Have you ever wondered what the profile of a student accepted to Stanford looks like? In this post, we’ll give you a detailed look at the academic stats, extracurricular activities, awards, and overall story of a student who earned a spot at Stanford University through Restrictive Early Action (REA).
Academic Profile
- GPA (Unweighted/Weighted): 8.8 / 10
Ranked in the top 2% of a class of 197 students. Although the school doesn’t officially rank, the counselor’s report confirmed this standing.
- SAT: 1480 (720 Reading, 760 Math)
A solid SAT score, showing strength in both verbal and quantitative reasoning.
- Coursework:
No AP or IB courses offered at their school, underscoring that Stanford values academic excellence within the context of what’s available.
Extracurricular Achievements
- Co-founder of a Women’s Clothing Business:
Built the website from scratch using JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and MongoDB. Achieved $1 million in revenue with over 10,000 sales. Reached 50%+ of local women through over 1,000 Instagram posts and multiple Facebook/Google ad campaigns.
- Creator of a Mobile App Addressing Domestic Violence:
The app’s story is set to air to 1 million+ viewers on a major global TV network. Pitched the app to Silicon Valley executives, including those at Oracle, and partnered with UNICEF.
- Co-founder of a Math-Teaching NGO:
Taught 30+ classes to low-income youth, developed over 500 pages of lesson materials, and helped mentees win 30+ math competition medals.
- PROMYS (Boston University) Participant:
Became the first student from their country accepted to the prestigious Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists at Boston University. Conducted advanced math research and presented findings to 40+ peers and mentors.
- Researcher at a Prominent Math Institute:
Explored advanced mathematical topics like induction under the guidance of a university mentor. Presented findings more than 10 times to audiences of 20+.
- Polyglot:
Self-taught 7 languages, including Spanish, Korean (C1), Japanese (B1), and an Indigenous language (A1). Tutored 3 students in Korean.
- Language Teacher at an NGO:
Taught Korean and Spanish to 300+ students, ages 12–50. Authored study guides (260+ pages) and sold 122 copies of a Spanish book.
- Korean-to-English Translator for Rakuten Viki:
Translated over 200 hours of Korean dramas and variety shows, reaching a global audience.
- Teaching Assistant for Basic Computer Skills:
Taught 85+ people from an Indigenous village, translating digital literacy materials into their local language.
- Co-founder & Education Director, Student Council:
Organized 5 major school events for 1,500+ attendees and secured $15,000 in funding for school-wide projects.
Awards & Honors
- Top 1 in the World in a Major Techpreneur Competition:
First from their country to achieve this distinction.
- RISE Finalist 2023
- Young Changemaker Award:
Honored by the largest e-commerce company in the Global South.
- EGMO Qualifier:
Competed in the prestigious European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad.
- 15+ National Math Competition Medals
Recommendations
- World Language Teacher:
Emphasized the student’s maturity and capacity for personal growth.
- Math Teacher:
Highlighted commitment to community impact through the math NGO.
- Counselor:
Focused on the student’s sustained academic excellence and leadership development over three years.
Final Thoughts
Coming from an incredibly challenging background—growing up in a criminal environment with a mother who worked in a brothel—this student channeled personal hardship into action. Their mission to combat violence was woven through their essays, linking their life experiences with impactful ventures like their domestic violence prevention app.
Key Takeaway
This Stanford admit proves that while academic strength is crucial, authenticity, resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to meaningful change are equally powerful. It’s not just about what you’ve achieved—it’s about the story you tell and the purpose behind your work.
If you’re aiming for Stanford, think deeply about how your personal journey connects with your passions—and how you can use your skills to make a tangible impact.