In this revealing interview, Marcello Ascani speaks with Stanford professor Alberto Salleo about the real obstacles international students face when applying to top-tier U.S. universities. Sharing his own early rejection from Stanford—due in part to weak recommendation letters and lack of funding—Salleo demystifies a process often misunderstood by hopeful applicants abroad.

He stresses that academic excellence alone isn’t enough. Success depends on mastering the admissions playbook: understanding need-blind financial aid, writing compelling recommendation letters, and meeting tight deadlines with precision. Without this roadmap, many capable students miss their chance not for lack of talent, but for lack of preparation.

Salleo also champions structured exchange programs as powerful gateways to global education, providing not only access to elite institutions but also the financial support and mentorship needed to thrive. Organizations like ISSNAF are key players in leveling the playing field, especially for Italian students navigating the U.S. academic landscape.

In his words, getting into a top university is like cracking the code to an exclusive club—it’s about knowing the rules, building the right connections, and starting early.