Stanford Recommendation Letters

I've read that Stanford has quite a selective admissions process, so I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to navigate getting the best recommendation letters. Are there specific things that they're known to look for?

When it comes to recommendation letters for Stanford, it's important to have letters that thoroughly reflect you as an individual and as a student. As you're planning who to ask, consider teachers who know you best and can describe your strengths, contributions, personal qualities, and character in depth. Ideally, these would be teachers from your junior or senior years in high school from core academic subjects. However, if a teacher from another grade or a different subject can provide a more accurate reflection of your abilities and potential, that may work as well.

What are they looking for? Stanford, like many other highly selective universities, attempts to establish a well-rounded student body consisting of individuals who are excellent in at least one area (the "spike" concept). So the best recommendation letters portray the applicant as passionate, intellectually curious, and motivated, and often depict a "spike" - an area of deep interest or specialization.

For instance, if your spike is in the scientific arena, one of your letters could come from a science teacher who can demonstrate how you've consistently gone above and beyond by conducting independent science projects or showing impressive initiative in the science club. Or, let's say your spike is leadership, you may have a letter from an adviser or mentor who has seen you plan and execute a large project or take responsibility for a group or organization.

Remember, it's not just about asking teachers from classes where you've gotten an A; instead, you want someone who can comment on your studiousness, thoughtfulness, problem-solving ability, and intellectual vitality. Some students use this as an opportunity to explain a less-than-ideal grade in a rigorous course, showing their resilience, work ethic, and improvement over time.

It's also helpful to prepare a mini "brag sheet" for your recommenders that lists your accomplishments, extracurriculars, and any key themes or ideas that you would like them to emphasize in their letter. This can help guide their writing and ensure the letter represents you effectively.

Keep in mind Stanford's mission and what they value—intellectual vitality, leadership, depth of thought, and so on. Try opening up a dialogue about these traits with your recommenders and provide instances that they can specifically refer to in their letters.

Remember to ask your teachers for these letters well ahead of the deadline, so they have ample time to thoughtfully respond.

Lastly, aside from teacher recommendations, Stanford also requires a letter from your school counselor. So, make sure to also build a solid relationship with your counselor who can then advocate for you.

In sum, the best letters of recommendation are not just generally positive, but also give detailed examples and paint a descriptive picture of your character, academic ability, and potential for success in a highly rigorous academic community like Stanford.

Good luck with your application!