see or review recommendation

Question

My recommenders have no experience regarding b-school rec (non-target industries). Many qualitative questions in recs are new to them.

Should and how I review or comment so they could improve their rec before submission?

Ive suggested traits to emphasize but have not discussed anything more with them. will appreciate very much if one can shoot straight with the credible real life example. thanks again

CriticalSquare · Answer

There is no simple answer to this. Almost every program will ask you if you reviewed the recommendation before it was submitted. You have to be honest here. Therefore, the trade off is do you lose more by sharing you reviewed it or by staying apart from the process but risk submitting poorly written recommendations.

Before I give you my opinion, let me offer a third path forward you may wish to consider. If you can get your hands on "great" recommendation examples, try! Share those with them to give them an idea of the rigor, detail, and honesty that is expected of them.

If you can't, then I would say schedule a touchpoint in the latter half of the process to get together with them. At this point, don't explicitly review the recommendation but discuss it. Are there any questions they are having difficult with or any they don't know how to showcase? If it's merely a discussion, it doesn't count as you having reviewed a recommendation so this gives you an interim option.

If at the end of this conversation you still lack the confidence in their ability to execute at the level you are looking for, then yes, ask (politely) to be able to review it before they submit. Tell them how the schools view it and that you plan on being ethical in the review. That you won't write anything additional but provide constructive feedback on the version.

This is tricky situation so be sure to navigate it carefully but at the end of the day you want both to stay ethical and get exceptional recommendations.

Bhavik

PrepMBA · Answer

Firsttimer,

You can absolutely help this recommender both before and after they finish the first draft of the LOR. Those who have done this many times tend to a great job on their own vs firsttimers:)

I have my clients write a one page word doc that accomplishes the following:

•Let them know each school, the application deadlines, and the submission process (most now are done by link that they follow to upload). It’s best to ask them to complete the letter a week prior to the deadline so you can get your application in a bit early. This also leaves some time in case the draft is missing the mark. In reality, many recommenders will let you see the draft and are open to some changes/edits. This is ideal in case they miss the mark.

•Remind them that, according to Admissions Directors, the best letters use specific behavioral examples as evidence to back up claims versus generalities.

•Also remind them that MBA programs are most interested in stories that show off your various leadership skills--your analytical acumen, your teamwork, creativity and your initiative to go the extra mile, move the needle, and innovate. It’s best they not repeat the same skill with multiple examples.

•In an effort to help jog their memories, list some of your major projects and accomplishments under their supervision and tutelage. You should choose some of the topics that are on your resume. And of course, using major examples that will likely be covered in your essays is also smart (but there does not need to be an exact overlap between your essays and their letters). You can also suggest some of the leadership skills and functional expertise exhibited in these stories. Does a story show how you led by example, led by standing on principle, led by teaching, or led by innovation….? In terms of functional skills, did a story show superior modeling skills, stakeholder management, negotiation, or project management? Given that their having to write about a weakness or a developmental issue can be tough, you may want to suggest one to control this topic. As we have discussed, make sure you choose one that you have started to actively address, and is not overly damaging. For example, their writing about your bad temper is not the best choice

•Next, it would be helpful if they address some of your personal qualities or softer skills. It’s tough to say on your application that you have integrity or high emotional intelligence. It’s infinitely more credible if others make those kinds of character statements.

•Remember to use your judgment when crafting this word document or email. Some folks are very receptive to guidance and really want you to take the lead. Others might not appreciate much pressure. Hopefully you have chosen contacts that are open to your input. Let them know you are only trying to make this task easier for them, and ensure the other parts of your application jive with their letters. But they are, of course, free to write about topics and skills as they see fit. That is why you chose them.

After they have written the draft, hoepfully they will show it to you and you can help them refine the doc if they are open to that collaboration.

Hope that helps.

MarvelAdmissions · Answer

Kudos on the GMAT score!

I would not recommend reviewing the recommendation letters.

However, you should properly prepare your recommenders by helping them understand why you want an MBA, why a particular school, what your career goals are, how you plan to get involved at the school and contribute to the business school community.

Review the list of questions, and provide a written list of accomplishments for your recommenders to provide additional information that improves your candidacy, and not merely repeat what you've already stated in your essays. Give them the latest version of your resume and outline of your essays.

Good luck!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Christine Lin, Principal
Marvel Admissions Consulting
[email protected]

firsttimer2

My recommenders have no experience regarding b-school rec (non-target industries). Many qualitative questions in recs are new to them.

Should and how I review or comment so they could improve their rec before submission?

Ive suggested traits to emphasize but have not discussed anything more with them. will appreciate very much if one can shoot straight with the credible real life example. thanks again

see or review recommendation

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