[PVTree]

I had a similar experience when I lived in the Boston area. I was an OVAL volunteer and interviewed 8 applicants. They were all very bright and had accomplished much, much more than I had at that age.

I gave glowing reviews to 7 out of the 8*. I remarked that they had the potential to be: "Future senator", "Future Surgeon General", "Next Steve Jobs", etc.

To my surprise, none of them were accepted.

*The one that I didn't recommend was probably the brightest of them. She was a year younger and had started two social service type of projects.

However, I always started with what I considered a "soft ball" question that they should hit out of the park. I asked, "What do you know about Stanford?" I hoped to hear some of the passion that I have for Stanford..."the best at X"..."cradle of innovation".."dream school"...etc.

Instead, she answered that she knew it was one of the 10 best schools in America, and she wanted to be accepted into all 10.

Right away, I got the sense that it was an ego trip. She did not have the passion for Stanford, but wanted to say that she got into all the top schools. I could not give her a positive recommendation after that answer.

[PVTree]

I had a similar experience when I lived in the Boston area. I was an OVAL volunteer and interviewed 8 applicants. They were all very bright and had accomplished much, much more than I had at that age.

I gave glowing reviews to 7 out of the 8*. I remarked that they had the potential to be: "Future senator", "Future Surgeon General", "Next Steve Jobs", etc.

To my surprise, none of them were accepted.

*The one that I didn't recommend was probably the brightest of them. She was a year younger and had started two social service type of projects.

However, I always started with what I considered a "soft ball" question that they should hit out of the park. I asked, "What do you know about Stanford?" I hoped to hear some of the passion that I have for Stanford..."the best at X"..."cradle of innovation".."dream school"...etc.

Instead, she answered that she knew it was one of the 10 best schools in America, and she wanted to be accepted into all 10.

Right away, I got the sense that it was an ego trip. She did not have the passion for Stanford, but wanted to say that she got into all the top schools. I could not give her a positive recommendation after that answer.