Life at Stanford University
Life at Stanford University
Hi y’all! My name is Andy, and I’m a rising junior at Stanford University where I study International Relations. Throughout college, I’ve explored departments ranging everywhere from computer science to music to literature and philosophy. I hope my experiences will shed some light on what it’s like to study at Stanford!
What’s it like to be a Stanford student?
First and foremost, the people you meet at Stanford are some of the smartest and most talented individuals in the world. My freshman year, I lived across the hall from someone who discovered two black holes. I also regularly ate meals with Olympic athletes, world-class musicians, and students who had started their own companies. In your classes, you will meet (oftentimes one-on-one!) with professors and educators who are at the cutting edge of their field. At Stanford, you make the exciting discovery that every person you meet, no matter how seemingly god-like, is just another human being—and potential friend.
Because its students are so talented in such various ways, Stanford students can shape their college experience to practically any style they like. Prefer to work hard and play hard? Many students load up on a ton of academic units and still find time to party with their friends over the weekends. Prefer to focus on your professional development? You can also choose to carry a lighter course load and focus on your involvements with pre-professional clubs, volunteer organizations, or personal projects (or startups!).
One thing I’ve noticed is that everyone at Stanford is engaged with the arts. Whether it’s music, creative writing, or the visual arts, every student has an outlet for expressing themselves in ways that go beyond their academics and careers.
What makes Stanford different from other elite universities?
Almost everything I said above is true of other top-tier colleges, like Harvard, Yale, or MIT. However, having visited all of the above campuses, I can confidently say that there are several factors that make Stanford unique amongst its peers.
To start, what they say about California’s weather is true! I’ve lived in 3 different countries and over a dozen US states, and I can confidently say that Stanford’s location in the Bay Area is one of the best in the world. Not too hot, never humid, and with just the right amount of rain to keep things interesting, the Stanford campus is a beautiful place to be year-round.
Another differentiating factor is the quarter system at Stanford. Most other US universities are on the semester system: that is, two academic semesters in the year that are 15 weeks long. In contrast, Stanford has three academic quarters that are 10 weeks long. This gives Stanford unparalleled academic flexibility when it comes to planning your four years of college. Most US students end up changing their intended majors once or twice; I ended up switching my major four times before deciding on International Relations, and I am still on track to graduating on time! Because of this, as well as the fact that Stanford is so strong across all academic disciplines, I think Stanford is perfect for students who have a wide range of interests and are not certain what they want to do after graduation.
Finally, I think Stanford is less preppy and (ahem) pretentious than other universities. At other colleges, students might wear suits and blazers; here, many people kick it in t-shirts and flip-flops, even as they’re killing their Stanford careers.
What opportunities are available to Stanford students?
One of the less well-known details about Stanford student life is how much financial support its students groups receive. My freshman year, I joined an acapella group (for the first time!) and immediately found myself flying to Boston and New York City, shooting successful music videos, and performing for hundreds and hundreds of people. There are groups for everything from Bhaṅgṛā dance to jump rope to rocket-building to professional consulting; if you have a passion, chances are, there’s a student group for you at Stanford!
In terms of professional opportunities, there are companies that devote significant more attention to recruitment at Stanford than other universities. These companies include Google, Microsoft, Facebook, McKinsey, and more. In addition, there are myriad opportunities for service learning, study abroad, and research for whatever career you like!
If this sounds overwhelming, not to worry. Every freshman at Stanford is designated at least two advisers to guide you through your academic and professional careers.
What are some challenges you face at Stanford?
“Impostor syndrome” and “duck syndrome” are two well-known phrases at Stanford. The former refers to that gnawing feeling every Stanford student experiences in which they feel inferior to their peers, whereas the latter refers to the pressure to try and appear like you’re always succeeding—even when you’re drowning in work. Culturally, these are two facets of life that every student must grapple with at least once while studying at Stanford.
Another challenge is the fast pace of the quarter system. With only 10 weeks in the quarter, students find themselves taking midterms as early as Week 5, 4, or even Week 3. To support this busy academic life, Stanford provides many resources for tutoring and academic support so that students can succeed.
Finally, due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, Stanford carries strong cultural influences from the computer science (CS) and tech industries. If you’re not a CS or STEM student, take heart! There are many vibrant students and communities who love pursuing the humanities and social sciences.
Any last thoughts?
Attending Stanford is undoubtedly an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you graduate with a Stanford degree, almost any profession or industry (within reason) may be just within your grasp. However, you should never fool yourself into thinking that only Stanford is capable of providing you with an empowering and meaningful college experience.
This year, I joined Project Access as the Founder and Director of the Stanford Campus Team, Project Access’s first team in the US West Coast. If the idea of going to Stanford or a West Coast school appeals to you, apply to be a Project Access mentee! We will pair you with a mentee who will guide you through the complex, grueling college application process to maximize your chances of admission.
If you have any questions, or want my advice, please reach out at andy.lee@projectaccess.org. I bid you good luck with your applications and best fortunes ahead!