Two letters. Five specific prompts. A 9-characteristic assessment. KHS recommender requirements are unlike any other scholarship — your recommenders need to be briefed properly.
KHS doesn't ask for a generic letter. They give recommenders specific questions to answer. Your recommenders need to see these beforehand.
How does the applicant demonstrate independence of thought?
Recommenders should provide specific examples of original thinking, intellectual curiosity, or willingness to challenge conventions.
How does the applicant demonstrate purposeful leadership?
Not just "they led a team." Specific stories about why they led, how they inspired others, and what purpose drove their leadership.
How does the applicant demonstrate a civic mindset?
Evidence of caring about something bigger than themselves. Community service, advocacy, mentorship, or any form of contribution to others.
What are the applicant's areas for growth?
KHS actually wants to know weaknesses. A recommender who says "they have no weaknesses" is doing you a disservice. Honest, constructive observations are valued.
How would the applicant contribute to the Knight-Hennessy community?
This is about cohort fit. Would this person enrich group discussions? Would they support fellow scholars? Would they bring a perspective the community needs?
In addition to the written responses, recommenders rate you on nine traits. This is a quantitative evaluation that the committee uses alongside the qualitative letter.
KHS is one of the few prestige scholarships that explicitly allows a peer as a recommender. A colleague, a co-founder, a fellow volunteer — someone who knows you as an equal rather than a subordinate. These letters often provide the most authentic picture of who you are day-to-day. If you have someone who's worked alongside you on something meaningful, consider them seriously.
Ideally, no. KHS wants to hear about your leadership, character, and civic engagement. Your Stanford program wants to hear about your academic potential and professional readiness. Different recommenders can speak to different aspects of who you are. If you must overlap, ensure the letters themselves are different — a recommender should tailor their letter to what each application is actually asking.
What the committee is actually looking for and how they evaluate the trifecta.
Selection Criteria Guide →