Do you need an actual letter in addition to recommender short answers?

Question

I am unclear on this--are the short answers in addition to a standard general letter of recommendation, or is it short answers only? Most of my schools use the common LOR.

Also, do most recommenders write anything for the "is there anything else we should know?" question, or is it more common to leave it blank?

Thank you!

ARINGO · Answer

Some schools ask recommenders to answer several questions and type their answers in text boxes in the LOR online system, and sometimes they also allow them to upload an additional letter with further comments, or add comments in another text box on the online LOR form. When given that option, recommenders can use it to add more info on the applicant, or just leave it blank if they have nothing else to add. They should only add something if it will strengthen the applicant's candidacy and provide valuable info that wasn't provided yet.
For more info and tips regarding the recommendations process, please visit: https://aringo.com/mba-recommendation-letter-process/

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Hi  biotechapplicant , I worked with a biotech applicant a couple years ago! Learned a lot. Apply to Sloan.

Most of the time, and def with common letter, they can do a letter upload for the strengths/criticism questions and maybe the optional as well. However this varies and sometimes all of them and/or the optional must be cut and paste into a text box.

I don't work for Aringo, but they have a very helpful resource here to navigate the nuances.  https://aringo.com/current-recommender-questions/ 
I would recommend that you create a master LOR file for ALL schools so your recommender has specific instructions for all schools re: text box vs. uploading.

biotechapplicant · Answer

MBAPrepCoach Thank you so much, Farrell! Whenever I post a question on here I feel like I can always count on you replying

Thank you for including that link as well, it's very helpful! I was just working on my Sloan application this weekend--it's very high on my list (and hopefully I will be high on theirs)! Thanks again for being such an active contributor on here and sticking around to answer all these little questions that are popping up with R1 deadlines looming closer. Best of luck with your work this season!

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Thanks for the love,  biotechapplicant ! Good luck with Sloan.

MBAbot · Answer

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Do you need an actual letter in addition to recommender short answers?

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