Dinara Kalikhan, a computer science major from Kazakhstan, shares her inspiring journey to Stanford University. Through a combination of hard work, passion for tech innovation, and impactful community projects, she navigated the demanding application process and achieved her dream.
Get to Know Me
Hi, my name is Dinara. I'm from Kazakhstan, and I'm majoring in computer science with a minor in economics at Stanford University.
What inspired you to apply to Stanford University?
What really drew me to Stanford was the overall atmosphere and ethos of the university. The tech and entrepreneurship vibes are palpable, especially given its proximity to Silicon Valley. This environment aligns perfectly with my interests in technological innovation and problem-solving. I've always been fascinated by the culture of innovation that Stanford fosters.
Before applying, I immersed myself in the Stanford experience as much as I could from afar. I watched countless YouTube videos featuring Stanford students, particularly those "day in the life" style vlogs. These gave me a glimpse into campus life and reinforced my feeling that Stanford was the right place for me. The more I learned about the university, the more I felt it was a perfect fit for my aspirations and personality.
The journey to Stanford
My journey to Stanford started in my hometown of Almaty, where I attended the National School of Physics and Mathematics. Looking back, I don't think there was a single factor that got me into Stanford. It was more of a combination of elements that came together to form a strong application.
These elements included my academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and essays. It's important to note that while strong test scores and GPAs are important, they're not everything. Many students have impressive SAT scores and perfect GPAs, but not all of them get into their top choice schools.
One piece of advice I always give is to pursue what you're genuinely passionate about, rather than doing things just because everyone else is doing them. For instance, I worked on several projects during high school, including an app designed to protect people, especially women and girls, from harassment. I believe these projects stood out in my application because they demonstrated a real impact on my country and society.
I think what made my application strong was that it showed who I truly was - my interests, my values, and my potential to contribute to the Stanford community. It's not about trying to be what you think the admissions com
My journey actually began quite early. I knew I wanted to study in the U.S. or U.K. from around 8th grade, so I started researching universities then. However, it wasn't until 10th grade that I set my sights specifically on Stanford. That's when I really began to focus my efforts and research what Stanford was looking for in applicants.
Interestingly, there was a point when I worried it might be too late to start preparing. Many people around me, including my school counselor, suggested that students typically start preparing as early as 7th or 8th grade. But I realized that I had already been doing many things that could be considered valuable extracurricular activities - I just hadn't been thinking of them in those terms.
For example, I'd been involved in sports since childhood, I was passionate about music, and I had been working on various projects. These weren't things I did for a college application; they were simply part of who I was. When I started putting together my application, I realized I had more to offer than I initially thought.
As for exam preparation, I focused on that more intensively in the later years of high school. It was challenging, but I was determined to achieve the scores I needed.
The key takeaway from my experience is that it's never too late to start preparing, as long as you're willing to put in the work. And sometimes, the things you've been doing all along out of genuine interest can be the most valuable parts of your application.
If you were to advise someone just starting to prepare for these exams, what would you tell them?
My advice might sound cliché, but it's true: hard work is key. Even if your initial level in English or math isn't where you want it to be, consistent effort can get you to your target score. It's important to remember that these exams are not just testing your knowledge, but also your ability to learn and improve.
I'd recommend starting with a diagnostic test to understand your baseline and identify areas for improvement. Then, create a study schedule and stick to it. Use a variety of resources - official practice tests, prep books, online courses, and even study groups can be helpful.
Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvement. Progress often comes in bursts, so keep at it even when it feels like you're not making headway. Also, don't neglect your regular schoolwork - a strong academic record is just as important as standardized test scores.
Finally, take care of yourself during this process. Get enough sleep, eat well, and make time for activities you enjoy. A stressed, burnt-out student won't perform as well as one who's well-rested and balanced.
Academic life at Stanford
Academic life at Stanford is certainly challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. The key to managing it all is effective time management and prioritization. One piece of advice I always give to people who feel they don't have enough time is to be mindful of how much time they're spending on social media. It's easy to lose track of time scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms. Many people don't realize they're spending several hours a day on these apps.
When I'm studying, I make it a point to turn off my phone completely. This allows me to focus 100% on my work, which means I can finish tasks much more quickly and efficiently than if I were constantly checking my phone. It's amazing how much more you can accomplish when you eliminate these distractions.
I also prioritize getting enough sleep - about eight hours a night. This might seem counterintuitive when you have a lot of work to do, but being well-rested makes me much more productive during my waking hours. It's better to work efficiently for fewer hours than to drag out work over more hours while feeling tired and unfocused.
That said, I'll be honest - I don't have a ton of free time. But when I do have free time, I make the most of it. I hang out with friends, and there are always interesting events happening on campus that you can attend. Stanford does a great job of offering a variety of activities and experiences outside of academics.
The key is to find a balance that works for you. It's important to dedicate yourself to your studies, but it's equally important to take care of yourself and enjoy your college experience. It's all about finding that sweet spot where you're productive academically but also maintaining your well-being and social life.
What made you choose your major?
My interest in technology actually started quite early. I began coding when I was about 14 years old, and during high school, I gained experience in developing apps and chatbots. So I've known for a while that computer science is something I'm truly passionate about.
At the same time, I've always been interested in finance and business. I realized that combining computer science with economics would give me a powerful skill set, especially for my future goals. I aspire to become a tech entrepreneur, and I believe this combination of majors will provide me with the perfect foundation for that career path.
As for tailoring your application to your major, I think it can be very beneficial, but it's important to do it authentically. In my case, my interest in computer science and entrepreneurship was genuine and long-standing, so it naturally came through in my application. I was able to discuss my coding projects, my interest in Silicon Valley innovation, and my future goals in a way that aligned with Stanford's strengths in these areas.
For other students, I would advise showcasing how your chosen major aligns with your passions and goals. Don't just say what you think the admissions committee wants to hear - they can usually tell if you're not being genuine. Instead, demonstrate how your past experiences and future ambitions connect to your chosen field of study.
If you have relevant projects, coursework, or extracurricular activities, highlight those. But also don't be afraid to show how you might bring a unique perspective to your chosen major. Maybe you're interested in combining computer science with environmental studies, or economics with social justice. These unique combinations can make your application stand out.
Remember, colleges aren't just looking for students who fit a certain mold - they want diverse thinkers who will contribute to their academic community in unique ways. So be true to yourself and your interests, and let that authenticity shine through in your application.
Advice to Students
My main advice would be to work hard and believe in yourself. It might sound cliché, but it's truly essential. Success rarely comes easily, even if it appears that way from the outside. People often don't share their struggles and challenges, like the sleep deprivation or stress they experienced while working towards their goals.
It's crucial to believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. For example, at my school, there hadn't been any students accepted to Stanford in recent years, and some people suggested it wasn't possible for someone from our school to get in. But I didn't let that discourage me. I believed in myself, and importantly, my mom supported me wholeheartedly.
That brings me to another piece of advice, this time for parents: support your children in whatever they want to do. My mother's unwavering support was crucial to my success.
For students, remember that the application process is about showcasing your unique strengths and experiences. Don't try to fit yourself into a mold of what you think Stanford or any other university wants. Instead, focus on highlighting what makes you unique and what you're truly passionate about.
Also, don't be discouraged if you feel like you're starting "late." I didn't begin seriously preparing for U.S. universities until 10th grade, and I still achieved my goal. It's never too late to start working towards your dreams.
Lastly, remember that while getting into a top university like Stanford is a great goal, it's not the only path to success. There are many excellent universities out there, and ultimately, what matters most is what you do with the opportunities you're given, regardless of where you end up studying.
So work hard, stay true to yourself, and don't be afraid to dream big. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
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