[JohnR34231]

How hard would it be for the recruiting experts to ask guys supposedly considering Stanford, if they have submitted a Stanford application?  Seriously. Why should anyone be able to claim someone as a finalist when by definition they don't have the option even if they claim to want it?

Question 1: Not very. I'm guessing they don't because either a) they don't understand themselves about the Stanford requirements or b) if they do they don't want to put the guy on the spot.
Question 2: They are signaling that they are a smart guy to whom academics are very important and they are considering a very prestigious school.

[JohnR34231]

How hard would it be for the recruiting experts to ask guys supposedly considering Stanford, if they have submitted a Stanford application?  Seriously. Why should anyone be able to claim someone as a finalist when by definition they don't have the option even if they claim to want it?

Question 1: Not very. I'm guessing they don't because either a) they don't understand themselves about the Stanford requirements or b) if they do they don't want to put the guy on the spot.
Question 2: They are signaling that they are a smart guy to whom academics are very important and they are considering a very prestigious school.