Letters of Recommendation for Stanford?

Hey everyone, currently a junior here, and I'd like some guidance on the letters of recommendation for Stanford. Who should I ask? Teachers? Counselors? Coaches? I've heard Stanford really values these recommendations. I'd be grateful for any advice.

When considering who to ask for letters of recommendation, it's typically recommended to ask teachers who know you well, preferably from junior or senior year, and from classes that align with your intended major, if possible. These teachers have seen your intellectual development and academic progress firsthand.

For Stanford, two teacher recommendations are required. Aim for teachers who can speak to different dimensions of you as a student. For instance, if you select a science teacher, you might want to balance that with a recommendation from your humanities side, say your English teacher. Consider who can best address your intellectual vitality, commitment to learning, and personal attributes.

Additionally, Stanford requires a School Report completed by your high school counselor that includes a counselor recommendation letter. This recommendation gives admissions officers a more comprehensive view of you and your school context.

Coach recommendations can be valuable too, but they do not replace teacher recommendations. If you've shown substantial commitment and achievement in athletics, you might want to include your coach's recommendation as an additional letter, if Stanford allows. Remember, this should add a unique perspective, not repeat what was already conveyed by others.

Given that letters of recommendation can significantly enhance your application, make sure to ask individuals who know you well and can testify to your character, academic skills, curiosity, resilience, and so forth. Always be sure to ask well in advance to give your recommenders ample time to craft a thoughtful letter.