<p>So I came across the requirements for letters of rec on the Stanford website, and they say that they prefer 11th or 12th grade teachers to write them. They also say you can submit one from a 10th grade teacher if it was an advanced class, but it doesn't explicitly state that they won't take a rec from a 9th grade teacher.</p>
<p>However, I called the undergrad admissions office and the lady told me that they won't take 9th grade teachers at all. The teacher I asked had me in 9th grade but I've worked with her all four years of high school as president of a club she advises and she's gotten to know me really well.</p>
<p>Is it that big of a deal if she submits her letter still? Have any of you submitted a letter from a freshman teacher? It's a fantastic letter and I'll be disappointed if I can't send it in, but we'll see.</p>
<p>I sincerely doubt they’d throw out the 9th grade teacher’s letter. The reason they recommend the 11-12th grade teachers is because they assume that
a. those teachers will know what kind of person you are NOW rather than a few years ago
b. those teachers will know you from more advanced/rigorous classes
9th grade teachers usually don’t fit the bill. However, if this teacher has worked really closely with you, then I don’t see a problem with asking her to submit the letter. Or you can submit 10-12th grade teacher letters for the two “required” teacher recommendations and the 9th grade teacher’s letter for the optional recommendation.</p>
<p>Did you explain your circumstances to the person you spoke with from the office?</p>
<p>If they’re asking for teachers (and not, say, coaches) then they are looking for adults who are authorities on your academic, in-class abilities. While the teacher you speak of may write a great letter in regards to your leadership capabilities, how much knowledge does she have of your present academic qualifications? If this club is something like the math team, she may have quite a firm grasp. If it’s, say, a service club, then sorry kiddo, but that’s probably not gonna cut it.</p>