When families think about elite colleges, names like Stanford often come with big assumptions: incredible opportunities, intense competition, and a hefty price tag.
But what is it actually like to attend one of the most selective universities in the world?
In this episode of The Ol’ College Try podcast, host Peg Keough sits down with Mark Hernandez, a Stanford graduate who spent 25 years as a high school English teacher and now works as a college essay consultant with a growing social media following. Mark brings a rare perspective to the conversation—someone who has experienced both sides of the college journey as a student and an educator.
From applying to Stanford just four days before the deadline to graduating in two years and two quarters, Mark shares lessons about elite colleges, financial decisions, and what truly helps students thrive in college.
An Unexpected Path to Stanford
Mark Hernandez didn’t originally plan to apply to Stanford.
In fact, the idea only came up four days before the application deadline when his college counselor stopped him in the hallway after noticing Stanford wasn’t on his list.
She handed him the application and told him to submit it.
He did—and was accepted.
At the time, Mark’s college strategy was fairly simple. He applied to several California schools and focused on programs related to his interests in broadcast journalism and law. Like many students, he didn’t have a perfectly engineered admissions strategy.
And yet, Stanford became an option.
The Financial Reality of an Elite College
Getting into a school like Stanford is exciting—but the financial aid offer can quickly change the conversation.
Mark received multiple full-ride offers from other universities. Stanford, however, came with a much larger financial burden for his family.
Like many families today, his father asked the financial aid office if anything could be adjusted. The result was a small increase in aid, but it didn’t significantly change the overall cost.
Ultimately, Mark and his family made a difficult decision: he would attend Stanford, and they would figure out how to make it work.
But Mark quickly realized that “we’ll figure it out” isn’t really a strategy.
The Strategy That Cut the Cost of Stanford
Once he arrived on campus, Mark started studying something other than his coursework: the graduation requirements.
Stanford required 180 units to graduate, and Mark realized that his AP credits had already given him a head start.
By carefully planning his course schedule, taking heavier course loads, and even completing a summer class at UCLA, Mark mapped out a path to graduate as quickly as possible.
His goal was simple: reduce the financial burden on his family.
The result?
Mark completed his Stanford degree in just two years and two quarters.
Even the university president called him in to ask how he had managed it.
While graduating early isn’t the right choice for every student, it highlights an important lesson: understanding college policies and credits can significantly impact the cost of a degree.
Do AP Classes Really Help You Graduate Early?
Many families assume that taking a lot of AP classes automatically means students can graduate college early.
In reality, it’s much more complicated.
Some colleges allow AP scores to replace general education requirements, while others only grant elective credits that don’t move students closer to graduation.
Policies vary widely between universities, and they’ve changed over time. Some institutions have reduced AP credit allowances because too many students were using them to shorten their time on campus.
For families hoping to use AP credits strategically, the key is simple:
Always confirm how credits transfer before enrolling.
Getting those details in writing can prevent surprises later.
What Stanford’s Campus Culture Is Really Like
Elite universities are often associated with intense academic pressure.
But Mark says Stanford’s culture felt surprisingly different.
Students worked incredibly hard—but many downplayed how much effort they were putting in.
There was almost a social game of appearing relaxed while quietly putting in the work behind the scenes.
In reality, students were studying constantly.
Mark’s personal strategy was to get most of his work done early in the morning, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., before the rest of campus woke up. That allowed him to enjoy the social side of college while staying academically on track.
The lesson?
Success at highly selective schools often comes down to discipline and time management, even when it doesn’t look that way on the surface.
The Type of Student Who Thrives at Selective Colleges
Academic ability alone doesn’t determine who succeeds at schools like Stanford.
According to Mark, the students who thrive tend to share one trait: curiosity.
Stanford encourages students to explore new ideas, try unfamiliar activities, and meet people from very different backgrounds.
Students who arrive eager to experiment—academically and socially—often get the most out of the experience.
Those who prefer sticking to a narrow path may miss out on many of the opportunities these universities provide.
Why College Fit Matters More Than Prestige
One of the biggest takeaways from Mark and Peg’s conversation is that college fit matters more than rankings.
Every student is different.
A campus environment that energizes one student may feel overwhelming—or even isolating—to another.
Families often focus on prestige, brand names, or rankings when choosing colleges. But the better question is:
Where will this student actually thrive?
That means looking beyond reputation and considering factors like:
When students feel comfortable and engaged on campus, they’re far more likely to take advantage of everything college has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Mark Hernandez’s story is a powerful reminder that the college journey is rarely linear.
He applied to Stanford at the last minute, faced difficult financial decisions, and ultimately found a creative way to make the experience work for his family.
Today, after 25 years as a high school teacher and now working with students on college essays, he brings a perspective that few people have: someone who understands both the student experience and the admissions process.
For families navigating the world of selective colleges, his advice is simple:
Focus less on prestige and more on finding the environment where a student can truly grow.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Ol’ College Try podcast.
Host: Peg Keough
Guest: Mark Hernandez, Stanford graduate, former high school English teacher, and college essay consultant.
