Reapply - use the same recommender or not?

Question

Hi guys,

I was dinged by HBS and plan to reapply this year. While I got very solid recommendations from three previous managers, should I have them again while reapplying, or should I find new recommenders to recommend me from different perspectives?

If I do choose the same recommenders as last year, should I ask them to write the rec letter differently? I wonder whether the adcom will pull out the old application or not.

Thanks for the advice!

scschnei · Answer

Check the application requirements. Some schools require you to get 1 or more different recommenders. For others you can use the same.

RyanCJW · Answer

I'm sure this differs from school to school, but I would assume they have all of your information still on file and will most likely use last year's letters in addition to whatever you submit this year unless they state otherwise.

It definitely wouldn't hurt to get another recommendation, perhaps that was one of the items that wasn't strong in your past application. Another letter would certainly help.

Along with that - you don't really know what your recommender said unless they provided you with the letter. Perhaps it was generic, or what they had to say about you wasn't exactly what HBS was looking for. It might be better to receive a recommendation from a new source. As you said - different perspectives. I think that this would be the way I would go.

jko · Answer

Yeah, as others have mentioned, they will have your old application on file. Many schools require only 1 recommendation for reapplicants, since they can refer to your prior recommendations - given that, I would plan to ask someone new this year.

Reapply - use the same recommender or not?

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