5 Tips for 9th & 10th Graders Dreaming of Stanford (and other highly selective schools)

In today's hyper-competitive college admissions landscape, the journey to prestigious universities like Stanford has evolved into a marathon rather than a sprint. For many highly selective colleges and competitive majors, the admissions process has effectively become a three-year effort, beginning as early as sophomore year of high school. This shift means that parents of 9th and 10th graders need to start thinking strategically about their child's college preparation earlier than ever before.

If your student is already talking about wanting to attend colleges like Stanford, where admissions rates are in the single digits, here’s how you can support them in their quest. Encourage them to:


1. Prioritize Academic Excellence

Highly selective schools prioritize academic rigor and achievement from the very start of high school. They want to see that students can handle challenging coursework and excel consistently over time. Strong performance in 9th and 10th grade sets the foundation for advanced classes in junior and senior years, demonstrating a student's readiness for college-level work.

Here's what that means in practice for your student:

  • Aim for high A's in their high school classes. Of course, being valedictorian doesn't guarantee admission, but it certainly helps advance them to the next stage.
  • Take the most rigorous courses their school offers (e.g., AP and IB courses).
  • Strive to be in the top 5-10% of their high school class in terms of GPA (only if a school ranks; this is not held against them if the school does not rank).
  • Excel in core academic areas (English, Math, Foreign Language, Science, History) to qualify for a more in-depth examination by full-time admissions readers.
  • Consider preparing for standardized tests, as test scores remain a factor in admissions at most highly selective universities, despite test-optional policies.
  • Remember, grades and strength in curriculum carry the most weight in admission to highly selective schools. Encourage your student to challenge themselves academically while maintaining a strong GPA.


Plan and Excel in Extracurricular Activities

Highly selective schools look for depth and impact in extracurricular involvement, not just a long list of activities. They want to see that students have developed passions and leadership skills early on. Starting in 9th and 10th grade allows students to build a track record of commitment and achievement by the time they apply to college.


Help your teen develop a strategic approach:

  • Start Early: Encourage exploration of various activities in 9th grade to identify true passions.
  • Depth Over Breadth: By 10th grade, focus on 2-3 key activities rather than spreading too thin.
  • Show Growth and Leadership: Look for opportunities to take on increasing responsibility within chosen activities.
  • Seek Unique Experiences: Encourage participation in selective summer programs or competitions related to their interests.
  • Document Achievements: Keep a detailed record of involvement, leadership roles, and accomplishments.
  • Align with Academic Interests: When possible, choose activities that complement intended areas of study.
  • Demonstrate Initiative and Impact: Encourage your student to start something new or make a significant contribution to an existing organization.


Remember, colleges value quality and depth of involvement over quantity. It's not about accumulating a long list of activities, but about demonstrating passion, commitment, and impact in chosen areas.

3. Foster Intellectual Curiosity

Elite colleges seek students who demonstrate a genuine passion for learning beyond the classroom. They value applicants who show initiative in pursuing knowledge and exploring academic interests. This intellectual curiosity in 9th and 10th grade often translates to innovative research or projects in later high school years, making a student stand out in the application process.


Encourage your child to:

  • Pursue independent research or projects in areas that fascinate them
  • Attend lectures, workshops, or summer programs related to their interests
  • Read widely beyond their school curriculum
  • Engage in intellectual discussions with teachers, mentors, or experts in fields of interest
  • Start a blog or podcast about a topic they're passionate about
  • Participate in academic clubs or start one if it doesn't exist at their school
  • Look into prestigious academic competitions, such as science fairs, math olympiads, or writing contests


The goal is to nurture a love for learning that will serve them well throughout their academic career and beyond, while also demonstrating to admissions officers a depth of intellectual engagement fitting the intellectual vitality selective schools seek.


4. Foster Community Engagement and Initiative

Elite colleges value applicants who demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. They want to see that students are thinking beyond themselves and developing the skills to effect change. Starting community engagement in 9th and 10th grade allows students to develop substantial projects and show long-term commitment by the time they apply to college.


Guide your teen to:

  • Identify causes or issues they care about deeply
  • Start small by volunteering in their local community
  • Gradually take on more responsibility and initiative in their chosen activities
  • Look for opportunities to create new programs or solutions to problems they've identified
  • Quantify their impact where possible (e.g., number of people helped, amount of money raised)
  • Reflect on their experiences and be prepared to articulate what they've learned


The key is to show increasing levels of involvement, leadership, and impact over time. Encourage your child to think creatively about how they can make a difference in their school or community. 


5. Maintain a Balanced Perspective

While it's great to have ambitious goals, it's crucial to maintain a healthy perspective:

  • Encourage your child to explore a range of colleges, not just the most selective ones
  • Focus on finding the best fit rather than chasing prestige
  • Emphasize personal growth and learning over accolades and achievements
  • Ensure your teen has time for relaxation and fun to prevent burnout
  • Consider financial implications and explore financial aid options early

Remember, the college admissions process is just one step in your child's journey. The skills and experiences they gain during this time are valuable regardless of where they ultimately enroll. As you're helping your student decide which colleges to tour or apply to, ensure their list has colleges with varying acceptance rates.



By taking a proactive and balanced approach to college preparation, with a strong focus on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, meaningful extracurricular involvement, community engagement, and personal well-being, you can help your 9th or 10th grader build a strong foundation for their future. Whether that includes Stanford or another great-fit institution, the goal is to help your child develop into a curious, capable, and well-rounded individual ready to thrive in college and beyond.

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