Last visit was: 12 May 2026, 16:09 It is currently 12 May 2026, 16:09
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
MadhuRajesh
avatar
Joined: 10 Mar 2007
Last visit: 12 May 2007
Posts: 34
Posts: 34
Kudos: 0
Alumi Recommendations 11 Apr 2007, 05:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello,

Does anyone know what weightage if any is assigned to alumni recommendations by business schools? Would this be seen as an unethical practice?

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks and regards,

Madhu
User avatar
EconGirl
User avatar
Joined: 15 Jul 2006
Last visit: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 365
Own Kudos:
5
Posts: 365
Kudos: 5
Alumi Recommendations 11 Apr 2007, 05:59
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
There is nothing unethical about alum rec. It can only help you because among other things AdCom wants to assess your fit and the ability to "survive" the program. An alum who knows you and knows the program is able to do this better than someone not familiar with the program and its culture.
avatar
MadhuRajesh
avatar
Joined: 10 Mar 2007
Last visit: 12 May 2007
Posts: 34
Posts: 34
Kudos: 0
Alumi Recommendations 11 Apr 2007, 06:55
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks - ok it gets a bit more technical now - the alumni is my partner's friend and interviews prospective applicants as well. He does not know me personally but has helped me with my essays etc - based on my essays and our telpehone conversations, he sees a fit between the college and me. He is happy to put in a word for me but of course the risk is that as he has only helped with the essays etc and does not know me personally otherwise, the adcom might think my application is what it is because of his help and not a genuine reflection on me as a person.

What do you think I should do in this case?
User avatar
aaudetat
User avatar
Joined: 01 Nov 2006
Last visit: 10 Jan 2016
Posts: 1,854
Own Kudos:
233
Given Kudos: 2
Concentration: Social Enterprise
Schools:The Duke MBA, Class of 2009
Posts: 1,854
Kudos: 233
Alumi Recommendations 11 Apr 2007, 07:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This guy does not sound like a formal recommender to me; I think the schools are serious about wanting someone who really knows you and can comment in depth on your character, your skills, and your work experience. However, if you've got a network, milk it! There are other ways to take advantage of this connection.

1. Mention him in the "why this school" essay. Don't name drop, but do say something substantive about how what you learned from your discussions with him really turned you on to the school. I did something along these lines. It shows you did your homework and that you do fit with the school.

and/or

2. Ask him to put in a good word informally. If he shoots an email at the adcom, his opinion will end up in your file. From conversations I've had with people up at Cornell, it does make a difference when staff/faculty take the time to put in a good word.

good luck!
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,906
Own Kudos:
3,192
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,906
Kudos: 3,192
Alumi Recommendations Updated on: 11 Apr 2007, 07:32
Originally posted by rhyme on 11 Apr 2007, 07:23.
Last edited by rhyme on 11 Apr 2007, 07:32, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MadhuRajesh
Thanks - ok it gets a bit more technical now - the alumni is my partner's friend and interviews prospective applicants as well. He does not know me personally but has helped me with my essays etc - based on my essays and our telpehone conversations, he sees a fit between the college and me. He is happy to put in a word for me but of course the risk is that as he has only helped with the essays etc and does not know me personally otherwise, the adcom might think my application is what it is because of his help and not a genuine reflection on me as a person.

What do you think I should do in this case?
Show more


Well, presumably he wont tell them he helped with your essays. But thats not the real issue - the real issue is that he wont be able to write a valuable recommendation. Take a look a the kinds of questions they ask on recs forms and you'll see what I mean. If he doesnt know you well, its not a strong rec.

Thats not to say his letter would be useless. I'd suggest you take him up on his offer by having him submit an "unsolicited" letter OUTSIDE of the normal process. A brief statement mailed directly to the most senior person you can establish a rapport with supporting your candidacy. His focus should be on his experiences with you and how you are a strong cultural fit
avatar
MadhuRajesh
avatar
Joined: 10 Mar 2007
Last visit: 12 May 2007
Posts: 34
Posts: 34
Kudos: 0
Alumi Recommendations 11 Apr 2007, 07:26
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks a million. I really appreciate the effort.

Regards,

Madhu