I keep thinking about applying to Stanford. I really like the first question. As soon as I read it, I knew what I would write about. My main problem would be not writing 7 pages just about that first essay.
My wife is actually prodding me to apply to Stanford (she may have gone crazy now after 8 months of grad school talk). She thinks that I should drop USC for Stanford. When we talk about schools, shes asks me "if USC is the only school you get into, will you want to go?" My answer is always "I'm not sure." And she's right, that isn't the correct answer.
It isn't that I think I am too good for USC, but I keep hearing somewhat negative things. I talked to a friends of a friend who is a USC alum at a BBQ. He basically told me "I had a good time there, but I think you can do better." I've got a wedding to go to in California in October, so hopefully I can schedule some time to get to USC and see for myself.
If I do drop USC and go for Stanford, I will be applying to 3 UEs and 3 elites. I hope I know what I am doing.