Project goal: Development of a Stanford-run, flexible, and easy-to-use online application system for University admissions on a sound technical basis.

Why does Stanford need a new online application?

Even though Stanford University offers an online application through embark.com, the current implementation has numerous shortcomings:

• Dependency on external organization with different goals than those of Stanford
• No distinction between Stanford and hundreds of other universities/colleges throughout the country
• Sensitive, confident information about potential students put in hands of third party

• Separate registration with embark.com very cumbersome
• Current technical implementation severely lacking
• Interface hard to use
• No flexibility in filling out application

The poor technical quality of the current online application severely damages the image of Stanford as the nation’s first choice for Computer Science studies. Worse yet, this image is most hurt in the eyes of those who should have top importance– prospective students.

Stanford allows someone else to be the essential link between itself and its student prospects.

© Thomas Dillig & David Craig Last change: 3/16/2003