Leverage Your Background to Transfer to Stanford from Community College

[@alanbrantley44]

Read my Personal Statement and Additional Information essays here: www.alanbrantley.com/writing

[@jerlazer4465]

This is a wonderfully made video! Prospective transfers all over the country could use this information. Thanks!

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I know it's long but I wanted to give a complete and unique perspective. I hope this helps you along in your transfer journey!

[@conniichan]

Thank you for sharing your story Alan. I am a community college student from the bay area with hopes of transferring to Stanford. I came from a tough family life. I wasn't able to pursue math or science during my high school years, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to explore my interests at community college. Like you, I also developed an interest in physics and mathematics, I hope to study computer engineering! :)

[@williambarnedo9737]

I'm literally so inspired by this. I needed to hear your perspective.

[@alanbrantley44]

Thanks so much for your feedback! This video was made for you. Best of luck with your application process and transfer journey!

[@bythewaterwithlove]

What an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing your adversities, I don’t know you but I’m proud of you. I’m only 16 and I’ve been to 10 different public schools too, I’ve moved so many times I can’t even keep track. I’m looking to go to community college in a year and figure things out for myself. Sometimes I feel like there’s no one out there who really shares a story similar to mine, often time I grow super sad knowing how messy my childhood was. This video taught me to not let that define me. Again, thank you SO SO MUCH ❤

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you for sharing your story! It's amazing that our stories converge so precisely. The big difference between us is that you are already on the path back to school, which puts you 17 years ahead of me. I say do whatever you have to do to get in school, get good grades, and give back to the community along the way. Then you will have the makings for an extremely competitive application.

[@alanbrantley44]

People can choose to be defined by their past or they can use it as a catalyst to learn and grow and be better. It doesn’t take away the trauma, but at least the hardship will not have been in vain. I am glad you are choosing the latter. Hang in there and never give up because you have the opportunity to define yourself on your terms, crappy childhood be damned.

[@KhueNguyen]

It's such an awesome video that I've been looking for a long time. I'm now a Vietnamese high school senior, and I plan to transfer to Stanford in 2025 as a sophomore. Hope everything goes well and I will reach my big dream to be a Stanford Transfer. Thank you so much for this information 🎉

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you feel like I can support you on your journey. Best of luck to you during your senior year . Hopefully one day we'll both be in the Stanford alum club!

[@universalmind7549]

Thank you so much, sir. As an international transfer student planning to join Stanford for fall 2025, you inspired me deeply, and I am forever grateful to you!

[@jakemagicwords]

Thanks for your sharing! Your experience is amazing.

[@alanbrantley44]

thanks for commenting and you are very welcome! I hope you got something helpful from watching this video. the bottom line message is if I can do it, you can too. best of luck on your journey. if there is anything I can do to assist, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly!

[@diegoaerospaceengineer]

After watching your story you became my top 1 inspiration.

[@aleenatomy7889]

So proud of you Alan!!! You are truly inspiring!!

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you, Aleena! I'm wishing you the best in your own college journey. If there is anything I can do to assist you, get in touch!

[@francisco-id9zg]

On me

[@apitchaya6441]

What an amazing story. So inspiring ❤❤

[@thiagogregory1]

I absolutely love how clear and informative this video is. This is genuinely the best I have ever seen. By the way, I'm super proud of you, keep doing you always!

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you for that! You keep doing you, too!. The math will come if you keep at it. I believe in you! All you have to do is believe in yourself.

[@sophiashatova1315]

Thank you very much for being so open and honest in this video! It is the best resources of inspiration for community college transfers!

[@alanbrantley44]

thank you! sometimes it's scary to put it all out there, but comments like this not only make it worth it, but encourage me to go further. best of luck in your educational journey. there is really nothing special about me. I just wrote some good essays. if I can do it, you can too!

[@acaciazzz]

Thank you Alan! Such an insightful video that I really needed to hear and I know many others too. Amazing!

[@alanbrantley44]

Acacia! Thanks for watching and commenting! In the few conversations we've had I get the sense that you are in a great position to reach your transfer goals. Keep in touch and keep me posted. And definitely do not hesitate to reach out to me directly if I can help you in any way. Can't wait to see how everything turns out!

[@benhuxley]

This video is such an inspiration. I’m a student from Myanmar (which is not in a good situation by any means), and starting CC at De Anza in September. Although the chances are slim, I will just go for it and try my best. Life is short after all. However, I wonder if I still need to take a foreign language as an international student. Also, I will most likely book a consultation appointment with you in the future when I complete my credits. Really looking forward to it. I was lost with how I am supposed to continue my education given my circumstances and this video gave me hope and aspirations. Thank you sir.

[@alanbrantley44]

Hi Ben, thanks so much for your comment! I am glad that you have found some motivation and inspiration from watching my video. This was precisely my purpose in putting it out there. And remember, my chances were as slim as yours! You just have to shoot your shot! Work hard, get the grades, get involved in your community, and craft your narrative. And remember not to put all your eggs in the Stanford basket. There are dozens of great schools in California alone!

[@alanbrantley44]

You ask a good question about the foreign language requirement. It depends from school to school, but yes, waivers are available. For instance, if a US student has completed the requirement in high school, the requirement can be waived. I am not completely sure about your case, but my assumption is that bilingual students already meet the requirement. You can always call the school and ask! Crazy as it sounds, someone will be there to answer your questions. Best of luck in your journey! And don't forget that the application "process" starts a year out. In reality, it's never too early to get started. I'm wishing you the best and looking forward to hearing from you.

[@stuckinthemoshpit]

Currently at Fullerton College! Didn’t know you went there wow

[@alanbrantley44]

Go Hornets! and I'm there now working in the Transfer Center. come by and say hi when the term starts!

[@char6081]

So proud of u sir!

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you! I hope the video helped you in some way. :)

[@HenryJBR]

Thank you for the tips and advice and information this is very helpful for me

[@0kur123]

wish i watched this before transferring too soon from my community college. Graduated highschool when I was 15; had a 3.95 GPA in CC but i didnt know why i chose the school i applied to. my mental health detoured; failed all my classes, took 9 months off college, did not much of anything, i got too stressed, s3lf h4rmd. thought that was the end for me with 0 degree. im now continuing where i left off in a uni that doesn’t feel right to me through 15 sessions of tgerapy, but i know i am better than this and meant to overcome or be bigger than this. i don’t know how to navigate my life from here. i need guidance…. its like im loosing most times than i’d like

[@alanbrantley44]

thank you for your honest comment. I applaud your courage in being so open. please know that it is never too late. you can still transfer to a more preferable university. also, one of the main lessons I have learned in life is that it's never over. our paths lead where they lead, and sometimes the walk through the dark night is the only path to brighter days. I thought I had reached the end too...still do sometimes. just keep going and try to be 1% better each day. your struggles and failures now can inform your triumphs and success in the future. for me, the key statement in your comment is that you know can do better, be better, and overcome your current circumstances. it's a lifelong process! but the rewards are worth the journey. I am wishing you all the best in your endeavors! please feel free to reach out to me personally if you would ever like to chat.

[@theonlyjoelj]

YEAH ALAN! Thanks for getting your story out there.

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you for leading the way! Hope you don't mind me plugging your content.

[@thiagogregory1]

You're such an inspiration! I'm not a math person at all but I want to get a degree in CS and I have to take math from scratch too from Algebra 1 to Calc 1-2!!! Any tips??

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you for your comment. I'm not a math person either! But it is still totally doable. I'm working on a couple of videos now that touch on this very topic. The main thing is effort. Plan to work at least 8 hours a week minimum going over class notes, record lectures if possible, reading the book, watching videos, and of course, practice practice practice! Do as many problems as possible and get help when you don't understand a concept. Finally, don't give up when you hit a wall, because even if it takes a week or two to grasp a concept, you will have grown immensely in the process.

[@alanbrantley44]

If you have any specific questions related to strategies, reply to this message and I will address it in my upcoming video(s).

[@languageandmana9255]

I'm proud of you!

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you!

[@jackbanxian]

Thank you so much for sharing... Wow it is TRULY fascinating hearing about your life story. With all that mentality to give life another strike, no wonder you're admitted. One question though, do you HAVE to have very high gpa? If not how're you gonna justify that

[@alanbrantley44]

Hi, so the short answer is yes, high GPA is really important. I look at it as the cost of entry. Your competitors (roughly 2500 of them) have an average GPA of 4.95. Mine was at 4.9 for comparison. GPA isn't all that is looked at, but it shows that you can work diligently, consistently, and follow through. If your GPA is well below the average, you need to have a great story. I talk about making a low GPA a high GPA by putting it into context; if you have kids, work two jobs, are battling a disease or have achieved a respectable GPA in the face of overwhelming odds, AND you can write a GREAT essay to express that, then you might have a chance to have your application seriously considered. But if you have not shown consistent excellence over your scholastic career, it could be hard to justify selecting a person with low GPA over a high achiever. Of course, this all depends on how "low" the GPA is and what the circumstances are. It's an individualized process for each applicant. I have not personally known any students with non-competitive GPAs to get into Stanford.

[@alanbrantley44]

Also, if your GPA is not in the competitive range, but you have managed to bring it up dramatically, that could be another instance where you could reframe it. I hope this helps!

[@ryangillies8064]

@@alanbrantley44 My GPA was pretty poor when I first started CC (as a different major as well). Poor as in B's, B-'s, and even some C's and F's as covid stretched on (but some A's too). The result was a GPA around or slightly below 3.0. I took a gap and came back and since have gotten straight A's (taking 20+ concurrent credits as well), but my GPA is only 3.5 right now, and will likely only reach 3.67 ish if I continue with straight A's until my application. Everything included, I'll be transferring at the 6-year mark from starting CC... The main reason for my poor performance was really just covid killing my motivation and ADHD not working well with online classes, and I don't feel as if that reason is compelling (also, lack of passion for my current major and trajectory factored in as well). I did have a very poor situation with plenty of hardship in high school, which I guess sort of extended into CC as well? Do you have any advice for my situation/how should I frame my essay answers? How much does this kill my chances? Since coming back from my gap, I think I've done pretty well and got involved in school activities, and as a result I suppose, my EC's would probably look decent, and I retook the SAT a few weeks ago and it would land around the average range for their undergrad admits.

[@maharshipaul6455]

Thanks a lot

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you for watching! I hope you got something useful out of it.

[@Kyle-ke4hk]

I’m wondering if this is the case for other top schools like harvard, yale, princeton, brown, or dartmouth do they also like non-traditional applicants? Do you see the same tendency?

[@alanbrantley44]

Unfortunately, I can only speak to the Stanford experience. Each school has their own culture and preferences. For instance, Cornell has a great reputation for accepting a high number of non-traditional student each year, while Harvard only accepts a handful. My best advice would be to contact the admissions office for the schools you are interested in. Of course, I would encourage you to always apply to the schools you wish to attend no matter what because you never know what can happen! Hope this helps, and best of luck with your transfer journey.

[@Kyle-ke4hk]

@@alanbrantley44 thank you!

[@Carol-y8h]

What a story, you have all my respect. Wonderful video thank you very much! I am an international student going to junior college with a soccer scholarship and I want to apply to Stanford after the 2 years. How would you rate my chances of getting financial aid or what would be my expenses will they drastically differ from the ones of US residents? I would greatly appreciate your assistance!

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you so much for your comment! I Wish I could help you with your question, but when it comes to financial aid for international students, I am not the person to ask because it's a totally different process. I can say that Stanford makes all efforts to ensure admitted students are able to meet the financial requirements. And, of course, there are many international students on campus. My advice is to call or email Stanford's Admissions and Financial Aid offices. They are separate offices but in the same building so they work closely. And you can always get someone on the phone, which is a nice perk of Stanford. I hope this helps! If not, feel free to follow up and I will give it my best shot! 😃

[@HenryJBR]

Hey @alan Brantley I would tips from you in transferring to stanford from a community college iam planning to transfer to stanford university from a community college

[@pkrancho]

Very nice video. Can we transfer from a UC to Stanford? Any videos on USC IYA?

[@alanbrantley44]

Thank you for the comment! and YES! You can transfer from any school. One of my transfer classmates was a sophomore from USC! In terms of IYA, I have no videos yet...what kind of content would you like to see related to USC and IYA?

[@pkrancho]

@@alanbrantley44 - Thank you for letting me know that we can transfer from UC to Stanford. My kid has got into UCSD and USC IYA as undergraduate. She is interested in IYA, however, not sure if the course will be counted towards core engineering. An insight into what opportunities and jobs can one get out of IYA would really help. Thank you!

[@alanbrantley44]

@@pkrancho I think IYA is a wonderful school for undergraduates, and while it is not an engineering school, changes are being made for interdisciplinary cooperation with the school of engineering that will allow students to take engineering courses to supplement their IYA requirements. In terms of positions, the primary positions are in digital and physical product design, product management, and entrepreneurship. In today's economy, these positions span across industries and sectors. I believe a product design education gives students a huge advantage in the emerging digital economy due to its potential for broad application.

[@alanbrantley44]

@@pkrancho IYA also offers ample opportunities for industry led workshops, internships, and design competitions. In addition to the multidisciplinary cooperation I mentioned before, these are opportunities that are simply not afforded to most students at USC. Of course, one has to consider their career goals, but if the goal is to design, create, build, and innovate, IYA is an excellent destination.

[@heftygermgaming3383]

I’m trying to transfer to Stanford as a math major as well and I think that’s so cool that you were one as well. I just want to try cuz u never know and if I don’t get in, I will at least know that I tried . Is it possible to see your personal essay answers, I would love to hear your perspective from when you transfered 21:06

[@alanbrantley44]

thank you for the your request. I am working on that now!

[@heftygermgaming3383]

@@alanbrantley44 I will be wait g and thank you so much. Also alan Brant, is there a place where I can contact you, I would love to hear more about your experiences and some tips personally for my application. I am a American math society publication and I really want to work these experiences into a Stanford app

[@alanbrantley44]

@@heftygermgaming3383 It is my pleasure! You can read my Personal Statement and Additional Information statements here: www.alanbrantley.com/writing Hope they help!!

[@alanbrantley44]

@@heftygermgaming3383 There are a number of ways you can reach me. I have a link in the description to my Fiverr page, you can contact me directly from my website, or visit my KZbin home page and email me directly from the About section. I'm looking forward to hearing from you and am excited to learn more about your journey!

[@heftygermgaming3383]

@@alanbrantley44 wow that’s really good. Thank you so much Alan, I am applying for March 15 and I am working on my app right now. I’ll contact u shortly and thank you so much Alan, I feel like your video is a sign for me to go for this and do it 100 percent. I feel like I have a good chance and I’ll share my process with you on email for ur website. Also loved ur essay, I’m so curious to see what ur supplemental sounded like with that wonderful personal statement. Thanks Alan for being an inspirational to us! Appreciate it a lot and very grateful

[@heftygermgaming3383]

Do you have any spot where I can contact you directly? Your experiences were very inspirational

[@alanbrantley44]

Hi, thank you for your comment! Yes, you can contact me on my Fiverr page, which is listed in the description, or directly from alanbrantley.com. Definitely get in touch, I would love to talk to you and learn more about your story!

[@HenryJBR]

Thats sucks @ alan brantley im glad your life it good now

[@hornswaggle89]

Drop your essay!!

[@Darkjnr5]

It has little to do with his essays at this point. His experiences are enough to be admitted.

[@alanbrantley44]

incoming!

[@alanbrantley44]

@@Darkjnr5 ah, but how do the admissions officers learn about my experiences? you have to tell that story. it's always all about the essay!

[@alanbrantley44]

for your viewing pleasure. Hope they help! www.alanbrantley.com/writing

[@Misslayer99]

Thank you so much for sharing this... You have no idea how much I needed to hear it.

[@alanbrantley44]

thanks for your comment and, of course, you are very welcome! I hope this encourages you to further believe in your own potential and turn in those applications!

[@HenryJBR]

I agree with you in everything thank you for everything @alan brantley