<p>Hello, I believe I have "landed" a job with an engineering professor at Stanford, whom I will work with over the summer. If this actually works out, will it increase my chances of getting into Stanford (let's say I have pretty good other stuff) slightly, medium, or greatly? I am also from a state that has probably never sent an applicant to Stanford...ever.</p>
<p>Neither of those factors will hurt you. How much they will help depends on many things. The power of the professor. Whether he can make a good case for why you will contribute to the department. And mostly, hiow close you are to what they want to begin with.</p>
<p>I see. My question is, is a letter of recommendation from him all I will get? Or is there some way for him to input directly into the university?</p>
<p>He can write a letter for your application file. Most importantly, ask him. Most will be honest with you. Even coaches tell star athletes that they can make their case to the adcoms, but nothing is guaranteed.</p>
<p>Remember, profs have kids, family, neighbors and friends. There are tons of profs and a huge difference in how important each is to the school. They can not get everyone they like special status. Bottom line, don't count on much.</p>
<p>The more special your skills and knowledge are, the more likely they are to go to bat for you. If any number of undergrads can perform the same work, the boost will just be another nice letter from someone related to the school--one of thosuands.</p>