<p>Hey I have a really brief question-
There are two primary recommendations, I am doing EA and have already handed those out.
There is an optional third recommendation, and I am unsure as to its role. On the admissions form it says its optional, not a lot of explanation. I remembered reading somewhere on these boards that one should not submit it unless he has exceptional circumstances of some sort , hence they get ****ed off if you randomly submit a third recommendation (IE it will do no good, and maybe hurt). However, one of my friends just went to a local stanford information session and he told me that they said it was fine, and could actually help, to submit a third one if you feel a third teacher could really help to evaluate you/describe you better as a person and a student. I don't think my friend was lying or not listening, so who knows.
So, to sumbmit, or not to submit?</p>
<p>If you know someone whose evaluation would truly add more to your application, go for it. He/she doesn't have to be a teacher -- could be an employer, volunteer supervisor, etc. Don't feel compelled to ask for another one -- just do what you think is best for you and your app.</p>
<p>People who use it usually don't use it as just another teacher rec., but as a rec from someone who knows them well from a different perspective (coach, debate coach, researcher they worked with, religious or community leader, etc.)</p>
<p>cool, thanks for the info. Any other opinions?</p>
<p>It is perfectly appopriate to get a coach, menotr, employer, or anyone who knows you well to write an additional rec. As long as they are saying something unique about you to the adcoms, go for it!</p>