How to Get Into Stanford
BrennanHow to Get Into Stanford
Stanford accepts under 4% of applicants — and most families are optimizing for the wrong things. Former Stanford reader Brennan reveals what actually separates the students who get in from the thousands of equally qualified students who don't, and why "well-rounded" is often the wrong strategy entirely.
Speaker Info
Brennan
Brennan is a college admissions counselor with over a decade of experience in selective admissions and international education.
He has reviewed thousands of applications as a former admissions reader for the University of California, Berkeley, and an external reader for Stanford.
Brennan founded the college counseling department at an international school in Shanghai and has helped students gain admission to top universities worldwide.
About this Webinar
Stanford accepts fewer than 4% of applicants, and the vast majority of them look qualified on paper. Join Brennan, a former Stanford admissions reader, for a rare inside look at what actually separates admitted students from the thousands of equally impressive applicants who are denied. You'll learn why "well-rounded" is often the wrong strategy, what Stanford readers are really looking for beyond grades and test scores, and how a single unmistakable thread is what makes a file memorable. Whether your student is early in the process or already building a Stanford-focused application, this session will show you exactly what it takes to stand out at one of the most selective schools in the country.
In this webinar, you'll learn:
- Why "Well-Rounded" Loses: Stanford isn't looking for students who do everything well — they're looking for one thing done exceptionally. Brennan explains why breadth often works against strong applicants.
- What Readers Remember: With thousands of qualified files, readers remember the ones with a clear, specific throughline. Learn what makes a Stanford application memorable versus forgettable.
- The Story Has to Be Undeniable: Grades and scores get a student in the room—they don't get them admitted. Get the framework for building an application with one clear, unmistakable narrative.