Recommendation from a gmail address

It's not a deal breaker, but if the rest of the rec looks fake, than it's just another nail in the coffin. They could always call to verify your recommender if they wanted to.
Also, keep in mind that some schools have you explain why you picked this or that recommender on the actual online app form. So if that is the case, don't worry about explaining in it in optional essay - explain in the free form text box they provide you.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

Hi there,

Additional scrutiny in this case won't be a big deal. You can explain it in the application portion where it asks you why you chose that recommender or if there is anything to note. If they don't have this section, put it in the optional essay. Overall, additionally scrutiny isn't a big deal. You're not the only applicant to have been put in this position.

For our clients who have had to go this route, the verification schools carried out varied. Have your recommender address it in his/her letter and just be ready to provide some back up if necessary.

Good luck!

Bhavik

Ask your recommender to submit it from his new professional email address. For example- if you work at Microsoft, and your boss left to work for Apple, he can submit the recommendation letter from Apple's professional email address. It will add credibility to your communication with the school.

The schools can easily check the profile of your boss on Linked IN, see that he is working for Apple now, and was previously working with Microsoft.

If you use gmail, the schools will think "What are the odds that this recommender does not even know he is submitting a recommendation?" or "What if this person does not even exist?" and is a FAKE Boss that the applicant created.