Stanford Essay Examples from Admitted Student
DAVID
The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
Taking a course called Elections and Voter Behavior, I entered the gerrymandering unit with a sense of confidence. I already knew that Republican legislatures drew wonky-looking maps to prevent Democrats from being elected. Still, uncovering the complexities of the topic was fascinating, especially the fundamental realization that an odd-looking district is not always a bad thing when you take into account communities of interest, majority-minority districts, and environmental concerns.
The unit provided me with insights that challenged my previous knowledge: Democrats are not only culprits of partisan gerrymandering, but also of cracking and packing minority Democrats themselves, allowing for white democrats to be over represented. I finished the unit knowing more than I had imagined, but also asking more questions.
Is it possible to create enough majority-minority districts to allow for adequate minority representation without packing the democratic votes to give republicans an advantage? Is it unethical to create a predetermined district so that congresspeople are not held accountable to their constituents—would maximizing the number of highly competitive districts actually be the “fairest” solution? Or could that be inherently unfair due to demographic disparities in turnout? Where is the line drawn between keeping communities of interest together and keeping districts compact and contiguous?
Despite the implementation of independent redistricting commissions, I realized that there will be no “end” to gerrymandering. There are so many different factors in creating a “fair” map. Asking these questions is part of what makes political science a subject I will never tire of exploring issues.
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate -- and us -- know you better.
Dear Future Roommate,
To know me, you have to know that I’m a true New Yorker, but maybe not quite what you think. I’m not rude to strangers on the street, but I probably walk faster than anyone you’ve ever met. I’ve never been to the top of the Empire State Building, but I can navigate the subway system like the back of my hand. I’m almost 18, but I can’t drive. And an everything bagel with cream cheese and lox is just about the perfect lunch on a Sunday. I hope you’ll come to love the dry sense of humor I’ve developed through years as a Seinfeld fan.
I’ve never been much of a decoration person, so in our room, I’ll submit all the wall space to you. My room at home looks about the same as it did when I was five-years-old—polka-dotted ceiling and all. However, I’ll make sure to bring two things: my keyboard and a baseball glove. I’ve found that a nice catch is one of the best ways to unwind, so maybe we can throw a ball around during study breaks.
Don’t worry if the sound of the keyboard bothers you. According to an article I read, there are over 200 pianos on the Stanford campus, so I won’t have much trouble finding another place to play.
All in all, if you can survive a few minor tantrums when my precious Mets’ playoff hopes inevitably go down the drain, we’ll get along great.
Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
When I begin to play a tune, I often start hesitantly. Sometimes the volume falters or a stray finger slips. After a few bars, my confidence grows and so does the quality of the music. But I do not truly begin to play until the melody ends and I begin to improvise.
Here, there is no faltering, no wrong notes. I transport myself into a new world, losing sight of the sheet music on the piano, along with my surroundings. The thoughts forever swirling around my brain dissipate and I am left only with the notes, rhythms, and harmonies.
I begin with the form of the tune, following the basic chord progressions with my left hand, playing fragmented scales and arpeggios with my right. But slowly, remnants of the tune vanish, tempo and harmony become more complex, and every note I play is spontaneous. I switch styles, I change keys, I begin in a ballad and move to stride, I begin in a blues and progress to a bossanova. I play around with different ideas, knowing that I will make mistakes.
This is where I find true joy. Improvisation allows me to explore, to create something new. I can express myself not through sheet music written centuries ago, but with my own approach to the music, allowing the world that surrounds me to seep into it. My improvisation is not only an escape from my world, but a reflection of it.
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today?
Polarization is undermining our democracy. As society tackles interconnected problems like climate change, racism, and poverty, we need to be able to work together and reach across the aisle. Instead, we face rampant polarization that holds everybody stagnant and prevents meaningful progress.
How did you spend your last two summers?
I spent my last two summers taking a short story course at Tufts and a course called Law Ethics and Democracy at Brown. I have always loved creative writing. With the Brown course I extended my love of politics into the world of ethics.
What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed?
I wish I could have witnessed the creation of the game of chess in India, 6th century AD. I am fascinated that humans more than a thousand years ago produced a game so balanced and complex that current day supercomputers have yet to truly solve.
Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work or family responsibilities.
I tutor for a program called Strides 2 Success, which seeks to correct inequity in standardized testing for elementary school students. We partner with under-resourced schools and provide free tutoring, both to help with schoolwork and to prepare students for middle school entrance exams.
List five things that are important to you.
Fresh cut grass on a baseball field.
The lights of the subway care coming into view.
The feeling of a perfectly sharpened pencil as I scribble notes.
Cracking up my dad with dumb jokes.
The taste of Matzah Ball Soup at my favorite diner.