Recommendation from a gmail address

Question

Hi,

My recommender has just left the firm. However, he was a senior chap and I have worked with him very closely for almost 2.5 years. He is ready to recommend me, but it will be from his personal id. School application forms state that "recommendations from gmail / yahoo ids might be subject to additional scrutiny". However, since he knows me well, I believe he is the best person to recommend me.

So 2 questions -
1. Can I explain my situation in the optional essay and will that solve the problem?
2. Any idea as to what kind of scrutiny do schools carry out on such recos?

Thanks!

smithendy · Answer

What if you ask your recommender for assistance. Just to be absolutely sure ask someone who deals with aspects. :wink:

domotron · Answer

That should be perfectly fine, just make a note in the optional essay area. I'm not sure it's much of a red flag, probably happens from time to time. Also admissions people always say they can spot fake recommendations as soon as they read it.

PaulLanzillotti · Answer

It's not a deal breaker, but if the rest of the rec looks fake, than it's just another nail in the coffin. They could always call to verify your recommender if they wanted to.
Also, keep in mind that  some  schools have you explain why you picked this or that recommender on the actual online app form. So if that is the case, don't worry about explaining in it in optional essay - explain in the free form text box they provide you.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi there,

Additional scrutiny in this case won't be a big deal. You can explain it in the application portion where it asks you why you chose that recommender or if there is anything to note. If they don't have this section, put it in the optional essay. Overall, additionally scrutiny isn't a big deal. You're not the only applicant to have been put in this position.

For our clients who have had to go this route, the verification schools carried out varied. Have your recommender address it in his/her letter and just be ready to provide some back up if necessary.

Good luck!

Bhavik

JatinBhandari1 · Answer

Ask your recommender to submit it from his new professional email address. For example- if you work at Microsoft, and your boss left to work for Apple, he can submit the recommendation letter from Apple's professional email address. It will add credibility to your communication with the school.

The schools can easily check the profile of your boss on Linked IN, see that he is working for Apple now, and was previously working with Microsoft.

If you use gmail, the schools will think "What are the odds that this recommender does not even know he is submitting a recommendation?" or "What if this person does not even exist?" and is a FAKE Boss that the applicant created.

Recommendation from a gmail address

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