Your Application: Letters of Reference

TL;DR

Get tips on choosing recommenders, setting them up for success, and understanding the importance of specific examples in strong letters of recommendation.

Transcript

[MUSIC] Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, my name is Jessica Chung, I'm an admissions officer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA admissions office. I'm joined by a panel of my amazing colleagues to talk about letters of reference today, so, I want to start by going over what to expect during our time together. First I'll have... Read More

Key Insights

• 💌 The panel emphasizes the importance of specific examples and evidence of a candidate's impact and accomplishments in strong letters of recommendation.
• ❓ Choosing recommenders who know you well and can provide specific examples of your abilities is crucial.
• 😫 Giving recommenders plenty of time and providing them with resources, such as the evaluation criteria, can help set them up for success.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I best support my recommenders in writing a strong letter?

Give your recommenders plenty of time, provide them with specific examples of your accomplishments, and share the evaluation criteria website, which outlines the qualities and contributions that are valued in applicants.

Q: What should I do if my recommender is leaving the company and won't have their corporate contact information?

Use their personal contact information and inform the admissions office of the change. It is important for the admissions team to be able to reach your recommenders if necessary.

Q: Is the word limit for letters of recommendation flexible?

It is recommended to stay within the recommended word limit, as admissions officers have thousands of letters to read. Being concise and specific is appreciated, as it helps make the review process more efficient.

Q: Should I waive my right to review the recommendation letter?

It is up to you whether you choose to waive your right to review the letter. It does not impact the evaluation of your application. However, waiving your right may encourage recommenders to provide more candid and honest assessments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The panel of admissions officers discuss the purpose and importance of letters of recommendation in MBA applications.

• They emphasize the need for specific examples and evidence of a candidate's impact and accomplishments.

• The panel provides advice on choosing recommenders, setting them up for success, and navigating the application process, including word limits and timing.