Admission: Stanford

Questions and Admissions: Reflections on 100,000 Admissions Decisions at Stanford by Jean H. Fetter

Her reflections as Dean of Admissions could apply to any highly selective college, even though the data is from the 1990s.  For example, there are 26,000 high schools in the U.S. Stanford received applications from 4500 high schools in a typical year. Just think, all those students are likely in the top 10% of their class, and you can get an idea of how competitive it is to gain admission.

“College Unranked: Ending the Admissions Frenzy”

Essays from Admissions Reps and High School Counselors, compiled by Lloyd Thacker.

Mr. Thacker has led the opposition to rankings, like those of US News and World Report, for years. He believes it's a lousy way for students and parents to choose a college.