Does Stanford require recommendation letters?

Hello! I'm a junior who's interested in applying to Stanford, and I'm a bit stressed out trying to figure out the application requirements. Can anyone let me know if Stanford requires letters of recommendation, and if so, how many?

Hello! No need to stress – I'm happy to help clarify the recommendation letter requirements for Stanford. Yes, Stanford does require letters of recommendation as part of their application process. Here's a breakdown for you:

- Two teacher recommendations: These should ideally be from teachers who have taught you in high school (preferably during junior or senior year) in core academic subjects. The teachers should know you well, and be able to speak to your academic abilities, personal qualities, and contributions to the classroom.

- One counselor recommendation: This letter of recommendation should come from your high school counselor or another school official who works with students at your school (such as a head of the house, principal, or academic advisor). This recommender should be able to provide more context about your overall high school experience, including your interests and any personal circumstances that might be relevant.

In total, you'll need three recommendation letters for your Stanford application – two from teachers and one from a counselor or school official. Make sure to give your recommenders enough time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter on your behalf. Best of luck with your application!