Advice on recommendation letters for Stanford?

Okay, so we all know Stanford is super competitive, and I'm planning on applying there. I'm wondering about the recommendation letters - who should I ask? Teachers, coaches, club advisors? What should they include in the letter - my academic achievements, personality traits...? Would appreciate any tips or insights!

Absolutely, recommendation letters are a crucial part of your Stanford application as they provide a perspective about you from those who have interacted with you in an academic or personal context. Ideally, your recommendation letters should come from those who can eloquently and convincingly talk about your intellectual vitality, which Stanford values greatly.

For teacher recommendations, select two teachers in different subjects, preferably from your junior or senior year, especially those who have taught you in a subject that is aligned with your intended major at Stanford. They should be able to comment specifically on your intellectual curiosity, your ability to comprehend complex concepts, and your dedication to learning, showcasing not just your academic prowess, but also your intrinsic love for knowledge.

If you're noticeably involved in a club or sports where you've demonstrated significant leadership or growth, a letter from a coach or club advisor could add another dimension to your application. This letter can provide more insight into your role and achievements within the extracurricular activity, your teamwork abilities, and your commitment.

Regardless of who is writing the letter, they should ideally speak to your personality traits, such as resilience, creativity, initiative, kindness, and enthusiasm. They can include concrete examples in which you've demonstrated these traits. For instance, situations where you've shown unique problem-solving skills or perhaps instances where you've had a noticeable impact on your community.

Remember that Stanford is looking for more than just academically excellent students. They want students who will be active, contributing members of their campus community. A strong recommendation letter will highlight not only your intellectual capabilities but also your character and your potential to make a significant impact.