How many of you are submitting an optional recommendation?

<p>All of you applying--will you be submitting an extra recommendation, for a grand total of 3?</p>

<p>Yuuup. :] I'm not exactly sure how "optional" it is.</p>

<p>See, I think they really don't want to read more than 2 recommendations (not counting counselor's recommendation). Stanford is WAY more "Do not send any extra stuff EVER!" than any other school I know of, except maybe Columbia. I just checked the Stanford admissions website and they say of a 3rd recommendation:
"This is not required, and most applicants will not submit an optional recommendation."</p>

<p>Ahh, but Stanford doesn't require SATIIs either. Still, I'm sure they'd be a whole lot happier if you took them and did well. ;D</p>

<p>I have no idea what they thought when I sent in my extra recommendation (I applied 3 years ago), but I did it because I was drum major of the marching band for 3 years, concertmistress of wind ensemble for 3 years.. blah blah.. but the point is that I learned so much from music about leadership, dedication, adversity, pride, and the differences and similarities between all of us. The director had worked very closely with me and seen my progress, so I thought it was valuable to have him talk about my character and how I had matured.</p>

<p>Of course, it could be that Stanford thought, "Ugh, we want to let this girl but she sent in this dang 3rd rec letter... oh well, let's still let her in." Or.... "She's borderline... Ah! This rec letter cinches it. She's coming." Or some other variant. So.... ::shrugs:: do in your heart what you think is best. If you feel that a 3rd person can shine some new light on who you are, go for it.</p>

<p>Hi, my question is about the teacher evaluations. If they submit a letter that talks about the student, is it still necessary for them to fill out the short answer part of the questionnaire? I know for some schools a letter can replace the short answer questions. Is stanford the same? thanks</p>