted app on 1/7.

GPA 3.89; LSAT 175 (retake). Happy to jump aboard this ship with you all!

I'm curious, did you provide Stanford an addendum explaining your retake score? My 3rd score was 7 points higher than my first two scores, but I didn’t write one because I couldn’t think of a non-BS argument to make.

I jumped by 7 points from LSAT number 1 to 2 and was admitted and did not write anything explaining it.

Cool thanks!

[jbagelboy]

Anyone have an idea when our rejections will start coming in? and will it be by mail or email?

I believe if your status checker changes to decision letter sent and you haven't received a phone call, you can assume bad news.

My friend was rejected via paper mail last year, but I don't think he checked his status checker first.

My status checker hasn't worked since November, so I guess I will just get it by paper mail. Any idea when that would be?

[Yukos]

Anyone have an idea when our rejections will start coming in? and will it be by mail or email?

I believe if your status checker changes to decision letter sent and you haven't received a phone call, you can assume bad news.

My friend was rejected via paper mail last year, but I don't think he checked his status checker first.

My status checker hasn't worked since November, so I guess I will just get it by paper mail. Any idea when that would be?

Does it say it can't find your user ID or something?

[jbagelboy]

My status checker hasn't worked since November, so I guess I will just get it by paper mail. Any idea when that would be?

Does it say it can't find your user ID or something?

Yes its said User ID or Password Not Valid for months.. emailed twice for new passwords and it made no difference. so now I just want closure. Glad it will be on stanford stationary.

[ManOfTheMinute]

Does it say it can't find your user ID or something?

For me it says, "User ID or Password is Not Valid." The problem originated the first time I logged in from a second device. However, LS Status Checker works anyway and checks hourly, so I just rely on that now.

[Yukos]

Plus ça change...

I should just put this on the top of each page.

I'm consistently unable to log into my status check now. I'm on a Mac and Chrome and Safari don't work -- is there any alternative to downloading IE for Mac?

I have the same problem when I try to log in using the bookmark I made to the site in chrome, but when I click the link in the email they sent it works every time. I am on a Mac also and this is all through chrome. I don't understand it, but hope that helps!

[HankBashir]

For me it says, "User ID or Password is Not Valid." The problem originated the first time I logged in from a second device. However, LS Status Checker works anyway and checks hourly, so I just rely on that now.

Man, never heard of LS Status Checker before now. What a godsend.

[Chriswirth930]

For me it says, "User ID or Password is Not Valid." The problem originated the first time I logged in from a second device. However, LS Status Checker works anyway and checks hourly, so I just rely on that now.

Man, never heard of LS Status Checker before now. What a godsend.

+1

[bbsg]

Just went 'submitted for review' on 1/24. Submitted app on 1/7.

GPA 3.89; LSAT 175 (retake). Happy to jump aboard this ship with you all!

I'm curious, did you provide Stanford an addendum explaining your retake score? My 3rd score was 7 points higher than my first two scores, but I didn’t write one because I couldn’t think of a non-BS argument to make.

My score difference was 10 points. I considered submitting an addendum as I had a valid-ish reason. Still might, now that you make me stress about it.