Recommendation Forms...

Question

Have any schools posted their recommendation forms?

I'm having a bit of trouble explaining to recommenders how to structure their LOR. I've read that having each recommender write a  general letter  to start and transfer specific information to each question posed on the online submission form is the way to go.

Problem is, I'm not sure of those questions this year. Are they redundant from year to year? If so, what questions are common place that can be expected to be included on the majoroty of schools LOR forms?

Thx.

dabots · Answer

in the apps ive seen so far that are online-only, i cant see the actual questions on the forms - i can only request that a link be sent to my recommenders

we should set up a recommendations thread and post all the questions in the links

forcefeed · Answer

The Chicago GSB & Harvard questions are below.


 Harvard  – 1 page single spaced

1. Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. How long have you known the applicant and in what connection? If applicable, briefly describe the applicant’s role in your organization. (250-word limit)

2. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250-word limit)

3. Please make additional statements about the applicant’s performance, potential, or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the MBA Admissions Board. (250-word limit)


 Chicago GSB 

Please provide a written letter of recommendation. Be sure to include how the applicant ranks comparative to his/her peer group. Other items to consider are the applicant's:


• most salient strengths

• areas of development, including efforts the applicant has taken to show improvement

• team skills and leadership ability

• initiative, curiosity and motivation

• other matters which you feel we should know about the applicant

aaudetat · Answer

A lot of the schools have PDFs you can download, just so you can take a look at them. Sometimes these download links are somewhat buried.

mba2010 · Answer

Haas' recommendation forms for 2008 are attached.

ufgrad · Answer

So after reading the Berkeley Rec Form, I am a bit confused. 

Is it true that some schools ask that a hardcopy be physically mailed and other schools ask that the rec form be filled out and submitted online?

aaudetat · Answer

It's mostly online these days, with the PDFs posted for reference. I suppose you could find a school or two that asks for the hard copy, though.

ufgrad · Answer

gotcha, thanks!

aceman626 · Answer

wait a minute..i thought either options (hard copy mailed OR online) are ok with ALL schools EXCEPT Harvard, which only accepts online.

Please correct me if I'm wrong? 

Thanks.

rhyme · Answer

If in doubt.... I'd suggest you guys call the schools directly.... don't trust gmatclub members to know specific details of any schools app process. Though most do, you should always go to the source for logistical questions. Minimize risk.

abhishek.sardana · Answer

@FORCEFEED

Chicago used to have a different format for the recos till last year. Are you sure that they have changed it to the new one now?

forcefeed · Answer

The 2007 GSB reccomendation pdf is attached, fyi. There is more to the recommendation than just the letter.

sangoman · Answer

does this mean that my recommenders have to right a different recco for every B-School I am applying to??

It was tough enough convincing them to write one......but 11........

I really hope BU sends me that mail now

helg · Answer

Actually, yes. Ideally the recos for different schools should underline different aspects of you as a person and as a professional, according with your "fit" with the school. Also, different schools have different reco templates/questions, so simple copy-past won't work.

abhishek.sardana · Answer

Thanks Forcefeed. Thanks for the help.

sangoman · Answer

Thnx Helg

shmegs · Answer

Each reco is really detailed. There are a couple of good examples in the Montauk and Bodine books. It's really a lot of information, and it needs to be presented well. Aaud. had a really nice post a while back on some talking points. It really helped me to ID and brainstorm the points I want each reco to stress.

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