average reccomendation letter

Question

Guys I'm a little worried...

I gave the letter to a former boss about a month ago. I recently asked where she was with it and she hadn't started it. She then called me literally 10 minutes later and told me she was done.

I'm concerned about writing this in such a short time. I have a gut feeling she just checked the boxes and harly said anything else..

How damaging are 'average' letters. Should I say something?

GMATcram · Answer

As I talked with Admission Consultant, he said that it's a negative factor, but not make you ding though! Don't worry too much ! Essays are more important !

sujith · Answer

can you ask to review it?

johnnyx9 · Answer

Is it too late for you to ask someone else to write your rec? If you still have time, you should just write a rough draft of a rec letter and give it to your new rec saying, "This is just a letter that captures some of my accomplishments, and I thought it would give you an idea of the type of style and structure that schools are looking for." This is an idea from Montauk's book (and maybe just a common approach in general) that I think really helps.

To get recommenders to take the letter seriously, you have to show them that you take it seriously by taking time to meet with them and discuss your goals, and reviewing accomplishments etc...

lepium · Answer

Sorry to agree, but I think crappy recs may harm you. I understand the adcoms would be willing to separate writing skills from content. But an ultra-short rec, no matter how well written, will show your recommender is not very committed to you.

Cheers.L.

died4me · Answer

Rec will not make you, but it can break you.... just like GMAT....

Sorry to hear that.

pelihu · Answer

I would agree with the general sentiment here. Since the applicant chooses the recommenders, if you have a lukewarm recommendation, it raises the question of why you can't find two people to recommend you enthusiastically.

jayy178 · Answer

does a one pager count as ultra-short? i would think the length matters more than the content. my recommender gave me the opportunity to read it even though I waived my rights.. Although it was only a 1 page letter, I thought the content was good..

lepium · Answer

I would define ultra short as 1 or 2 sentences per question, without any substance. Eg: 

Q. Please asses the leadership skills and potential of the candidate (max 500 word)

A: the candidate is a great leader. He knows how to lead.

average reccomendation letter

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards