How to Ace the Stanford University Interview: Top 10 Questions and Tips
5. Tell us about a challenging situation you faced and how you overcame it
The interviewer wants to know how you handle adversity and challenges in your life. It’s important to choose a situation that demonstrates your problem-solving skills and resilience. A good answer should also show how you learned from the experience and grew as a person.
Example answer: “During my sophomore year of high school, I was part of a robotics team that was preparing for a national competition. However, a few weeks before the competition, our team leader suddenly dropped out, leaving us without a plan or direction. It was a challenging situation, but I stepped up to take on the leadership role and rallied the team together to come up with a new plan. We worked tirelessly to prepare for the competition, and despite the setbacks, we were able to make it to the finals. This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and resilient in the face of unexpected challenges.”
6. What are your extracurricular activities, and how have they influenced you?
The interviewer wants to know about your interests outside of academics and how they have contributed to your personal growth and development. It’s important to choose activities that are relevant to your field of study or demonstrate your leadership skills. A good answer should also show how you have learned important skills or values from your extracurricular activities.
Example answer: “I’ve been involved in several extracurricular activities, including volunteering at a local food bank and participating in a robotics club. These activities have taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Volunteering at the food bank has also given me a deeper appreciation for the struggles that many people in our community face, and it has inspired me to pursue a career in tech that can make a positive impact on society.”
7. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult person or group
The interviewer wants to know how you handle conflicts and difficult situations in a professional setting. It’s important to choose an example that demonstrates your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. A good answer should also show how you were able to find a solution that benefited everyone involved.
Example answer: “During a group project in one of my classes, I had to work with a team member who was not contributing to the project and was causing tension within the group. I decided to take the initiative to meet with this person one-on-one to understand their concerns and perspectives. Through this conversation, I was able to identify the root cause of the problem and work with the rest of the team to find a solution that satisfied everyone. This experience taught me the importance of active listening and open communication in resolving conflicts.”
8. What do you think you can contribute to the Stanford community?
The interviewer wants to know how you can contribute to the Stanford community and what unique skills or perspectives you can bring to the table. It’s important to do your research on Stanford’s values and culture to show how you align with them. A good answer should also show how you have contributed to your community in the past.
Example answer: “I believe that my passion for technology and my leadership skills can make a positive contribution to the Stanford community. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other students and faculty members on innovative projects that can make a difference in the world. I’ve also been involved in several community service projects in the past and would love to continue volunteering at Stanford to give back to the community.”
