How to Get a Strong MBA Recommendation Letter

One of the most important components of any MBA admissions application are the recommendation letters. In addition to your GMAT score, personal statement and other required essays, you will be asked to submit letters of recommendation. You should anticipate submitting around two recommendation letters. 

Contrary to what many applicants believe, you can directly influence the quality of the recommendation letters you receive. It starts with choosing the right people to write recommendation letters, and the specific details in the letters they write that help demonstrate your skillset and allow you standout as a candidate. 

Who should write an MBA recommendation letter?

MBA recommendation letters should generally be written by direct supervisors or employers in an organization that have worked with you in a direct capacity that allows them to speak to specific examples of working with you and the impact you’ve made on a project or team. Although it can be tempting to have the most senior level individual in the organization that you know write your recommendation letter, unless this person can speak to working with you directly, the letter may be too vague to be impactful in a positive way. 

Be sure to weigh the different options you have for writers, and think through the pros and cons. If you’ve worked in multiple departments or roles, you also want to consider what working experience aligns with your personal statement and stated goals for post business school plans.

You may also want to consider choosing diverse writers to ensure your application shows a range of examples and experiences that may showcase you as a more well rounded applicant.

What makes a good MBA recommendation letter?

A good MBA recommendation letter gives admissions counselors a clear idea of who you are as a candidate and what you would bring to a business school class. In other words, what makes you special and unique as a potential student. A good recommendation letter will not be generic or filled with broad praise - rather, it will have very specific examples that will highlight your personality and character. 

If your writer needs some inspiration or a starting point from which to write your letter, feel free to provide some examples that speak to your leadership or workplace accomplishments, or characteristics you would like highlighted. However, you should refrain from overediting the letter or having too heavy of a hand in the letter. 

After asking someone for a recommendation letter, you can either find time to meet with them or send an email to discuss your contributions and impact, and also share with them your intentions for going to business school and high level goals and plans upon graduation. This will give them a better understanding of your application, and will help them tie specific examples to your stated chosen future field. 

What format should an MBA recommendation letter take?

A recommendation letter from a supervisor or employer is not long - therefore, every paragraph and example must count. It typically follows an example like the sample letter below. A good MBA recommendation letter should introduce the writer’s relationship to the applicant, highlight the applicant’s strengths and skills, and provide concrete examples to demonstrate positive characteristics. 

For more information on your MBA application and to receive a complimentary first consulting session, submit your inquiry today.

What to Know About Applying to Business School in 2021

During these uncertain times, if you are considering business school or have already submitted your application, you may be unsure of how your application will be affected or if now is the right time. You might be unsure whether now is still a good time to apply to or attend business school. Are applications being accepted now, or will deadlines be extended? Will the entering class of 2022 consist of virtual or in person classes? Will you be able to experience business school the way you originally intended?If you’re considering business school, you can find the answers to your top questions below around MBA programs and COVID in 2021. 

Is now a good time to apply to business school? 

During times of uncertainty, business school applications often rise as many prospective MBA students are looking to change careers or boost their earning potential. If the job market is highly competitive, more young professionals will look to business school as an option to take a break from the workforce and make their resumes more competitive. 

Even if classes are being held online, students will still receive training and education around skills that are highly sought after and transferable. Applications this fall to top business school programs have increased as more potential applicants are considering MBA programs in the midst of COVID-19.

What about the GMAT?

Due to COVID-19, depending on where you are located, you will have the option to take the GMAT in person or online. Prospective business school students that have not yet taken the GMAT may have the option to take the exam online remotely, if test centers near them are not open. The online exam is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now is a great time to maximize your GMAT score for the upcoming admission cycle.  

For best exam results, plan to take a diagnostic at least 4-6 months in advance and hire a tutor or join an intensive study program based on your results. Blocking out time for self-study and taking a series of full exams monthly will also help with your progress. If you have been working for a few years since graduation, the material may prove challenging. Design a timeline that allows you to take 2 formal exams if needed. 

Therefore, it is important to prepare for the GMAT or GRE as early as you can, even 6-12 months ahead of your deadlines in order for you to achieve the best admissions results possible. Anything that is rushed could result in a rejection or waitlist as MBA schools do care about your exam score along with your undergraduate coursework,G.P.A., and work experiences. 

If you have a slightly lower G.P.A. than the average acceptance score, a higher GMAT or GRE can strengthen your application. A higher quantitative score does help for applying to business schools. 

Lastly, do your research and look up the average academic profiles that show case exam score averages and grade point averages for acceptances. Then you can make a realistic list of schools with a target score range that you can aim for. 

Are admissions deadlines being extended? 

As of now, admissions deadlines for MBA programs beginning in 2022 are as stated on each program’s website. Make sure to track the deadlines for upcoming admissions rounds to ensure the best application experience. 

Will classes be held remotely or in person in 2022?

Although some MBA programs are currently hosting remote classes through 2021 and others have opted for blended campus and class experiences, campus statuses for 2022 are still in the process of being finalized. For the most up to date information, visit your program’s website.

Should I defer my admission?

The decision to attend business school is highly personal and varies by each individual. If you have already been accepted to an MBA program for the upcoming year and are considering deferring your admission, many schools are offering this option. 

For more information on your MBA application and to receive a complimentary first consulting session, submit your inquiry today.