[JeffInCorvallis]

I would love for my kids to be able to go to Stanford, but it is really not an immediate concern as they are only 3 and 5. I have, however, applied for a few positions over the last 3 years in the hopes that if I am working there they may have a better chance of being accepted.

I don't get this last bit at all.  Even if you are working for Stanford, is it really going to improve your kids' chances?

I'm resigned to the fact that my kids chances of getting accepted are vanishingly small, not because they're not smart, great kids, but they don't have anything that really distinguishes them.  Ah, but we still have a few years to go.

[JeffInCorvallis]

I would love for my kids to be able to go to Stanford, but it is really not an immediate concern as they are only 3 and 5. I have, however, applied for a few positions over the last 3 years in the hopes that if I am working there they may have a better chance of being accepted.

I don't get this last bit at all.  Even if you are working for Stanford, is it really going to improve your kids' chances?

I'm resigned to the fact that my kids chances of getting accepted are vanishingly small, not because they're not smart, great kids, but they don't have anything that really distinguishes them.  Ah, but we still have a few years to go.