What kind of school is Stanford

<p>I am admitted to two high schools with their own strengths. Stanford looks for which kind of person.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>One school offers 7 math competitions that I can participate in a year. I am sure I will get awards for them if I study </p></li>
<li><p>The other school has FIT near it. Although FIT (Florida Institute of Technology) is a technical school like MIT, it is not ranked as top engineer schools like GIT, Caltech. Nonetheless, I can take about 6 college
classes per year (dual-enrollment). However, this school itself only offers three AP classes and none of math competitions. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>If the reason I go to number 2 is only because of FIT and not the actual school, should I go to number 1 school? If I take Stanford EPGY while attending number 1, does it have the same strength as taking it at FIT?</p>

<p>Stanford likes to see strong students, period. Whether it be in winning 7 math competitions or taking tons of college courses, either way you’re going to come across as an intellectual, which is good. One thing Stanford also likes, though, is learning for the sake of learning and exploring different realms and subjects of education for your own benefit. With that said, go to the high school that you think is the best for you, not just the best for Stanford. It’s not like all Stanford students have won math competitions or have taken tons of college classes, from what I’ve noticed after meeting other 2015 admits, Stanford likes to admit well-rounded students who are also social and accessible, not just brainiacs with tons of awards who are too afraid to give their valedictorian speech.</p>

<p>Congrats on getting admitted to BOTH of those schools, best of luck to you in high school!</p>

<p>Agreed with just20706.</p>

<p>I’ll add that strong placement in math competitions is probably more impressive than taking courses at a local college like FIT. That said, you should ask yourself what you’re most interested in - is it math? Math-related disciplines? If those really aren’t your interest, then there’s no point in participating in math competitions and #1 doesn’t offer you an advantage. If those are your interest, and your participation in math competitions is out of genuine interest, I’d go for #1.</p>

<p>Also, does #1 offer many more AP classes? A rigorous course load is important, but of course there are other factors that matter as much or more.</p>