<p>yes that would be five recommendations, all of which are fine. for the optional one, it’s okay to have a Stanford graduate student write it. for additional info on optional letters of recommendation: [url=<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/site/faq/index.html#faq_2_2]FAQ”>http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/site/faq/index.html#faq_2_2]FAQ</a> : Stanford University<a href=“it’s%20question%20#5”>/url</a>.</p>