Recommendation-optional essay question...

Question

If your current supervisor is not one of your recommenders, do you always explain it using the optional essay? Or only when asked?

riverripper · Answer

I would always...that and any academics is something they want to have explained.

aaudetat · Answer

i would only explain if they care. 

some schools specifically ask for a current supervisor --> explain if you don't have one (and if you have a good rec from whoever that person is and a good reason, they school won't care). Be sure not to whine or say weird stuff.

if they don't ask, and the rec is good, you sound defensive.

just my thoughts.

terp26 · Answer

I have a question.....what if you do not want your intentions to be known at your job?
What if you apply to b-school and get declined? What if you get passed up for a promotion because you will be leaving or get fired because they rather get someone new to fill your spot up asap? I see this as more of a risk factor than a benefit, especially if you can explain this and be willing to provide a rec on condition of an offer?

aaudetat · Answer

I've heard from several schools (Stanford was one; I think Duke was another) that they understand that sometimes you can't share with your boss your b-school intentions.

I can't imagine any school being ok with you providing a rec upon offer - they just don't play that way. You follow their rules. However, if you can't get your boss, then it's up to you to get other recs that are meaningful. Possibilities: past supervisors, clients, someone else in your org you can confide in, etc. And, as above, if the rec you provide is outside their norms, then explain why - in a nondefensive way - in the optional essay.

That's my take on the issue, anyway.

westsider · Answer

That is good sound advice AAU.
In my case I used recs from my previous employer (I left about 6 months before b-school apps were due). I only mentioned at the schools that specifically requested a current supervisor. I just said I was relatively new and I didn't feel that they could write as meaningful of a rec as my previous supervisor who had known me for years. Plus my new supervisor was "new to being a supervisor" (it really was his first time managing people) and "might not have as much perspective as a more seasoned manager". This seemed to go over pretty well

riverripper · Answer

I think every school is OK with you NOT using currently supervisors. I have heard time and time again they dont want to cost you your job or a significant bonus. Aau's advice on who to seek out for a rec instead is great. It also works for folks who own their own business or work for a family business. Dont use family members or employees.

terp26 · Answer

thanks for all the advice, sounds great

defenestrate · Answer

Adcoms as all people value honesty and understand that every situation is different. I wrote about academics and my choice of recommenders in each of my optional essays. I have also noticed that adcoms view the ability to communicate these situations in a favorable manner. I would suggest writing an e-mail before you request the recs explaining this situation and asking advice from the school. These e-mails become part of your application package. It will demonstrate your attention to detail, care and respect for the admission process, and a sincere interest in admission into that school.

I have found that I was accepted to all schools with which I communicated through e-mail the obstacles I face in fulfilling the admission requirements. The schools with which I did not communicate tended to respond with a ding...these schools were ranked lower than the ones I was accepted into, so I attribute these results to my lack of active communication.

I believe this is a basic human reaction. People like to feel necessary (to an extent) so I advocate engaging the adcom in your dilemma.

bozo190101 · Answer

Thanks so much for this post. I am exactly in this dilemma. I joined my current company 4.5 months ago and really don't think they can write a meaningful essay for me. At the same time, I don't want to ruffle too many feathers being a new employee with these demands.

Would it be ok to not provide a recommendation from my current supervisor? I have two strong reccos from my previous employer and can also include a third one to substantiate it. I also plan on explaining in the optional essay why I cannot provide a recommendation from my current supervisor.

Does this sound reasonable?

aaudetat · Answer

Sure does make sense. But watch that third reco - ask yourself, "Is this so good and worth reading that I feel comfortable requiring the adcom to read more stuff? Am I that special?"

bozo190101 · Answer

Yeah, very good point. I might not go with that third one. It won't add more value than what I already have. But incase I get one from my current supervisor and he agrees in the next few weeks, I was thinking a third might really beef the reccos...as those guys have more to contribute than the current one. Tough questions.... :roll:

You can tell i'm thinking and writing aloud!! :oops:

xerox · Answer

This sentence alone is your optional essay in itself. Keep your explanations concise and clear

(Except they do not write essays, but rather detailed letters)

westsider · Answer

good point xerox. my essay was like 4 sentences long. Any more would have felt defensive.

Recommendation-optional essay question...

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