<p>Having two parents who went to Stanford for grad school? I know its not as important as undergrad, but would you still say thats fairly significant? Also if someone who is on a graduate school board, who knows me very well writes a letter is that a big deal or not really since its undergraduate admissions?</p>
<p>I believe it still factors in. As you say, it is not as significant in terms of admissions as the undergrad scenario (according to the rep and my memory).</p>
<p>It’s hard to say with any hook how much it’s worth. I mean, will it get you in if you have a mediocre profile? Probably not. But if you’re at the top of your class but lack any sort of distinguishing factor (national recognition, state recognition, whatever), it may push you into the accept pile. This is what I’ve read/heard from adcoms.</p>
<p>For the second one, my personal opinion that is somewhat backed up by what I’ve heard from adcoms, both in meetings and in books (various ones written by former adcoms, including Hernandez): No, it will not help just by having the letter. Did you do research with this person? Does he know you in any professional capacity? Is there anything he could possibly write that is not present elsewhere in your application? If he is a friend, unless he is an incredibly influential trustee or something, I wouldn’t suggest it. I’ve heard (again, all hearsay) that such letters can be a turn-off if they don’t present new information, and can either make the adcoms believe you’re arrogant or insecure.</p>
<p>Then again, I’m in your grade so take everything I say with a grain of salt.</p>
<p>if more people answer I will give them a cookie</p>
<p>Stanford doesn’t show as much legacy preference as, say, Harvard or Princeton. Parents who both went to Stanford for grad isn’t “significant,” but it is considered. It obviously won’t make up for any weaknesses.</p>
<p>As for the letter of rec, no, I don’t think it would matter. In fact, Stanford has said many times not to get recommendations from prominent people you know (in this case, a faculty/staff member) unless they can illuminate something not present in the application about you, something that your teacher recommendations couldn’t show, either.</p>