Hello forumers,
I have a quick question regarding recommendations. I called two of my previous supervisors last week, and fortunately got their verbal approval on providing recommendations. It's good, but I understand that schedules need to be properly managed so that recommenders have plenty of time to proceed with writing the letters.
I plan to apply during round 2 (mid Jan deadline) - to explain why waiting till round 2, actually I originally planned to apply during next fall (for 2012) but after a fairy satisfactory GMAT score and time speaking with MBA admissions personnel, I have decided very recently to give it a try this year (for 2011). Worst come to worst I get deferred from target schools and re-apply next year. The experience helps.
I have just begun registering online for applications and brainstorming essay ideas, and taking into account full time job and other committments, I project that I won't be done with producing quality application until somewhere late November/early December. I won't likely be submitting the complete applicaitions until sometime in December. So, will this timeline affect my recommenders? Ideally, I would like to give recommenders 1-2 months' timeframe to write their recommendations (planning to submit an background info outline to each recommender by early November).
Question:
Will recommenders be able to access schools' recommendation questions and/or forms prior to my submitting my info/essays/complete app online?
Or would the recommenders immediately receive email notification once I register their names on school application site? (assuming that recommender registration/notificaion would then be independent of offically submitting application information)
And how will recommenders submit their recommendations? I assume they go directly online to school's admissions website (links provided to them by email) to submit them, right?
I understand that all application materials - including recommendations - must be sent by the round 2 deadlines to merit consideration by the schools' admissions. Recommenders are usually notified by email with regards to schools' recommendation forms. When does the email notification happen? I would like to have recommenders start writing recommendations before I fully submit the entire application (don't want to fee rushed with the essay writing).
I thank you in advance for your replies. I understand that this may be a very simple question for those of you who are very versed in the application process. Apologize for sounding naive - I just recently made the decision to apply this year rather than waiting another year (my original plan). There is still a lot to learn from the applicatoin process - but hey, one learns best by doing it
Thanks again