Ivy League Reference Letters 30 Successful Business School MBA Recommendations
Ivy League Reference Letters 30 Successful Business School MBA Recommendations
Ivy League Reference Letters 30 Successful Business School MBA Recommendations
First Edition
Magnificent Milestones, Inc., Florida
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electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
Disclaimers:
(1) This book was written as a guide; it does not claim to be the definitive word on the subject of reference letters. The
opinions expressed are the personal observations of the author based on her own experiences. They are not intended to
prejudice any party. Accordingly, the author and publisher do not accept any liability or responsibility for any loss or
damage that have been caused, or alleged to have been caused, through the use of information in this book.
(2) Admission to business school depends on several factors in addition to a candidate's reference letters (including GPA,
GMAT scores, interview and essays). The author and publisher cannot guarantee that any applicant will be admitted to
any specific school or program if (s)he follows the information in this book.
Dedication
Acknowledgements
I am deeply indebted to the students, professors, managers, attorneys and admissions officers who have
shared their perceptions and frustrations about recommendation letters. This book, which was written on
your behalf, would not be nearly as powerful without your generous and insightful input.
I also want to thank my colleagues at www.ivyleagueadmission.com for providing a constant source of
support, along with the best editorial help in the business.
Summary
Appendix 1
Your specific qualifications, including the depth of your academic and professional experiences
Your unique traits that aren't covered anywhere else in the application
Your demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in business
How you compare to other candidates with similar aspirations
From our experience, reference letters are the ONLY reliable indicator of an applicant's essential character
traits, such as humor, maturity and tenacity. Many candidates write compelling essays to convince us that
they are smart, funny team players, but it carries FAR more weight if an objective third-party confirms that. A
thoughtful, well-written reference letter, which includes specific examples of a candidate's strengths, can help
to open the coveted Ivy League door.
Writing Guidelines
1. As a rule of thumb, the "correct" length for a reference letter is one or two typewritten pages. You should
include enough information to supplement the committee's impression of the candidate, without
overwhelming the reader with details that are unrelated to the application.
2. Focus on qualitative information, rather than quantitative. By the time the admissions committee reads
your letter, they have already reviewed the candidate's GMAT scores and transcripts. Rather than repeat
those details, writers should concentrate on insights and perspectives about the candidate's past
performance and their promise to succeed in their chosen profession. To whatever extent possible, give the
committee positive information about the candidate that they could not acquire any other way.
3. Read the candidate's personal statement to get an idea of the strengths that (s)he is trying to convey to
the committee. Ideally, your letter will complement (and build upon) what the candidate has written in his/her
personal statement without duplicating it.
4. Offer a balanced perspective of the candidate. Admissions committees appreciate letters that offer
honest assessments by discussing strengths as well as some areas for growth. Committees are looking for
qualified students with potential; they do not expect perfection.
5. Do not make any statements that you cannot support with facts and examples. Do not editorialize or
speculate. If you give an opinion, explain the incident or circumstances upon which you base the opinion.
Be able to document all information you release. To avoid a possible claim of defamation, do not comment
about the candidate's moral character.
6. Write with enthusiasm. Use powerful words, such as articulate, effective, sophisticated, intelligent,
observant, significant, expressive, creative, efficient, cooperative, imaginative, assertive, dependable,
mature and innovative. Avoid bland words such as nice, reasonable, decent, fairly and satisfactory.
7. If writers are aware of extenuating circumstances that have impacted the candidate's academic or
professional progress, they should obtain the candidate's written permission to disclose that information.
Professional schools find it beneficial to gain the perspective of someone who knows an applicant well,
especially in reference to possible challenges that (s)he has overcome. Nevertheless, these topics should
NOT be discussed in your letter without the candidate's express written consent.
8. Do not reveal any information that could be viewed as discriminatory, including the candidate's race,
color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, age, disability, sexual orientation, physical appearance,
citizenship status or marital status.
9. If you are an alumnus of the school to which the candidate is applying (or have completed a similar
program), feel free to elaborate on the applicant's fit for that particular program. Explain how (s)he will add
to the student body and be a good role model.
10. Type your letter on official letterhead and sign it in ink. This type of professional presentation will
showcase the candidate positively. Handwritten letters are not only difficult to read, but detract markedly
from the writer's credibility. Sadly, admissions committees rarely take the time to read them.
11. If a candidate asks you to address a letter to whom it may concern, note that in the body of the letter.
Also note that the candidate has agreed to take responsibility for disseminating the letter to the proper
person.
12. If your company has concerns about liability issues regarding reference letters, include the following
sentence at the end of your letter:
This information is provided at the request of [name of applicant], who has asked me to serve as a
reference. My comments are confidential and should be treated as such. They reflect my own personal
opinions about the candidate's suitability for business school. No other use or inference is intended.
This type of disclaimer explains the purpose of your letter and confirms that it was not written to hurt the
applicants reputation.
13. Ask the candidate to let you know the committee's decision.
14. Keep a copy of every letter you send. Also note WHEN you send each letter. This will remind you of what
you sent and prevent you from having to write the same letter again.
I have known Gloria for six years through her work at the university. Gloria completed three of my classes
(Chemistry I & II, Analytical Chemistry) and achieved "A" grades in each. She also distinguished herself as a
highly motivated and talented scientist. Most of our students are challenged to complete our traditional
program in chemistry and wouldn't dream of attempting a dual major. Gloria willingly accepted the
opportunity. She graduated from Harvard in 2002 with a dual major in Chemistry and Genetic Biology. In
addition to attaining high academic honors, Gloria also excelled in her laboratory work. To date, she has
published two articles on the effects of reduced salt intake on weight loss in obese children. Throughout her
coursework and independent research, Gloria was always organized, cheerful and willing to help others.
She demonstrated excellent potential for a career in the sciences.
Gloria's research success was partially attributable to her strong interpersonal skills. She works well with all
types of people and quickly puts others at ease. A huge challenge in her research was explaining the diet
and exercise protocol to the participating children and their families. Gloria quickly established a positive
rapport with all 50 subjects and their parents. She patiently answered questions, explained subtle points and
encouraged the children who were ambivalent. Long after the completion of the study, she continued to
keep in touch with several families via email, offering encouraging tips to promote further weight loss. I am
certain that the project would not have been successful without her graciousness and dedication.
I am also impressed by Gloria's initiative outside the classroom. During her sophomore year, she started a
small internet/mail order business selling hand-painted T-shirts. She researched the field on her own and
did all of the web design work herself. I was initially surprised that Gloria took on such a venture, but she
thrived under the bustling schedule. Her shirts were extremely popular on campus; I often saw her selling
them from a small booth she set up outside our student union. I initially chuckled at her creative way to earn
a few dollars on the side. I later discovered that the business netted almost $70,000 during its first year,
which covered her tuition and related expenses.
I had to marvel at Gloria's initiative, organizational skills and willingness to take risks. During the past year,
she also became an employer, as she expanded her business to the local state university in Scituate. In this
capacity, she's already developed many practical skills in marketing, manufacturing, web site design,
advertising, payroll and time management. I am certain that this success is only the first of many for Gloria.
In my career at Harvard, I have seen hundreds undergraduates seek advanced degrees in the sciences. It
isn't often that I am asked to write a reference for a scientist who wants to pursue a business degree. I'm
delighted to support Gloria's efforts to pursue a career that combines her analytical strengths and her
practical business skills. She recently told me that her long-term goal was to own a biotechnology firm that
conducts international biogenetic research. I wouldn't doubt her for a minute. She is in the top 5% of all
students I've seen, both in academic achievement and practical skills. Gloria's drive, persistence and
rapport with people is exceptional. I recommend her without reservation.
Our Assessment: This author is a noted professor at Harvard who rarely writes such strong letters of
support. Her detailed explanation of Gloria's strengths in science and business made a positive impression
on the committee. We were particularly impressed by Gloria's initiative in her business venture. Her
willingness to take risks and expand her business were an excellent fit for her chosen career path.
exam and asked intelligent, thought-provoking questions. Lisa is a quick learner who is eager to apply her
skills in practical situations. For two summers, she worked as the coordinator for the six-week executive
program at the Kellogg Graduate School of Business Administration. In addition to planning many academic
and social events, Lisa served as a liaison with the international executives who attended the program.
Throughout both busy summers, she was a gracious hostess who helped students overcome their initial
cultural shock. By the end of the six-week course, Lisa had formed several close friendships with leaders
across the globe.
On a personal level, I find Lisa to be a delightful, extroverted young woman who is sensitive to the needs of
others. Despite her aggressive schedule, she always found time to pursue volunteer activities and to be a
leader in her sorority. On one occasion, Lisa invited me to the Sigma Zeta house for an informal "Professor
Dinner," which enabled us to develop a social relationship. I later discovered that Lisa took the initiative to
revamp the mentoring program in the department of business. Under her direction, entering students were
matched with senior business majors at the university. Lisa also organized the business school orientation
day and held events throughout the year to strengthen the mentor/mentee relationships.
I am delighted by Lisa's decision to enter business school. With her considerable skills in finance and
management, she will bring a healthy balance of quantitative and interpersonal strengths to the program. In
my 20-yr career as an educator, I have trained thousands of students with high aspirations for a financial
career. I would easily rank Lisa Stone in the top 10% of that group. In all endeavors, she demonstrates
intelligence, poise and judgement beyond her youth and experience. Her vibrance and tenacity will be an
asset to your program.
Our Assessment: This is a terrific endorsement from a noted professor at a top business school. The power
of the letter is that it captures Lisa's strengths inside and outside the classroom in a concise yet specific
manner. Her ability to give coherent presentations under challenging conditions was particularly impressive.
3. From Professor
I am pleased to write this recommendation on behalf of Layla Bell, who was a student in the finance program
at Northwestern University between 1998 - 2002. I taught her in two classes and also served as interim
department head for the duration of her undergraduate program. During that time, I watched Layla mature
into a poised and accomplished young woman with excellent work habits and superior interpersonal skills.
She remains one of my favorite students.
During her senior project in finance, Layla developed excellent leadership skills when her project team
started and managed an investment club in a local retirement community. Layla's job was to recruit the
participants and explain the risk/reward profile of various investment options. To my delight, Layla did an
exceptional job explaining the different stock sectors to 36 novice investors. She patiently answered
questions, discussed brokerage house options and taught the participants to research their picks on the
Internet. The group not only made money; they had great fun. Throughout the semester, I watched Layla
become more confident in her ability to manage a challenging project. The investment club was an
unqualified success, largely because of her dedication.
Among her many service activities, Layla was a coach of the junior track team and a member of the senior
cross-country team. She also took part in the Mentoring Program by helping entering freshman navigate
their way through their first year of college. In 2001, Layla spearheaded the Mentoring Program's highly
successful holiday fund-raising gala, which raised over $25,000 in scholarship money for underprivileged
students. In acknowledgement of her efforts, Layla was subsequently named Volunteer of the Year on
campus.
As a literature buff, I am especially impressed by Layla's passion for the arts. In addition to her academic
success in our rigorous finance program, she is also a talented vocalist with strong ties to community
theatre. In late 2000, while performing in "The Marriage of Figaro, " Layla became fascinated by the short
story upon which the opera was based. We enjoyed several after-class discussions about the work, whose
meaning is often debated by seasoned literary critics. Layla became intrigued by the work's subtleties,
noting that its interpretation would vary depending on how specific words were translated. Layla read the
original French version of the story and wrote a superb analysis of the compromises inherent in the English
translation. Her essay was flawless, including a logical and insightful analysis. The paper remains a crown
jewel in the English literature department.
Students and faculty often noted Layla's considerable talent, failing to acknowledge how hard she worked to
develop it. Layla is a motivated young woman of numerous talents and considerable self-discipline. She is
fun-loving, likable, enthusiastic and trustworthy. Layla's greatest strength, in my estimation, is her insistence
on developing all aspects of her personality. Whether studying derivative curves, writing an essay or
preparing for an operatic performance, Layla gives each endeavor her full focus and attention. With tenacity
and patience, she has achieved several ambitious goals that few others would have attempted. This
passion and determination are rare and precious gifts.
In over twenty-five years of teaching, I have known few other students with Layla's talent and drive. I feel
quite confident that she will be an asset to both student life and academic excellence at XXXXXXX Business
School.
Our assessment: This letter was written by a well-known professor at Northwestern. It's strength is that the
author clearly knows the applicant well and is favorably impressed by her work. The writer did a great job of
citing specific examples of Layla's financial expertise and community service work. She also documented
the candidate's unusual skills as a vocalist and writer. By citing Layla's tenacity and discipline, she
distinguished her from the hundreds of other applicants with similar academic achievements.
4. Professor
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Valerie Douglas, who I knew for four years as a
student at New York University. As part of her BA degree in Literature, she completed two of my writing
classes and impressed me in a number of ways.
Valerie's talent as a writer is exceeded only by her enthusiasm. In my intermediate fiction class, she became
increasingly excited about the course material as the semester progressed. Although she initially avoided
the science fiction genre, Valerie's final short story, "Eccape from Babylon," was simply brilliant. In addition
to creating likeable characters and a suspenseful plot, Valerie displayed a gift for dialogue, along with a
subtle flair for black comedy. Without her knowledge, I submitted the story to Tremors Digest for publication.
They featured it in their August 2005 issue.
I was delighted when Valerie asked me to be her advisor for her senior literature project. Taking a break
from fiction, she opted to do a survey piece on the effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on inner city children.
The paper required extensive research, including several dozen interviews with students and teachers in the
heart of New York City. Rather than scale down her project, Valerie worked nights and weekends to ensure
its timely completion. Throughout the project, Valerie proved to be a good listener and insightful interviewer.
Her final draft captures both the innocence of the children and their vague awareness of how life has
changed since the loss of the World Trade Center.
In the summer of 2004, Valerie participated in my Early Classics Seminar series and demonstrated her
strong analytical, critiquing and writing skills. She wrote three strong papers on topics related to the lives of
classics authors and she collaborated with three of her classmates on a skillfully written "period novella." On
our final day of class, Valerie led a well-prepared and professionally delivered group presentation that
showed her deep knowledge of English literature.
Valerie's strong work ethic, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, enabled her to produce such high
quality papers. Her ability to work well with others, even under stress, allowed her to excel in group
situations. Her strong performance as leader of the group presentation was a result of rigorous preparation
and her excellent oral communication skills, which allowed her to demonstrate how well she knew her
subject.
Throughout her undergraduate career, Valerie consistently demonstrated the following skills, abilities and
characteristics:
*
*
*
*
In summary, I am pleased to recommend Valerie Douglas to you without reservation. If you have any
questions regarding the above, please don't hesitate to call me at 555-555-5555.
Our Assessment: This professor, who was one of Valerie's early mentors, provides a valuable insight into
her achievements in her early years as a published author. The reader learns that Valerie has always been
a passionate writer with a gift for personal narrative. When considered in conjunction with her other
recommendations, which documented her subsequent success in the world of publishing, this letter
confirmed that she has always been a woman of character and ambition.
an MBA program, the author restricted his comments to his own interactions with John. As a result, we knew
that this letter wasn't forced or coached, which made its contents even more reliable. Fortunately, John also
submitted strong letters from academic references who validated his academic excellence.
outside of Dallas for troubled teenagers. At the time, Grace was a senior in college, full of enthusiasm for
her first "real job" in social work. During the course of the week, Grace immediately established a strong
rapport with the kids, which set a positive tone for the entire workshop. Her creative ideas for presentations
and activities were inventive and entertaining; they were also astonishingly effective.
With participants from a variety of backgrounds, there was always the possibility of conflict and confrontation.
Many of the students felt intimidated by the large campus atmosphere. While setting limits, Grace managed
to respond consistently with respect and compassion. The experience had a profound effect on the
participants and, because of Grace's exceptional skill and professionalism, she has been invited by many
schools to offer similar workshops
Following her graduation in 2000, Grace subsequently completed both her MA and PhD in Social Work at
SMU. During that time, she has distinguished herself as a conscientious and energetic pioneer in the field of
social and emotional learning. I have enormous respect for her teaching and leadership skills, and have
been pleased to work with her on many occasions.
Two years ago, Grace was invited by Kansas State University's Counseling Center to help develop their first
Peer Counseling program. I was eager to have such an extraordinary teacher help with the training of the
students and the development of the program. Her skills, which were so apparent at SMU, were equally
impressive at Kansas State.
Grace was an eager, enthusiastic teacher who was greatly admired by the K-State students. She led group
discussions and facilitated role-plays with great skill, and also helped in the development of outreach
programs. Grace is particularly gifted at identifying students' needs, encouraging their contributions, and
involving them in the planning process. Her passion for her work was evident, and she became a close friend
and colleague during the project.
Grace has expressed a continued interest in advancing to an administrative position in social services. Thus
far, she has instituted many impressive programs for school children and families, and it has been an honor
to consult with her on some of these projects. I have the greatest admiration for her work and believe that
she will ultimately be a leader in our field.
Your program of study sounds ideally suited to Grace's needs and talents. She will be coming to you with the
qualities of a natural therapist: genuineness, warmth, compassion and integrity. She will also bring her
interest in academic research and program development. Just as important, she will bring her enthusiasm for
learning and teaching, well as a resolute desire to understand new theories and ideas. It is exciting to think
of the ways in which she might contribute to your program.
I urge you to carefully consider Grace who is, quite simply, the most remarkable teacher I have ever met.
Our Assessment: This is an exceptional letter about an exceptional candidate. The author provides a
detailed discussion of Grace's strengths as a student, teacher and advocate. As a result, the committee
understood her motivation for pursuing a JD/MBA at this stage in her career. Furthermore, Grace's goal of
working in the non-profit arena was an excellent fit for her background and skills. Her application was wellperceived.
9. Manager
I am pleased to write a letter on behalf of Carter Wainscott for entrance into your MBA program. I first met
Carter in September of 2000, when I hired him to work for me as a Research Analyst at Expedia Cable, a
full-service marketing research firm for music and entertainment companies. My department's
responsibilities are new product development (researching both the products and the software to analyze the
results) and internal research consulting (sampling methodology and multivariate statistical analysis). As a
senior manager at Expedia Cable, my primary challenge is to find more efficient, cost-effective means of
gathering respondent level data. Since joining the firm as a Senior Research Analyst, and more recently as
Manager of Research and Development, Carter has been a tremendous help in accomplishing this task.
Carter is a creative and original thinker. He has strong native intelligence, great insight about people and
excellent problem solving skills. In myriad competitive situations, he has demonstrated excellent powers of
observation and an ability to recommend change. One of Carter's first projects was to handle the technical
aspects of creating a computer-based survey questionnaire, monitoring the telephone data collection
process, and completing the data processing and analysis of the survey results.
By using a highly creative approach, Carter quickly re-defined our expectations of a good project manager.
He participated in discussions with the client and implemented several changes to the script that shortened
its length and clarified the instructions to respondents. Without prompting, he worked odd hours, observing
and monitoring interviewers and supervisors as they began to field this 3000-person study. Within a few
days, he had further shortened and clarified the script by removing redundancies and by improving the flow
for the interviewers. For his creative approach, he received high praise from both interviewers and the
director of our phone center.
Carter also made several highly constructive suggestions to improve our interviewing process. With no
prodding, he wrote a memo to key managers outlining his proposed change in methodology, with a projected
annual cost reduction of $230,000. He also included several pages of observations about our interviewing
and supervisory staff, noting the characteristics and skills employed by the best interviewers. His
recommendations were well received by senior management, both for the value of the content and the skill
and sensitivity with which he presented his ideas.
In processing the survey results, Carter quickly learned to use several advanced statistical techniques,
including Cluster Analysis and Discriminant Analysis. He further demonstrated his technical and analytical
abilities by helping to create a new model for bidding on new business. In late 2003, Carter helped me
identify the most desirable qualifications of computer programming candidates, and he assisted in their
selection and recruitment. In just a few short months, both new hires have made significant contributions to
the firm.
Carter is an exceptional speaker with an impressive command of English, Spanish and Portuguese. He has
also perfected his writing skills over the past few years. In client meetings, his attentive listening and great
enthusiasm has helped him to propose and implement creative solutions to tough problems. His amiable
personality is also a strong asset; he is confident yet self-deprecating, with dry sense of humor. Carter
quickly formed strong relationships with subordinates, peers, clients and members of our management team.
Managers in other departments frequently seek his advice, particularly for important company initiatives.
In every area of evaluation, Carter Wainscott has exceeded my highest expectations and has outshined
others in his peer-group at Expedia Cable. His efforts were recently rewarded with a promotion to the
position of Manager of Research & Development. I have no doubt that he will be a serious and enthusiastic
student, and a successful alumnus of your school. With formal business training, the sky is the limit for this
young man's professional future.
Our Assessment: This letter provided a comprehensive review of Carter's achievements in a highly
challenging position. The author's comments augmented what Carter had presented in his essays and
confirmed his unusual combination of skills in business, languages and statistics. The committee was
favorably impressed.
10. Manager
Please accept this letter of reference for Veronica Stone, Ph.D., who has applied for admission to your MBA
program. It is my honor to recommend Dr. Stone. I have known her since January 1999, when I became
her administrative supervisor upon my employment at Parrish Medical Center.
Dr. Stone has been a mental health counselor in the eating disorders clinic for five years. During that time,
she has demonstrated outstanding talents in both the administrative/managerial as well as the clinical
aspects of the profession. She has consequently earned a reputation as a superb manager of the mental
health program at this center.
Revealing her administrative strengths, Dr. Stone took the initiative to significantly expand the eating
disorders treatment program (in-patient, day hospital and outpatient). By writing persuasive grant proposals,
she was able to secure the funding to hire three new counselors, who serve over 40 clients each week. As
part of the executive search committee, Dr. Stone demonstrated uncanny skill in the selection of her staff,
who continue to practice successfully at Parrish. I am convinced that their loyalty to our program is at least
partially attributable to Dr. Stone's nurturing management style.
Dr. Stone has also distinguished herself as a superb clinician, demonstrating exemplary competence,
compassion and ethics as a psychologist. In providing a broad spectrum of psychological assessment and
treatment, she has more than proven her ability to lead a large and complex mental health care system.
Dr. Stone also devoted much time to developing an outstanding educational program for the early diagnosis
and treatment of eating disorders in grade school children. She regularly lectures on these topics to other
mental health professionals in the community. Dr. Stone also provides excellent consultations to inpatient
psychiatry and medical-surgical units of this center.
Her commitment to education and teaching is highlighted by her recent development of the Psychology
Internship Program for doctoral candidates in psychology. In this capacity, Dr. Stone developed and
coordinated a seminar curriculum for 45 students from 12 universities. The supplementary services provided
by these interns greatly benefit our patients. In addition, the program affords significant prestige for our
medical center in addition to providing the required training for future licensed psychologists.
Fortunately, Dr. Stone's unique combination of administrative and clinical skills is enhanced by her delightful
and sincere personality. In all situations, Veronica has proven to be a wonderfully friendly, witty, sincere and
caring person. Without exception, I have consistently found her to be sensitive, flexible, respected and
admired by patients, peers, subordinates and superiors alike. She possesses a humility that belies her
intellectual brilliance.
I am deeply impressed by Dr. Stone and recommend her without hesitation. I am confident that, if selected
for your program, she will bring the same level of service and commitment to business that she has brought
to psychology. If you have any questions or wish to speak further about Dr. Stone, please feel free to call
me at 555-555-5555.
Our Assessment: This letter captures the many skills that have enabled this seasoned professional to
advance to the top of her field. Dr. Stone's strengths as a counselor, administrator and communicator were
an excellent match for the top-tier programs to which she applied.
I was particularly impressed by Rauls performance in facilitating a joint-venture transaction between IBM
and a leading hardware supplier in Hong Kong. Using his knowledge of both corporate cultures, Raul sorted
out the differences between the two parties and successfully closed the deal. With Raul's encouragement,
our partners in Hong Kong infused USD110 million within a two-month period. In recognition of this stellar
accomplishment, Raul was the first person in IBM history to be promoted to Senior Associate with less than
five years experience.
Because of Raul's excellent analyses and presentations, the group re-focused on more profitable business
opportunities. He added a new dimension to his presentations by completing a thorough political risk
analysis about a particular country where we aimed to pursue business. When analyzing a situation, he
considered all potential pros and cons, which was one of his most salient strengths.
What are the applicants most noticeable weaknesses?
When Raul first joined the firm, his desire for perfection occasionally caused him to have problems managing
his time. This was not a weakness, but an inherent desire to complete all projects with unquestionable
quality. Although this mindset does not hinder him at this point in his career, Raul will benefit from spending
less time and energy on non-critical projects. I have addressed this issue with Raul, who has learned to refocus his attention to more critical issues. I was particularly impressed by how well Raul handled my
observation and immediately applied it to his advantage.
Please comment on the applicants personal and professional integrity
Raul is an honest man who conducts his transactions with the highest level of integrity and due process. In
both his personal and professional life, Raul always keeps his word.
Please comment on the applicants skills in the following areas:
a. Leadership Ability. Raul is a natural leader who will easily advance to an executive position. Raul
demonstrated his leadership skills when he initiated and developed our fiber optic cable project. Although he
was a junior associate, he quickly emerged as the leader of the group.
b. Ability to work with others. Compared to his peers, Raul has superior interpersonal skills and a
charismatic personality. His excellent upbringing and education allow him to be equally comfortable with
CEOs and lower level workers. Raul was always receptive to new ideas and suggestions, often proactively
seeking advice from his colleagues and superiors.
c. Goal Orientation. Raul is goal-oriented in every aspect of his life. In every situation, he has a clear plan
and a quantifiable objective, which he pursues in the face of any obstacle. In the presence of an unavoidable
hindrance, Raul will find an alternate path rather than deviate from his goal.
e. Confidence. Raul is a very confident young man. On numerous occasions, he has successfully fielded
questions from high-ranking managers with impeccable skill. When a board member asked him where he got
his confidence, Raul replied that he worked hard, received good guidance and the rest came naturally.
f. Oral and Written Communication Skills. Raul is one of the most eloquent speakers I have ever heard.
On more than one occasion, he was selected to prepare programs for BGCs social and philanthropic
events. As a senior associate, he also presented our divisions performance review to the Board of Directors.
Raul's exceptional feasibility studies, reports and business plans were instrumental in attracting investors
and gaining capital for our fiber optic cable project and our software development project. Rauls gift of
communication also allowed him to accompany senior executives on business trips abroad. With his fluency
in several languages, Raul is truly an international citizen.
Summary: In my thirty years of corporate life, I have worked with thousands of talented professionals. I
would easily rank Raul in the top 5% of that group. He is an exceptional individual who will undoubtedly
succeed in whatever endeavor he undertakes. Accordingly, I recommend Raul Hernandez wholeheartedly
for admission to your MBA program.
Our assessment: The strength of this letter is the extensive, well-documented discussion of the candidate's
strengths. By providing third-party verification of Raul's leadership skills, the author highlighted many
interpersonal qualities that the committee would never have heard about any other way. Even small details,
such as Raul's confident response to the board member, contributed to our positive assessment of him.
evaluation.) :
Please see b), c) and d) above. Horatio has much to offer his future learning team, both as a contributor and
as a listener. You will be lucky to have him.
f) In what areas does the applicant need the most improvement?
Although Horatio does not have formal business training, he is experienced in the preparation of
financial statements, budget projections and marketing analyses. He is also honest, personable and fully
committed to adding value to our corporation. Horatio's only weakness is his tendency to play down his
accomplishments, which can initially appear to be a lack of confidence. As I have gotten to know him,
however, I have realized that Horatio's humble nature is simply part of his gracious personality. In every
respect, he embodies the spirit of teamwork that I have tried to instill at Godiva.
g) Additional Comments :
Horatio is not only an effective and ambitious professional, but a well-rounded person with many
interests outside the office. Whenever possible, he encourages others to join the fun. When several of our
colleagues were in town from Montreal, Horatio organized several softball games between our two groups.
The outings were a terrific ice-breaking exercises. On another occasion, Horatio suggested that several coworkers join him at the health club. In addition to its obvious health benefits, the experience was great fun
for everyone who participated.
Perhaps the most important thing to know about Horatio is that he is a good person who is
committed to adding value to whatever organization he joins. On a daily basis, he uses his position to learn
as much as possible about Godiva and the markets we serve. With formal business training, there is no limit
to what this talented young man can achieve.
2. Initiative. From his first days with the firm, Juan demonstrated a remarkable focus and dedication. He
completed multifaceted projects within strict deadlines, regardless of the circumstances. In our department,
many projects came to us on an urgent basis, which challenged our ability to manage our time. Juan always
completed his assignments, including those that were submitted at the last minute. Juan was always eager
to accept extra work, including assignments that required him to work nights and weekends. His high energy
level and can-do attitude were impressive to our clients and senior managers.
Juans ability to take initiative set him apart from the rest of the group. As our project wound down, he
jumped onto the many outstanding tasks, often leading six different initiatives. Whenever the group's energy
levels sagged, Juan rallied the team and encouraged them to rise to the occasion. During the downtime
between projects, Juan initiated a study group to exchange technical ideas. The group's informal meetings
helped the team keep abreast of the latest design methodologies to maintain an intellectual edge over other
teams.
3. Interpersonal Skills. When Juan took over the XXXX design, he demonstrated his talent for leadership.
The design was the first of its kind at TI and required Juan to interact with many different groups. Due to the
nature of the work, the job also required him to maintain a tight relationship with his peers at Macintosh. I
picked Juan for the assignment because I knew that he could handle the challenging schedule. With his
combination of quantitative, analytical and people skills, Juan was the only logical choice for the job.
a. Team Leadership. Amazingly, Juan championed the XXXX design project without stepping on the toes
of the senior designers at Macintosh. He also quickly established a great rapport with Macintoshs process
engineers. During impromptu meetings, Juan demonstrated his mental agility, recalling every aspect of the
design, testing, verification and process. Throughout the project, group members knew that they could count
on direction from Juan on every aspect of the design.
With his exceptional planning and organizational skills, Juan finished over a month ahead of schedule. He
soon became the focal point for all the XXXX-related activities, supervising two other follow-up projects.
b. Interviewing skills. About six months into his tenure at TI, I invited Juan to interview new job
candidates. His objective and systematic interviewing technique showed tremendous insight into our hiring
process. By limiting himself to one line of questioning, Juan focused on the candidates thought process,
rather than the rightness of their answers. By maintaining an 80%/20% split between short answer and
open-ended questions, Juan gained an excellent perspective of a candidate's breadth and depth. As a
result, his hiring recommendations were flawless.
c. Maintaining friendships. Juan is a kind and honest man who gets along well with others. From his first
day with the company, he formed strong relationships with subordinates, peers, clients and members of our
management team. Managers in other departments frequently seek Juan's advice, particularly for technical
initiatives. By sharing ideas with his peers and mentoring the new arrivals in the group, Juan has developed
an excellent reputation as a technical resource and a team player. He also makes the effort to continue
friendships after a project's conclusion. When our group was split after a reorganization, Juan maintained
contact with his team members and organized lunch gatherings to keep in touch.
d. Diffusing stressful situations. Juan treated all of his colleagues with dignity and respect, regardless of
their title or stature. On one particular occasion, he worked with a senior designer who resisted sharing
information. After awhile, the man's attitude stalled the progress of the work and threatened Juan's deadline.
Despite his frustration, Juan kept his composure and encouraged the other senior designer to open up to
him. Juan instinctively understood the other man's insecurities and resistance to dealing with a junior
colleague. Slowly and surely, Juan won his confidence with a combination of technical skill and subtle ego
management. I was impressed by his ability to read the situation correctly and to make the appropriate
adjustments to resolve it favorably.
e. Demonstrating humor. It a fast-paced industry like ours, tight deadlines often left team members
feeling stressed. Fortunately, Juan always saw the humor in such situations and didn't hesitate to diffuse
negative feelings in the office. An incredibly good sport, he was the first person to laugh at himself when he
made a mistake, a slip of the tongue or other unintentional gaffe. By keeping us laughing, Juan showed a
human side of himself, which was a refreshing contrast to his normally serious demeanor.
f. Ethics. Juan willingly shared the credit for his accomplishments with his teammates, naming them as coauthors on his two patents. From my observation, he was honest and forthright in all of his endeavors.
In comparison to his peer group:
In my nine-year career in technical management, both at Texas Instruments and Sun Microsystems, I have
worked with over two hundreds scientists and engineers, including several with doctoral degrees. Juan is by
far one of the most impressive employees with whom I have worked. By nature, he a creative and original
thinker. In addition, Juan has strong native intelligence, great insight about people and excellent problem
solving skills. In diverse competitive situations, he has demonstrated excellent powers of observation and
an ability to recommend change.
Management Potential:
Juan has solid potential for senior management in the technology industry. With his combination of technical
and interpersonal strengths, I am certain he will succeed in whatever endeavor he chooses.
Weaknesses:
After hearing one of Juan's technical presentations, I suggested that he improve his communication skills.
Although his presentations were technically complete, he lacked a professional style. Within a few weeks,
he joined the Toastmasters group to improve his skills. Juan is now a confident and eloquent speaker.
Juan's only other weakness is a lack of assertiveness in difficult situations. Not wanting to rock the boat,
Juan tends to shy away from confrontation and consequently comes off as less forceful than he should.
Over the past year, he has made a concerted effort to be more assertive.
Conclusion:
You will not find a more talented or qualified candidate than Juan. I wish him the best in his career and
support him wholeheartedly in his attempt to secure a business education. Should you have any additional
questions about his candidacy, please contact me.
Our assessment: The strength of this letter is in the details. Every point is supported by a concrete
example that puts the observation into its proper context. This letter also provides an eloquent discussion of
the candidate's ability to overcome his weaknesses. The reader walks away impressed by Juan's insight
and tenacity.
Sanjay shows great promise for a career in business; his persistence, bilingual skills and engaging
personality make him a natural leader. Unlike many of his peers in sales, Sanjay has a strong intellectual
curiosity and is driven to expand his knowledge base. He isn't satisfied to rest on his laurels. Whatever
career path he chooses, I'm certain that Sanjay will bring the same tenacity and passion that he brings to
Grayson & Associates. I recommend him without reservation.
Our Assessment: This letter is brief, but highly effective. The author documented many of Sanjay's
strengths and shed new light on the achievements that he wrote about in his admissions essays. The
committee was highly impressed by Sanjay's ability to succeed in such a highly competitive field.
a) How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
I have known James McGovern for nearly four years, since he came to work at Allstate Insurance. I am his
colleague in the Risk Assessment Department, where I manage a group of three people who are responsible
for all aspects of risk assessment for our commercial and residential customers. James's primary role is to
analyze potential risks in the homeowner's market in different U.S. cities and make appropriate
recommendations for the coverages that our clients should have. James is one of my key people, whom I
rely upon for support in all aspects of our work.
b) How do you assess the applicants leadership potential and integrity?
James is a natural leader who automatically takes charge of situations and inspires others to follow him. In
addition to his regular duties, he frequently champions projects to the improve performance at our company.
Several months ago, when we faced a staggering liability from the claims relating to Hurricane Katrina,
James integrated all of our New Orleans customers into our central database for rapid expedition. Without
his leadership, the project would have remained on the back burner and not been completed in a timely
manner.
James clearly has the potential to advance to a position in senior management. He not only understands
how the insurance industry works, but has the appropriate "street smarts" to appreciate what goes on behind
the scenes. James is always eager to learn more about the industry. He has a vibrant interest not just in
insurance and risk assessment, but in the world around him. With his background in the humanities, he
adds considerable value to any lunchtime discussion on world issues. As an employee of an international
insurance company, his knowledge and appreciation of other cultures dramatically enhances his
relationships with his clients and colleagues.
c) Based on your experience with this applicant, please describe his/her level of enthusiasm/energy.
Please provide some examples.
With his high energy level, James accomplishes far more than many of his peers. He easily juggles multiple
priorities and has never missed a deadline for a project. Whenever possible, James takes the initiative to
create challenging projects for himself. These endeavors are invariably successful, which bring positive
attention to the entire department. I am proud of his contribution to Allstate and have learned a tremendous
amount from him in the years that we have worked together.
On his own initiative, James championed the following projects:
1) Allstate's most important and costly project in the last 20 years was replacing our outdated computer
system with one that is designed to capture all of the information that is needed for risk and regulatory
reporting for the entire U.S. market. James was in charge of testing the system on a rigid two-month
deadline. With management pushing hard for the project's completion, James faced the challenge of
completing four months of work in half the time. To everyone's delight, he worked nights and weekends to
replace the system in just five weeks. Management was ecstatic with the final product, which exceeded their
highest expectations.
2) For several weeks in early 2006, James managed the group in my absence. He inspired his peers to do
an excellent job, while simultaneously leading several challenging projects. Senior managers noted his
exceptional performance, which acknowledges his flair for managing people.
3) Since late 2004, James has been responsible for making sure that Allstate adheres to the rigid
requirements of the Patriot Act to "know our customers." In this capacity, he interacts with all sales
managers that bring in new business. Before a new commercial or residential policy can be written, James
must ensure that the owners of the property have no financial connections to known terrorist groups. His
vigilance in this matter has prevented the firm from conducting business that could place us in a precarious
legal situation.
A key observer of people, James possesses the emotional intelligence to thrive in such a diverse, fast-paced
environment. His success on several key projects is a testament to his ability to recognize and seize an
opportunity.
d) Please assess this candidates ability to work effectively in teams.
James gets along well with people at all levels of the organization. He is appreciative of cultural differences
and has the skills to build solid project teams. James participates actively in meetings, focusing on the facts
and offering suggestions that show an amazing ability to read between the lines. Over the years, I have
received overwhelmingly positive feedback from every unit in which James has done business.
One of James's greatest strengths is his dependability in a crisis. Regardless of his competing priorities, he
is always willing to help his team members when they have a problem. Thanks to his effectiveness in
dozens of stressful situations, I know that I can always count on him to perform difficult tasks under
seemingly impossible circumstances.
e) The case method requires the student to work closely with five other members of an assigned
learning team and to take an active and responsible part in daily class discussions in a class of 60
students. How well has the applicant demonstrated the ability and willingness to engage in
thoughtful and assertive oral give and take in such a situation? (Cite examples in support of this
evaluation.) :
James has excellent interpersonal skills and thrives in group situations. When necessary, he will stand up
for what he believes in and will champion a worthy cause. On several occasions, James met resistance from
associates who did not wish to adhere to the requirements of the Patriot Act. Regardless of their arguments,
James held his ground and insisted that all underwriters adhere to the Federal requirements. In all cases,
James diffused these tense situations with calmness and respect.
f) In what areas does the applicant need the most improvement?
James should obtain an MBA to qualify for a more challenging position. He will also benefit from classes in
management, which will help him to handle the challenges of balancing multiple priorities. Over the years, I
have been amazed by his ability to build a project team from scratch to complete several challenging
objectives. With formal training in business, James will inevitably be able to accomplish more.
Additional Comments :
James is ready to advance his career to the next level. His four years of work experience have given him
the maturity and perspective to appreciate what a quality MBA program has to offer. With his enthusiasm
and creativity, I'm sure that James will make a strong contribution to the class.
Our Assessment: The examples given in answer (c) provided exactly the type of documentation that the
committee needed to see. By doing so, the author positioned James as a self-starter with the ability and
willingness to identify and seize opportunities. The committee was impressed by his ability to make the most
of an entry-level job.
Upon her return to Cornell in the fall of 2003, Melissa continued to teach classes and train new participants
in the AIDS awareness program. During the past year, she has been a visible advocate for AIDS prevention
and remains a popular speaker in the NYC area. To my delight, Melissa's year off gave her an increased
appreciation of life and its wondrous opportunities. In that spirit, she re-directed her professional goals to an
entirely new area. Before her brother's death, Melissa was on track for a career in elementary education.
After her return to Cornell, she committed herself to a business career, with an eye toward public service.
Throughout the experience, I have been particularly impressed by Melissa's concern for those around her.
Instead of thinking of herself, she worried about her parents and how Chris's death affected them. During
her year off from school, she felt guilty about abandoning her roommate and her part-time job on campus.
She even provided a "good ear" to AIDS patients at the hospice. When I visited her, she introduced me to
several patients who were taking experimental drugs for HIV. Melissa knew everyone's story by heart.
During a very difficult time, she had a strong faith in God and genuine concern for the well-being of others.
She confirmed in her heart that advocacy should be her life's work.
During her year's absence from campus, Melissa became well acquainted with several AIDS advocates in
New York City. She was horrified by the shabby treatment that many patients received, either because of
insurance restrictions or the stigma of their illness. She is committed to fighting their cause. In many ways,
her commitment is a way to honor Chris's legacy, by giving a voice to patients whose needs are unfulfilled. I
have no doubt that she will tackle business school with the same style and grace that she brings to
everything else.
As you peruse Melissa's business school application, you will see her grades and GMAT scores, her
numerous awards and accolades, but nothing about her greatest accomplishment of all; she handled
profound grief with quiet dignity and uncommon grace. I desperately wanted to relate this episode, as it
characterizes what this remarkable young lady is all about.
As she graduates from Cornell, I am incredibly sad to see Melissa go, but I am certain that she is destined to
achieve great things. She is smart, dedicated and hard-working. She is kind, determined and strong. She
is selfless and outwardly directed. Under volatile circumstances, Melissa keeps her head and finds a
workable solution. She is everything a business school could possibly desire. Grab her while you can!
Our assessment: This letter captured the human aspects of the candidate in a highly articulate way. In
addition to documenting Melissa's academic record, the letter also provides a valid explanation for her time
off from school. By discussing Melissa's volunteer work on behalf of AIDS, the author conveyed the young
woman's exemplary character and dedication. The committee had a greater understanding of who Melissa
was and what she hoped to accomplish in the future.
continues to visit several patients in Irving, who consider her their "angel." Even now, Ana has never sought
to publicize her efforts, preferring to be a silent benefactor.
Ana's success is particularly impressive considering she has only been in the United States for five years.
She moved to Los Angeles from Brazil in 1999, not knowing a word of English. With aggressive studying,
she became fluent enough to work on-air within one year. I have never regretted giving her the opportunity.
She has an excellent rapport with people of all races, cultures and socioeconomic groups, which greatly
enhances her investigations. Viewers accept Ana as someone who will keep their community safe. With her
tenacious commitment to the truth, Ana is a natural for any type of investigative work.
My reaction to Ana's request to write this letter is bittersweet, as her acceptance to business school will
temporarily derail her career as a newsperson. Although I hate to lose one of my best people, I
acknowledge her desire to take her life in a new direction. Ana's combination of professional and
interpersonal talents are rare in this industry; she understands the news and is emotionally connected to the
public and their needs. She is also exceptionally self-aware, particularly regarding her own strengths. I'm
not certain what Ana's future holds, but I'm certain she will bring the same tenacity, exuberance and passion
to business school that she brings to journalism. For someone with Ana's gifts, the sky is the limit.
Our assessment: In a short space, this author documented Ana's professional strengths, including her
considerable achievements as a news reporter. He also highlighted her skills as an investigator who is fluent
in several languages. By citing Ana's devotion to her community, he gave her application a tangible boost.
preventive examinations. She easily connects with the audience and spurs them to action.
Perhaps Samantha's greatest strengths are her kindness and concern for others, which will undoubtedly
serve her well in the future. I'm convinced that she has made such a great contribution to our group
because people like her and trust her. They sense her enthusiasm for our cause and want to join in the fun.
I can easily envision Samantha running a non-profit organization that provides quality health care to women
in an underserved, low income area. Based on her performance at Great Beginnings, I can't imagine
anyone better suited for the job.
Our assessment: This letter documents Samantha's amazing ability to survive a tragedy and find meaning
in her pain. The committee was deeply moved by her personal story, along with her continual commitment
to help other women who suffer from the same disease. Additionally, Samantha's work as a community
advocate was a great fit for the program in which she eventually enrolled.
Olivia is consistent, dedicated, enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. She has vibrant creative
energy and a refreshing idealism. I highly recommend her for business school, where she can spread her
excitement for public health education. We are expecting big things from Olivia in the years to come. In
whatever endeavor she chooses, Olivia will invariably make a unique and valuable contribution.
Thank you once again for the opportunity to recommend such a special and impressive young
woman.
Our assessment: This letter was written by a distinguished professor with an international reputation for his
research on depression. His willingness to endorse Olivia's candidacy with such enthusiasm was a
testament to her skills and character.
tough negotiator who was very rigid in her position. Unfortunately, her reasoning was subjective and not
based on facts or logic; she only took loans that "felt right." For most appraisers, this type of investor is a
nightmare, but Sheldon handled her with ease. As the principle negotiator, he simply refused to back down
from his position. In the end, the investor's company bought most of the loans from First Pacific, including
several that the woman had previously rejected.
Motivation & Initiative. Sheldon is extremely motivated to learn more about the industry, both through
formal classes and discussions with his supervisors. In the spring of 2002, Sheldon upgraded his skills by
receiving his Real Estate Brokers License and Residential Appraisers License. He has also completed
classes to qualify for a Certified Residential License, and is pursuing his MAI-Member Appraisal Institute
designation, which is the most distinguished license in the appraisal field.
In every area of evaluation, Sheldon has exceeded my highest expectations and has outshined his peers at
First Pacific. I have no doubt that he will be a serious and enthusiastic student and a successful alumni of
your school. With formal business training, the sky is the limit for this young man's professional future.
Military Commitment. Although Sheldon is clearly a talented professional, his most impressive
commitment is to our country. Since 1997, in addition to his real estate career, he has also been a soldier in
the US Army Reserves. In August of 2003, with virtually no notice, Sheldon left the comfort of his home to
complete a one-year stint in Iraq. Needless to say, we missed him terribly in the office are were delighted by
his safe return.
Unfortunately, Sheldon's unexpected deployment had a negative effect on his ability to prepare for the
GMAT. After working with him for many years, I can confirm that Sheldon's disappointing score on the exam
is by no means indicative of his ability to succeed in business. He took the test in September of 2004, just
three days after he returned from Iraq. Under those circumstances, I am amazed that he did as well as he
did. Although I respect the use of the GMAT as a screening tool, I hope that you will consider the "full
picture" of Sheldon's academic and professional achievements in making your final admissions decision.
Over the past several years, he has developed myriad practical skills that cannot be assessed by
standardized testing. If given the opportunity, he will be a tremendous asset to your program.
Summary. In my 30-year career in real estate, I have worked with hundreds of brokers, loan officers and
attorneys who wanted to build their own successful real estate businesses. I would easily rank Sheldon in
the top 1% of that group.
Sheldon's ability and willingness to commit to a real estate career as a college student was a powerful
predictor of his future success. I am particularly impressed by Sheldon's willingness to defer his professional
career in favor of attending graduate school. He has repeatedly turned down my offer of a promotion to
focus his energy on obtaining his MBA. With his entrepreneurial flair, I am certain that he will add a unique
perspective to the student community. Please contact me at (email address) if you would like to further
discuss Sheldon's application.
Our assessment: In addition to documenting Sheldons impeccable work history, this letter also provides a
valid explanation for his disappointing GMAT scores. Although Sheldon discussed these issues in his
essays, his credibility was enhanced by third-party corroboration of the events in question.
22. Business: Low Grades: Language Deficiency & Dramatic Personal Loss
1. How long have you known the applicant and in what context? Please comment on the frequency
of your interactions.
I am pleased to write a letter of reference to support Jai Lin Chong's application to business school. I have
known Jai Lin for five years in my role as the Information Services Director of Business Solutions for San
Francisco Edison (SFE). As a Consultant with Premier & Server Computing (PSC), Inc., Jai Lin has
reported to me since 2000. During this time, he has contributed immensely to the success of my department
and has become a key resource on our most critical projects.
2. Have the applicant's responsibilities evolved over the time you have known him or her?
Jai Lin's first achievement was designing and implementing the first system-wide web application for SFE
based on the state-of-the-art Microsoft.NET platform. Since no one at SFE was experienced with this
technology, Jai Lin had to convince senior managers of its competitive merits. He gave several persuasive
presentations that explained why we should adopt the technology as our corporate standard. Later, Jai Lin
guided us through all phases of system implementation, including training and troubleshooting. By
implementing Jai Lin's suggestion regarding the software architecture, SFE has saved nearly $4 million per
year and our company has been able to pursue numerous in-house development efforts.
Jai Lin's accomplishments convinced us to award his consulting company, PSC, with several development
projects and to place the firm on our Preferred Vendor list. Jai Lin was subsequently promoted to a project
management role and has been leading many of these in-house development projects. His new collection
system has helped SFE collect over $750,000 in overdue accounts, while his enterprise level mobile system
allows us to dispatch work more efficiently. Jai Lin's improvements to our organization have dramatically
enhanced our reputation and credibility
3. What are the applicants principal strengths and special talents?
Jai Lin's technological and quantitative skills are exemplary; the various scheduling, work-flow and asset
management software systems that he developed contained complicated algorithms that are beyond the
scope of most developers. At the same time, Jai Lin is also creative and artistically inclined. Regardless of
the complexity of a project, he always ensures that his programs are visually appealing and easy to use. On
a practical level, Jai Lin is a quick learner and highly motivated. Whenever possible, he takes the initiative to
suggest viable ways for SFE to save money and run more efficiently.
4. In what areas can the applicant improve? Has he or she worked on these areas?
With his strong technical background, Jai Lin tends to approach problems from an analytical viewpoint,
rather than a business perspective. Over the past several months, he has taken the initiative to learn the
relevant costs and risks associated with new technology, which has improved his presentations to
management. Nevertheless, Jai Lin will benefit tremendously from an MBA program, which will help him to
evaluate technology from an executive perspective. With formal training in all aspects of business, Jai Lin
will be well-positioned to advance to a senior level of management.
Jai Lin also showed tremendous poise and maturity when faced with difficult personal setbacks. During his
first year with our firm, his fianc died from a medical mistake just a week before their wedding. Jai Lin
struggled with profound sadness and grief as he recovered from this unexpected loss. Fortunately, he
remained committed to his work and became an inspiring example for those who struggle with clinical
depression. Despite his grief, Jai Lin's performance at work was always exceptional.
5. How would you rate the applicant in comparison to others with similar responsibilities in your
organization? Why?
Jai Lin is one of the brightest and most talented developers I have worked with in my 20-year career in
information technology. His superior technical skills enable him to implement exceptionally difficult
algorithms in record-time. On a practical level, Jai Lin also possesses the requisite initiative and motivation
to develop solutions that solve everyday problems in our organization. His rare combination of technical and
managerial strengths have made him an invaluable asset in our industry.
6. Please provide concise comments on the applicant's:
a. degree of self confidence
Jai Lin is confident of his abilities and is willing to sell his ideas to top managers. Despite his considerable
success at SFE, he maintains a humble attitude and is an excellent team player.
b. honesty and integrity
In all situations, Jai Lin is accountable for his actions and takes responsibility for errors in judgment. Several
times, he has worked late hours and weekends to resolve a critical issue or to correct a mistake.
c. interpersonal/ teamwork skills
Jai Lin's easygoing demeanor and strong interpersonal skills are an inspiration to those in our office.
Throughout his tenure at SFE, Jai Lin has managed several diverse groups of people, and has always
completed his projects on time. I attribute his success to his ability and willingness to build strong project
teams.
In contentious situations, Jai Lin is the consummate diplomat. Rather than become defensive, he remains
calm and explains the technical rationale behind his position. By resolving tense moments in an amiable
manner, Jai Lin has earned the respect of employees at all levels of the organization. As a result, I am
certain that he will excel in an environment that employs an interactive approach to learning.
d. communication/presentation skills
Jai Lin is an excellent speaker with a wry sense of humor. He easily breaks down technical ideas in a
manner that makes them understandable to non-technical employees. He is also highly enthusiastic about
his work and eager to share it with others. When necessary, he will use his powers of persuasion to
convince our top executives to adopt his proposals. Without his initiative, SFE would never have pursued an
in-house development solution for the XXXXX project.
Jai Lin's presentation skills are particularly impressive, considering that he is not a native speaker of English.
When he first came to the US as an undergraduate student in 1993, Jai Lin had only a cursory knowledge of
the language. Although he struggled academically because of this deficiency, Jai Lin refused to give up. He
took several language courses and applied himself to his studies. Although his GPA suffered because of his
language deficiency, Jai Lin is justifiably proud of his degree. By the time he joined SFE in 2000, Jai Lin was
already speaking English fluently. It is hard for me to believe that he is not a native speaker of the language.
e. demonstrated leadership /managerial abilities
Throughout the past two years, Jai Lin has lead a team of developers on several critical projects that have
improved the way that SFE does business and have made a tangible contribution to our bottom-line. By
recommending and implementing several cutting-edge technologies, he has generated substantial savings
($6 million per year) on system development and maintenance. Needless to say, we are highly impressed
with Jai Lin's ability to direct and lead high performance teams in a technical environment.
f. potential for senior level management Following the completion of his MBA, Jai Lin will be wellprepared to advance to an executive level position in technology.
Our Assessment: This author conveyed Jai Lin's strengths in a concise space. He also explained the many
challenges that Jai Lin faced to complete his degree and succeed in a highly competitive field of study.
Thanks to this author's efforts, we knew that Jai Lin possessed the potential to succeed in a rigorous MBA
program.
23. Major Professor: Candidate Deferred Admission for Medical Reasons
1. How long have you know the applicant and in what connection? If applicable, briefly describe the
applicant's role in your organization. Please comment on the frequency of your interaction. (250
word limit)
I have known Dr. Adam Phillipe for six years in my position as the Head of Cardiology at St. Mary's
Hospital in Madrid, Spain. I supervised Dr. Phillipe's dissertation research, which he completed as part of his
M.D. program at the University of Madrid. Adam researched the role of XXXXX levels in patients with
unstable angina. He assumed the challenge of this poorly-researched topic by assimilating and compiling a
large quantity of often contradictory information before embarking on laboratory work and interpretation of
results.
Adam explored a complex subject with unusual insight, which allowed him to drive his research
forward. He hypothesized that inflammation was an important factor in angina pectoris and that XXXXX
could potentially be used to diagnose cardiac events. Although I was available in an advisory capacity, Dr.
Phillipe performed and executed all of the research and statistical analyses with minimal guidance. He
summarized his results in a comprehensive thesis, which was accepted by the standing medical committee
at the University of Madrid. Dr. Phillipe's research has brought us a step closer to understand angina
pectoris and coronary infarction, one of the most prevalent diseases of our time.
2. What do you consider the applicant's talents or strengths? (250 word limit)
A creative and analytical thinker, Dr. Phillipe excels at all aspects of medical research. His thesis
required a mastery of molecular biology, genetics and clinical medicine. He showed an amazing ability to
extract the salient points from conflicting pieces of literature and bring his laboratory results into the proper
context to research a novel hypothesis about cardiac care. Throughout the project, Dr. Phillipe handled
setbacks with intelligence and ease. When he encountered an obstacle, Adam had the maturity to reevaluate his situation and bring fresh insight to his work. Dr. Phillipe's ability to plan, organize and steer his
research enabled him to complete an impressive amount of work in a short period of time.
Since completing his medical degree, Dr. Phillipe has built a successful business that distributes
medical supplies and equipment in South America. I attribute his entrepreneurial success primarily to his
ability to analyze and solve complex problems, as well as his incomparable communication skills.
Furthermore, Dr. Phillipe is familiar with the nuances of different cultures and skillfully uses this international
perspective when resolving issues. These strengths have fueled his success in medicine and business and
will invariably serve him well in business school.
3. What do you consider the applicant's weaknesses or developmental needs? (250 word limit)
When he first joined my group, Adam was overly confident in his reasoning and occasionally
jumped to an incorrect conclusion. Rather than discussing and refining his thoughts, he proceeded with
projects without obtaining adequate background information. As a result, he had to re-evaluate the situation
and repeat parts of his work.
After I discussed this weakness with Adam, I was pleased to discover that he had taken several
steps to address it. When he was excited about an idea, he solicited my opinion before beginning his work.
He listened to constructive suggestions and incorporated them into his plans. If necessary, he conducted a
small analysis to test and refine a theory before proceeding with a larger scale investigation. As a result, he
generated better, more focused proposals with a higher likelihood of success.
4. What industry / function might best suit this individual, and what do you see this person doing in
ten years? Why? (250 word limit)
Dr. Phillipe's unusual combination of training and skills will provide him with many choices in his
professional future. With his academic training, he is already well-suited for a career in teaching or research.
Furthermore, his volunteer efforts with the Red Cross in Bolivia suggest a genuine interest in humanitarian
work.
After completing his MBA, Dr. Phillipe will be well-prepared to assume a leadership role in health
care development and administration. As a long-term goal, Adam hopes to pioneer reforms in Bolivia's
underdeveloped health care system. With formal training in managerial disciplines, Dr. Phillipe will be well
prepared to achieve this multifaceted objective.
5. The predominant teaching method at XXXXX Business School is case-based learning. It is a highly
interactive experience requiring the proficient use of English-reading, speaking, listening, writing
and integrating "real time." Please comment on the applicant's ability to contribute to this learning
model. (250 word limit)
Dr. Phillipe's warmth and intelligence are paralleled by his exceptional communication skills. After
living and working on several continents, he is equally comfortable reading, speaking and writing in four
different languages. In clinical settings, Adam also possesses the emotional intelligence to handle the
human aspects of medicine. Throughout his academic career, his exemplary behavior has set a positive
example for other students.
In a group environment, Adam is a team player who is willing to help those with less experience.
He thrives in research discussion groups, offering good suggestions to his peers and accepting criticism in a
constructive manner. From all indications, he will thrive in XXXXX's highly interactive, "real time"
environment.
6. The XXXXX Business School is committed to developing outstanding leaders who can inspire
trust and confidence in other. Please comment on the applicant's behavior (e.g., respect for others,
honesty, integrity, accountability for personal behavior) within your organization and in the
community. (250word limit)
Dr. Phillipe is an exceptional man who is committed to serving others. Throughout his academic
and professional careers, he has demonstrated exemplary moral behavior, which has inspired the trust of his
patients and peers. In clinical settings, Adam is a compassionate doctor who puts the needs of his patients
first. In all aspects of his work, he protects the confidentiality of his patients and he expects others to do the
same. In an area like clinical research, in which issues regarding patient privacy are paramount, Adam
displays a level of integrity that is beyond reproach.
In addition to his professional strengths, I am equally impressed by Dr. Phillipe's impeccable sense
of empathy. On his own initiative, he provided medical support with a Red Cross team operating in Bolivia,
which helped to save hundreds of lives. Even his professional goal of improving health care administration
reveals an inherent level of selflessness. In character and performance, Dr. Phillipe demonstrates the
requisite integrity to lead an international organization. I recommend him without hesitation for admission to
XXXXX Business School.
Addendum:
In November of 2004, after Dr. Phillipe was accepted into business school, he was severely injured
in an automobile accident that damaged his spinal cord. For nearly six months, Adam was hospitalized for
his injuries, which required three surgeries to correct. Even after his release from the rehabilitation facility in
early 2005, Dr. Phillipe required extensive physical therapy to regain the use of his legs.
To my amazement, Adam maintained his strong sense of optimism throughout his prolonged
recovery, running his office from his hospital bed and keeping in close touch with his peers. At my
encouragement, he received outpatient counseling from Dr. Michel Faber, a respected psychologist on staff,
who encouraged Adam to participate in a local support group for victims of spinal cord injuries. Since then,
Adam has been an active member of the group, providing compassion and support to others who have
experienced similar losses. I have tremendous respect for his profound generosity during such a difficult
time. In a field that requires the ability to embody grace under pressure, Adam is uniquely qualified to serve
with honor and integrity.
Our assessment: This is an exceptional discussion about an exceptional candidate. As always, the
strength of the letter is in the details. Every point is supported by a concrete example that puts the
observation into its proper context. This letter also provides an eloquent discussion of the candidate's ability
to overcome adversity. The reader walks away knowing that Dr. Phillipe will succeed at whatever he
attempts, regardless of the obstacles in his way.
24. Business: Language Deficiency: Low Grades & Poor GMAT Score
1 How long have you known the applicant and in what connection? If applicable, describe the
applicants role in your organization. Please comment on the frequency and context of your
interaction. (250 word limit)
It gives me great pleasure to recommend Pradip Gustanov for admittance to Harvard Business
School. I have known Pradip for twelve years, since he first enrolled at the University of California-San
Diego as an undergraduate student. In 1992, I was his instructor for three classes in the engineering
department at UC-SD. Later, in 1999, we renewed our professional relationship when I hired him as a
project manager at the Ciba Geigy electrical plant in Carson City, Nevada, where I am the Vice President of
Operations. For the past five years, Pradip has worked under my direct supervision as the key project
manager for the construction of three power plants across the US. During this time, he has assumed
responsibility for all aspects of planning, scheduling and cost management for the initiatives.
Pradip and I interact daily on a professional basis and have also developed a personal friendship. I
cannot remember when I have been more impressed by a manager in my organization. Pradip's ability to
manage people across all levels of the firm has enabled us to complete projects of unprecedented size and
complexity on an extremely tight schedule. For this reason, I was saddened to learn of his intentions to
leave our company to pursue an MBA, as he is clearly on track for a senior level position at Ciba Geigy. As
you will discover, Pradip has many qualities that will make him an outstanding asset to XXXXX. Following
his graduation, we will be delighted to hire him back in an advanced position, if he chooses to return.
2. What do you consider the applicants unique talents or strengths? (250 word limit)
Pradip has demonstrated exceptional leadership and planning skills under difficult circumstances.
Because our client imposes contractual penalties of $150,000 per day for late completion, Pradip's primary
challenge has been guiding the project teams in planning and coordinating their work. Execution has been
unusually challenging because most of the work has been subcontracted to multiple contractors, who require
constant direction and guidance. From day one, Pradip took control of the project to prevent a logistical and
scheduling nightmare, developing a detailed schedule for each phase. On a regular basis, Pradip taught
contractors how to coordinate and prioritize their work to ensure adherence to the fast-track project
schedule.
During weekly meetings, Pradip has also demonstrated his ability to solve problems and diffuse
conflict. His most impressive feat was managing a stubborn and inexperienced inspector who had
instigated an unjustified argument with one of our managers. Pradip exhibited great maturity by tactfully
diffusing the inspector and re-focusing him on the relevant technical issues. In my long career, I have
seldom seen anyone resolve a conflict with such diplomacy. Thanks to Pradip's efforts, we met our
objectives on a complex, highly visible project that required unusual patience and coordination.
3. What do you consider the applicant weaknesses or developmental needs? (250 word limit)
Pradip's accomplishments are even more impressive when considered in light of his disadvantaged
upbringing. Like many students who came to the US as teenagers, he faced formidable challenges adapting
to a new language and culture. When I first met Pradip, he was seventeen years old and barely spoke a
word of English. His public school in Ellis, California had no facilities for ESL (English as a Second
Language), so he learned English on his own by working with an old set of Berlitz language tapes.
Obviously, Pradip was at a distinct disadvantage during his freshman year of college, when he competed
with native speakers of the language.
Fortunately, Pradip persevered. After a rocky start, he improved his GPA and found his niche as an
engineer. Although Pradip excelled in his upper level coursework, he struggled with his English courses and
the verbal portion of the GMAT. To compensate for this deficiency, he took several elective classes in
speech and writing and also volunteered as a language tutor for new students from India. Eventually, with
dedication, he learned to express himself with confidence, both verbally and in writing. Rest assured that
Pradip's relatively low score on the verbal portion of the GMAT does not accurately represent his excellent
communication skills. I would not endorse Pradip's candidacy if I did not have 100% faith in his abilities.
4. What industry/function might suit this individual, and what do you see this person doing in ten
years? Why? (250 word limit)
In ten years, Pradip will be the CEO of his own successful business, directing all aspects of its
growth and development. For the past several years, he has worked diligently to build a foundation to
achieve this long-term goal, and I have no doubt that he will succeed. Compared to his peers at Ciba Geigy
(21 engineers with an average of 15 years of corporate experience), Pradip has demonstrated exceptional
skills in planning, organization, team building and leadership. He has repeatedly earned the trust of his
teammates, who rely on his direction on all aspects of planning and cost control.
5. The predominant method of learning at Harvard Business School is case-based learning. It is a
highly interactive experience requiring the proficient use of English-reading, speaking, listening,
writing and integrating real time. Please comment on the applicants ability to contribute to this
learning model. (250 word limit).
Pradip's role in project management at Ciba Geigy requires him to interact with professionals at all
levels of the organization. Without exception, he has demonstrated an impressive ability to thrive in group
settings and to work on project teams. From my observation, his greatest strengths are his persuasiveness
and negotiation skills. On several occasions, Pradip has challenged conventional wisdom and persuaded
others to follow his ideas and suggestions. When making a presentation, he is succinct and well organized.
If confronted on a technical issue, he "thinks on his feet" and deftly responds to questions that challenge his
reasoning.
Despite his technical strengths, Pradip is never overbearing or unwilling to hear alternative
suggestions. His goal is always to find the best solution, regardless of who thought of it. As a result,
Pradip's open-mindedness and high energy level are often a catalyst for creative brainstorming sessions.
Many times, his colleagues are so energized by their discussions with Pradip that they follow-up on his
suggestions and present their findings at subsequent meetings. As a result, everyone feels a sense of pride
and ownership in the project, which builds camaraderie. For these reasons, I believe that Pradip is well
prepared for case-based learning.
6. The Harvard Business School is committed to developing leaders who can inspire trust and
confidence in others. Please comment on the applicants behavior (e.g. respect for others, honesty,
integrity, accountability for personal behavior) within your organization and in the community. (250
word limit)
Pradip is a person of high integrity who exhibits an exemplary attitudue and work ethic. As a cost
analyst on the Carson City project, he always adopts the most ethical and fair practices in reporting project
progress and profitability, even if it disappoints senior managers. In all interactions, he champions the
"win/win" philosophy, acknowleging that an interaction is not a success unless it benefits both parties.
I have been most impressed by Pradip's ability to inspire the trust and confidence of his teammates
under highly stressful circumstances. Even when facing a tight deadline, he takes the time to listen to his
employees' concerns and help them achieve their objectives. As a result, Pradip nurtures a positive work
environment with open communication and a creative approach to solving problems. From my perspective,
his graciousness in all interactions is the cornerstone to Pradip's personal and professional success. Please
contact me at (phone number) or (email address) should you have any further questions.
Our Assessment: This is everything that a reference letter should be; it is detailed, enthusiastic and
insightful. The author was the perfect choice to endorse Pradip, because he knows him well enough to
present a concise summary of his talents and skills. From an admissions perspective, his discussion of
Pradip's developmental needs was one of the most articulate we have ever seen. It carried great weight in
the evaluation process.
Weakness. Janet's only weakness is her tendency to expect too much from herself in comparison to her
more seasoned colleagues. Fortunately, rather than become discouraged, she continually seeks
opportunities to learn. On several occasions, Janet has asked me to recommend books that would enable
her to better understand a topic or problem. On her own time, she visits our tax library to study accounting,
tax and legal concepts, which enable her to contribute to group discussions.
Because the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi was Janet's first post-collegiate job, she was unfamiliar with the
bureaucratic processes of a non-academic environment. Once she adapted to our corporate culture, she
learned how to take command of her situation and find viable ways to promote change. By championing
small projects that have a large impact, Janet has gained a reputation for being both proactive and politically
savvy at such a large organization.
Summary. Few people in my career have impressed me as positively as Janet Wu. In her three years at
the bank, she has improved the efficiency of her department and has earned the respect of her clients and
peers. Janet 's background in corporate taxation will inevitably serve her well at XXXX, where she can
explore her interests in international business.
I recommend Janet without reservation. Please contact me at (phone number) or (email address) if you
require additional information.
Our Assessment: The author of this letter is a well-known banking professional who rarely writes such
positive recommendations. Consequently, his glowing endorsement of Janet to his alma mater made a quite
an impression on the admissions committee. Once again, the strength is in the details; this is a great letter
filled with concrete examples of Janets strengths. Her international background and language fluencies
were particularly well-perceived in the admissions process
Smith Corporation during its bankruptcy proceedings. His high praise of Coral, along with specific examples
of her achievements, gave the letter an added boost. By citing her tangible contributions to Smith's
reorganization, the author showed that Coral has the loyalty and stamina to weather tough times.
Over the past five years, I have kept in touch with Sophia and have kept abreast of her professional
progress. As expected, she has matured into an analyst of great skill who has much to offer the financial
industry. As a professor, I have rarely encountered a student as intelligent, talented and tenacious as
Sophia. I would easily rank her in the top 1% of students I have known. I recommend her with the highest
enthusiasm for whatever program she chooses to join.
Our Assessment: The author of this letter did an exceptional job of selling Sophia's analytical skills and flair
for foreign languages. By citing her numerous internships and seminars, which she attended on a
competitive basis, the author convinced us that she was a tenacious and talented young woman.
Pennsylvania, George has also worked part-time as a volunteer paramedic. Whenever possible, he also
helps to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. In fact, if George has a weakness, it is his tendency to give
110% of himself to everything he does. His passion to help others, although inspirational, doesn't leave a lot
of time for rest and relaxation.
Summary. Smart and motivated, compassionate and funny, George approaches everything in life with
seriousness and passion, refusing to accept anything less than a successful outcome. I am amazed by his
ability to complete college without financial support, never complaining about his frenetic schedule or the
many obstacles he faced. I am equally impressed by his superior performance at Cleaning Solutions
Limited, where he has set the standard of excellence for other employees.
From my perspective, George can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. You will be lucky to have him.
Our Assessment: Many small business owners shy away from writing recommendations because they don't
think that what they say will hold any weight with the admissions committee. This letter, which provides a
wealth of information in a simple, gracious style, proves otherwise. George's history as an entrepreneur, and
his ability to put himself through college, made a positive impression on the committee. We were also
touched by his compassionate nature, both in his daily interactions and on behalf of worthy causes and
charities. By telling us about her relationship with George, the author gave us valuable information about
George that we never would have gotten any other way.
and consumers of mental health services. Fearless at heart, Ginny welcomes new learning
experiences with courage and an open mind, jumping right in and getting her hands dirty. As her
friend, I am consistently impressed by Ginny's ability to laugh at herself and to find humor in
everyday situations.
Ginny is a consummate team player who always willing to help others with less skills and
experience. Because our organization works under a federal mandate to oversee psychiatric
hospitals and facilities, Ginny's predecessors often had an adversarial relationship with the
employees at these locations. Miraculously, in a brief period of time, Ginny has developed a
strong rapport with health care providers across the state. By emphasizing their collective goal of
providing exemplary care to patients with mental illness, Ginny has brought out the best in
everyone she meets.
Ginny has also earned the trust and respect of the patients she serves. On one
occasion, I observed Ginny when she represented a severely disturbed woman during an
Administrative Law hearing. The clients symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia manifested during
the hearing, causing her to scream, throw objects and threaten the judge. As security personnel
rushed in to restrain the woman, Ginny stepped between them and her client, recognizing that
such action would escalate the situation and potentially cause harm. Within minutes, Ginny
gained control of an unsafe situation by utilizing her profound interpersonal skills and the trust
that she had cultivated with her client.
In my 26-year career as an attorney, I have never met anyone with the dedication,
perseverance or compassion of Ginnifer Godfrey; she is one of our community's most valuable
assets. Please contact me at (phone number) or at [email protected] if you require further
elaboration.
Our Assessment: This author, who is an internationally known attorney, did an excellent job of crediting
Ginny with many achievements as an advocate. Since Ginny had worked for 8 years for the same social
service organization, the committee benefited greatly from hearing this perspective.
managerial issues. Without exception, Arabella is an innovative self-starter who rarely needs supervision.
Her greatest skill is flexibility; regardless of her competing responsibilities, Arabella will work whatever hours
are necessary to get the job done. By becoming an expert at all aspects of our business, including hiring,
training, customer service and regulatory issues, Arabella has been indispensable to our success.
Communication Skills. Thanks to her warm personality, Arabella is an excellent communicator who gets
along with all different types of people. While training our employees, she shows an admirable level of
patience and an uncanny attention to detail. Arabella is also the "go to" person in our office for all types of
problems and dilemmas; whenever anyone has a question about how to handle a particular situation, they
immediately ask her for help. If Arabella does not have the answer, she will make it her business to find it.
By living and working overseas, Arabella also brings a level of cultural sensitivity to her professional
interactions. She is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English, which enables her to converse with people
for whom English is not their native language. On several occasions, Arabella has translated documents for
patients and employees who needed her assistance. As expected, she handled each request with the
highest level of respect and confidentiality.
Arabella has also impressed me with the high quality of her writing, both in her daily correspondence and in
the policies and procedures manuals that she has written. In compiling the manuals, which include
significant legal and medical terminology, she showed a rare talent for presenting complex material in an
understandable way. On a regular basis, Arabella updates all of our protocols to reflect any changes in
government regulations. By doing so, she has established a good working relationship with the many
agencies that govern our industry. Thanks to her efforts, our inspectors have repeatedly praised our written
documentation during our annual inspections.
Personal Strengths. Throughout the past four years, Arabella has demonstrated her superior time
management skills by balancing her responsibilities at Pathmark with the demands of her college courses.
To my amazement, she managed to excel in both areas. From my perspective, Arabella's only weakness is
her tendency to be hard on herself, because she sets extremely high standards for her own performance.
Thankfully, she also finds great joy in her work, which makes her a positive role model for everyone at
Pathmark.
Summary. In my long career in business, no one has impressed me as positively as Arabella Milano.
Despite her young age, she has demonstrated the maturity, diligence and skills to succeed in a leadership
position. In her four years at Pathmark, Arabella has been an innovative self-starter who has improved the
efficiency of our business and earned the respect of her clients and peers. In all endeavors, she has proven
herself to be open-minded and inquisitive, with a solid work ethic. She will be a valuable asset to whatever
MBA program.
Our Assessment: This is a wonderful recommendation on behalf of a young woman who put herself through
college on a part-time basis. After reading about Arabella's achievements at Pathmark, we knew that she
possessed the maturity and initiative to handle a rigorous MBA program. She did not let us down.
Summary
After reading this book, including more than 30 actual reference letters, we hope that you feel well-prepared
to write (or obtain) a persuasive letter of recommendation for business school. Whether you are a
candidate who needs a reference letter or an author who has been asked to write one, this book offers a
detailed plan to get the most persuasive recommendations possible.
A Quick Summary for Candidates:
1. Ask people who know you well enough to highlight your strengths (and are willing to do so).
2. Give each author enough information to do a good job for you, including:
a) a cover letter with the names, addresses and deadlines for all letters you need
b) the appropriate forms from each school that the writer needs to complete.
c) a summary of your accomplishments and goals