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MBA – Applications – Recommendations

Recommendations are often a source of stress for even the most qualified of applicants. It is an important part of your application, that is, to some degree, out of your hands. But do keep in mind this is a variable all applicants must encounter, not just yourself.

It is important that you develop relationships with your superiors both in the professional and academic realms so that you have some individuals upon which you can rely for recommendations. As a general rule, it is best to select people who know you well and like you and then do your best to make it easy for them to get your recommendation done as soon as possible. If you can, sit down and talk with them about your plans, send them all the necessary material.

Be sure they have your resume indicating your past activities so that the recommender is aware of your past in addition to your future goals and plans. You might even want to send them an essay from your application stating your purpose in applying.

You may want to select individuals who know a variety of positive aspects of your personality. For example, you might select someone who has witnessed your management abilities in the business world, another individual who has seen your intellectual capacity and communication and writing skills in an English course, and another who knows of your quantitative abilities from an Engineering course. Or you may select those individuals who know a particular aspect of you. Like your essays, if you can, match recommenders with the schools.

Make sure your recommenders are aware of your deadlines. Contact them every so often to make sure they have all the necessary information.