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10 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Letters of recommendation for an MBA Application

The MBA Application Season is on. With the first round of MBA application deadlines of many top programs like that of the Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton School of Business, as early as the first week October, you have less than two months to prepare and submit a stellar application.

Have you identified your referees? Do you know what constitutes a good recommendation letter?

Recommendation letters are a key part of your MBA application, yet they are often the most overlooked. In this article we will walk you through a set of FAQs that will help answer many of your queries regarding recommendation letters.

1. How many letters are required for MBA application?

Schools typically require 2 recommenders. However, there are schools such as the Stanford Graduate School of Business that ask for a third letter by a peer.

2. Who should be my first recommender?

In an ideal scenario, your direct supervisor is best suited to be your first recommender. One of the primary reasons for this is that he is in the best position to comment on your working style and work ethic. However, if that is not possible, you should identify someone who is a couple of levels senior to you in designation and with whom you have worked closely.

3. Who should be my second recommender?

While you have the option of choosing someone from your work place as your second referee, you can also choose someone from an organization or a club you have been associated with outside of work. In either scenario, we suggest that your second referee brings forth a different aspect of your personality or working style.

4. Should I try to get a recommendation from the VP or CEO of a company?

Big titles do little to impress the admissions committee. What the admissions committee wants to see in the letter of recommendation is how well your referee knows you and how well she can comment on your performance. Unless you have worked closely with the VP or the CEO, it is best to avoid a letter of recommendation from her. Moreover, choose someone who will be able to give this very important letter enough time and provide specific and relevant examples of your work.

5. How much time should I give my recommender to write the letter?

Register your referees early on in the online application so that they can access the questions. The more time you give your recommenders the better it is for them to carve out time from their busy schedule to write your recommendation.

6. My recommender does not have time; should I write my own recommendation?

No. You should not attempt to write your own recommendation letters for two reasons: A. It is unethical. B. There may be some positive qualities and strengths in you that you yourself do not recognize. Your recommender may bring out those aspects in the letter.

7. What should my recommenders write in the letters?

It is best that you meet your referees in an informal or relaxed setting and talk to them about your goals. Refresh their memory on projects that you have led or contributed to. Ask them about what they think your strengths and weaknesses are. Ask them to provide relevant examples. Superlatives such as "outstanding", "great", "phenomenal" do not convey much unless they are backed up with solid examples.

8. Is it okay to share my essays with my recommender?

The decision to share your essays lies entirely with you. It may be a good idea to share your goals essay and your resume, but learn to respect your recommender's time. Ask her whether she would want to see the essays.

9. What should I ask my peer to write in the letter?

Your peer should ideally highlight your interpersonal skills and perhaps take a less serious approach.  Here again, relevant examples and anecdotes would help.

10. Should I forfeit my right to view the recommendation letters?

This is completely your call. If you are confident about your choice of recommenders, you can waive the right to view the letters.

 

About the author: Ms. Arpita Sen is the Director of Admissions at Gurome, Inc. You can read more about her at: http://gurome.com/info/executive.html

 

If you need help with your MBA Application Packet, you can sign up for our MBA admissions consulting packages (http://www.gurome.com/info/why_gurome.html). You can also sign up for a free 30-minute admissions consulting session here today! 



Posted by kalyani at Aug 18, 2010 1:58:26 PM
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