Vince is compiling recommendation letter questions from top MBA programs
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  • Vince is compiling recommendation letter questions from top schools.
  • If you find incorrect data or useful updates, please email Vince@VincePrep.com

 

BERKELEY HAAS

  1. Describe your relationship to the applicant. Are you, or have you been, the applicant’s direct supervisor? If not, what is the nature of your relationship? How long have you known the applicant and how frequent is/was your interaction with them? 
  2. How does the applicant’s performance compare with that of his or her peers? 
  3. How effective are the applicant’s interpersonal skills? 
  4. What are the applicant’s three greatest strengths? Cite specific examples. 
  5. What are the applicant’s three greatest weaknesses or areas in need of improvement? Cite specific examples. 
  6. What significant contribution has the applicant made to your organization? 
  7. Please comment on the applicant’s potential for leading an organization. 
  8. In the Berkeley MBA program, we develop leaders who have “confidence without attitude” or “confidence with humility”. Please comment and provide examples of how the applicant reflects this Berkeley-Haas value. 
  9. Please give us your appraisal of the applicant in terms of the traits listed here. Compare the applicant with others whom you know have applied to business school or with individuals who are being groomed for leadership positions within your organization. It should be extremely rare for any candidate to receive “truly exceptional” in all areas, and unusual for a candidate to receive either “superior” or “truly exceptional” in all areas. 
(found at http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/LORFall2012.pdf; accessed 2011/09)   
 
 

 

CHICAGO BOOTH

Please provide a written letter of recommendation. Be sure to include how the applicant ranks comparative to his/her peer group. Other items to consider are the applicant's:
 
  1. most salient strengths
  2. areas of development, including efforts the applicant has taken to show improvement
  3. team skills and leadership ability
  4. initiative, curiosity and motivation
  5. other matters which you feel we should know about the applicant

 

We ask that all applicants submit two letters of recommendation.
  • One professional recommendation from a supervisor - This does not have to be a current supervisor although it is preferred. We are seeking objectivity in the letter and we want to hear from someone who can assess both your strengths and your weaknesses. If you work for a family business or you own your own company, please try to secure a letter from a client or a bank that does business with you.
  • The second letter can be professional in nature or from an organization, club or volunteer project with which you are associated - These letters can give us a different perspective of your skill sets outside of your professional environment. There is no preference on who supplies your second letter of recommendation; our only guideline is that it should add new and valuable insights to your application.
 
Whomever you choose to write your recommendation, make sure he or she knows you well and can offer specific examples of your performance and contributions to the organization. Avoid choosing people simply based on their title or status. We are more concerned with content and substance than reputation.
 
 
(found at http://www.chicagobooth.edu/fulltime/admissions/letters.aspx; accessed 2011/08)    

 

 

COLUMBIA

  1. What is your relationship to, and how long have you known the applicant? Is this person still employed by your organization? If not, when did he/she depart?
  2. Please provide a short list of adjectives describing the applicant’s strengths.
  3. Please compare the applicant’s performance to that of his/her peers. Does the applicant have the potential to become a senior manager?
  4. How effective are the applicant’s interpersonal skills in working with peers, supervisors, and subordinates?
  5. How does the applicant accept constructive criticism?
  6. Comment on your observations of the applicant’s ethical behavior.
  7. What do you think motivates the candidate’s application to Columbia Business School?
  8. In what ways could the applicant improve professionally?
  9. If you could change one thing about the applicant, what would it be?
  10. Are there any other matters which you feel we should know about the applicant?
 
(found at http://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/mba/admissions/applynow/apprequirements#recommendations; accessed 2011/08)    
 

 

 

CORNELL JOHNSON

Johnson School Admissions Recommendation Questions
  1. How long have you known the applicant?
  2. In what capacity have you known the applicant?
  3. What are the applicant's most outstanding abilities or characteristics?
  4. What are the applicant's most notable weaknesses?
  5. What impact has the applicant had on the organization?
  6. Please comment on the applicant's personal and professional integrity.
  7. Please give examples of the applicant's performance for any Top 2% ratings.
  8. Please provide us with any additional information about the applicant.

(found at http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/Academic-Programs/Full-Time-MBA/Admissions/Application-Guide.aspx#q7; accessed 2011/10)

 

 

 

DUKE FUQUA

  1. Comment on the applicant's interpersonal skills (effectiveness in establishing and maintaining relationships; working with supervisors, peers, and subordinates; willingness to work in a team environment).
  2. Description of applicant's peer group.
  3. What do you consider the applicant's primary talents or strengths?
  4. In what areas does the applicant need improvement or growth? If you have had the opportunity to provide the applicant with constructive feedback, please provide specific examples of the feedback and the applicant's response to it.
 
(found at http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/programs/duke_mba/daytime/apply_daytime; accessed 2011/08)
 

 

 

HARVARD

 

Recommendation Instructions
 
Please answer the following questions in a separate document and upload that document into the system. 
• Most recommendations are 1-2 pages in length, but you are welcome to write more if you wish. 
• Single-space your responses. 
• Please include the question or question number in your response. 
 
Recommendation Questions
  1. Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. If applicable, briefly describe the applicant's role in your organization. (250 words)
  2. How does the candidate's performance compare to other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (250 words)
  3. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response. (250 words)
  4. Please make additional statements about the applicant's performance, potential, or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the MBA Admissions Board. (250 words)
(found at http://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/writtenapplication.html; accessed 2011/08)    
 

 

 

IMD

coming soon

 

 

INSEAD

 

 
How long have you known the candidate? Describe your relationship with the candidate and the circumstances whereby you met.

1. How do you rate the candidate on the following criteria?
 
TOP 5%                       OUTSTANDING
TOP 10%                      VERY GOOD
TOP 25%                      ABOVE AVERAGE
TOP 50%                      AVERAGE
BOTTOM 50%               BELOW AVERAGE
UNOBSERVED
 
  • Organisational skills
  • Inquisitiveness/intellectual curiosity
  • Problem solving skills
  • Creativity & resourcefulness
  • Initiative
  • Motivation & enthusiasm     
  • Achievement drive & results orientation
  • Teamwork
  • Communication & interpersonal skills
  • Maturity
  • Personal integrity
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Charisma
  • Leadership

 
2. How do you rate the candidate’s potential for becoming a responsible and successful manager in international business compared with other students or employees whom you have known in a similar capacity?
 

3. Please give your answers to each of the following questions. Please provide examples where possible
 
  • 3.1. Comment on the candidate’s career progress to date and his/her career orientation.
  • 3.2. What do you consider to be the candidate’s major strengths? Comment on the factors that distinguish the candidate from other individuals at his/her level.
  • 3.3. What do you consider to be the candidate’s major weaknesses?
  • 3.4. Comment on the candidate’s potential for senior management. Do you see him/her as a future leader?
  • 3.5. Describe the personality of the candidate, including reference to the characteristics listed in the table above.

 

 

 

KELLOGG

 

Recommendation Instructions
  • Please limit your responses to two to four pages.
 
Recommendation Questions
  1. Please comment on the candidate’s career performance and impact on the organization. Cite specific examples (e.g., ranking relative to others in the industry, progression within the organization, evidence of initiative and goal orientation).
  2. Evaluate the candidate’s demonstrated leadership and potential (e.g., ability to influence others and advocate for his/her ideas, smart risks he/she has taken, ability to deal with ambiguity).
  3. What do you perceive as the candidate’s weaknesses?  Provide an example of how the candidate has dealt with constructive feedback and made efforts to address these weaknesses.
  4. What observations do you have about the candidate’s interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with and support others (e.g., maturity, self-awareness, listening skills, sense of humor, respect for different viewpoints)?
  5. Please comment on the candidate’s intellectual and problem-solving abilities (e.g., analytical and quantitative skills, creativity, curiosity).
 
 

 

LONDON

1. How long have you known the applicant and in what connection? (maximum 500 words)
2. What do you consider to be the applicant’s major talents and strengths? (maximum 500 words)
3. What do you consider to be the applicant’s major weaknesses or areas for improvement? (maximum 500 words)
4. In what developmental areas has the applicant changed most over time? (maximum 500 words)
5. What will this individual be doing in 10 years? Why? (maximum 500 words)

 

 

MICHIGAN ROSS

1. Please describe your relationship to the applicant, and describe the circumstances under which you have known the applicant.
2. What do you consider the applicant’s primary talents or strengths?
3. In what areas does the applicant need improvement or growth? How would you describe the applicant’s insight into these areas?
4. How do the applicant’s personal or professional characteristics stand out positively or negatively from others who are in a similar capacity?
5. What one quality of the applicant do you wish all of your staff possessed? If you could change one thing about the applicant, what would it be?
6. Please feel free to provide any other information you think is relevant to our evaluation.
 

 

 

MIT SLOAN

 

MBA Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation.
Professional recommendations are preferred.
Recommenders must submit recommendations online. We do not accept mailed recommendations.
Each recommendation should not exceed two pages.
 

RECOMMENDATION QUESTIONS



1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
2. How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?
3. Please provide an example of the applicant's impact on a person, group, or organization.
4. Please provide a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.
5. Which of the applicant's personal or professional characteristics would you change?
6. Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant.

 


RECOMMENDATION QUESTION ANALYSIS AND TIPS



1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?

[VINCE HINTS]

When AdCom says, “In what capacity”, they mean the following:
  • Is he now your direct supervisor?
  • If not, was he your direct supervisor in the past? When? For example, "I directly supervised him from April 2009 to March 2011.)
  • How long has he known you? Include the month and year or total years e.g. “I have known him since April 2008.” or “I have known him for four years.”
  • How frequent is/was his interaction with you? For example, “I interact with him on a daily basis.” or “I interact with him daily while we are collaborating on a project. Otherwise, I see him at least once a week for team meetings and casual conversation.”


2. How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?

[VINCE HINTS]

He needs to define your peer group.
  • Who are the "others in a similar capacity?” For example, "I am comparing him to the ten members in my team. He stands out among them based on his [skill one] and [skill two].”


3. Please provide an example of the applicant's impact on a person, group, or organization.

[VINCE HINTS]

He needs to share a DIFFERENT example from the one mentioned in Question 2 or Question 4.

AdCom wants to an example of your leadership in action. Can your recommender share an example that best demonstrates your ability to leave a legacy on your organization or company? For example, when have you:
  • Made a positive contribution to your company’s bottom line or your organization’s mission?
  • Motivated a subordinate or influenced senior to go beyond expectations?
  • Left behind tangible or intangible changes that will continue to make a difference in the lives of others?

Here are some questions to help get your recommender started.

SITUATION
  • When did you have an impact on a group or organization?
  • When did this situation happen?
  • Why were you involved in this situation?

ACTION
  • What steps did you take to impact others?


RESULT
  • What were your quantifiable results? (For instance, did you boost profits, save time, or cut costs?) What was your intangible impact? (For example, did you influence seniors or motivate juniors?)


IMPLICATION
  • So what?
  • Why is this impact meaningful to him and others at your company? For example, are other people continuing or even expanding upon your legacy? Add the details that prove it.



4. Please provide a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.

[VINCE HINTS]

AdCom wants to hear a specific story about how you demonstrate your interpersonal skills, preferably in a professional setting.
 
  • Can your recommender mention an example of how you influenced seniors or motivated subordinates?
  • Can he share a story about how you mentored someone, or took care of an important client that needed extra help?
  • As always, try to help your recommender think of a story that you are NOT mentioning in your essays so that his recommender adds value to your application.



5. Which of the applicant's personal or professional characteristics would you change?

[VINCE HINTS]

AdCom is asking your recommender to discuss your weakness.

Help your recommender think of at least one area where you could improve. Two areas would be even better, as long as they are not fatal weaknesses. A fatal weakness would be:
  • He cannot accept criticism from others.
  • He does not listen well.
  • He becomes defensive when others question his motivations.
  • He frequently misses deadlines.


The more weaknesses he mentions, the more AdCom will believe that he knows you and cares about your professional growth.

In addition, I am happy to speak to your recommender if he needs help understanding why AdCom asks these questions.



6. Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant.

Recommenders often answer this question in one of the following ways

  • I would like to also mention that I have had the privilege of directly observing his outstanding leadership, teamwork and personal showmanship outside of the office. [+ SPECIFIC EXAMPLE]
  • I would like to mention the great contributions he has made to our Bank X Alumni network. [+ SPECIFIC EXAMPLE]
  • I wish to add a non-work story that also shows her contributions to our company beyond her professional duties. [+ SPECIFIC EXAMPLE]
  • I would also like to mention his activity supporting our overseas subsidiary because it shows his extraordinary initiative. [+ SPECIFIC EXAMPLE]
 

 

 

NYU STERN

 
1. How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity? (Limit 1,000 characters, including spaces)
2. What do you consider the applicant’s strengths? (Limit 3,000 characters, including spaces)
3. In which areas could the applicant exhibit growth or improvement? (Limit 3,000 characters, including spaces)
4. How would you describe the applicant’s interpersonal skills? (Limit 1,000 characters, including spaces)
 
(found at: http://w4.stern.nyu.edu/emplibrary/ACF3kNewu.pdf; accessed 2011/10)

 

 

 

STANFORD

 
For Your 2 Professional/Workplace recommenders
  1. Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. If applicable, briefly describe the applicant's role in your organization.
  2. How does the candidate's performance compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
  3. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.
  4. Please make additional statements about the applicant's performance, potential, or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the MBA Admissions Office.
 
For Your Peer recommender
  1. Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. If applicable, briefly describe the applicant's role in your organization.
  2. Describe how the candidate has generated support from others for an idea or initiative.
  3. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.
  4. Please make additional statements about the applicant's performance, potential, or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the MBA Admissions Office.

 

(found at http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/mba/admission/letters_of_reference.html; accessed 2011/08)

 

 

TUCK AT DARTMOUTH

 

Dartmouth Tuck Confidential Statement of Qualifications (CSQ) Questions
 
  1. How long have you known the applicant and in what context? Have you served as the applicant's supervisor? If so, please provide approximate dates. Please comment upon the frequency and nature of your interactions with the applicant.  (Limit answer to 300 words or fewer / 2150 characters including spaces)
  2. What are the applicant's three principal strengths? Please provide an example of each. 300 words or fewer (1850 character limit)
  3. In which three areas can the applicant improve? Please provide an example of each. How has the applicant worked to address these areas? 300 words or fewer (3000 character limit)
  4. How does the applicant respond to constructive criticism? 300 words or fewer (3000 character limit)
  5. Please compare the applicant on the scale below with others in his/her peer group you have known during your professional career. Please give examples in the space below to support any Top 5% or Bottom 20% ratings (3000 character limit)
 
Effectiveness of leadership - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Effectiveness of teamwork - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Ability to handle conflict - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Ability to cope with pressure - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Ability to cope with setbacks - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Ability to inspire and motivate others - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Effectiveness of communication skills - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Ability to see opportunity and take initiative - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Overall drive and motivation - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Organization and time-management skills - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Overall intelligence - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Analytical Ability - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Intellectual curiosity - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Positive Attitude - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Resiliency - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Ethics and integrity - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Ability to think creatively - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Professional impression and poise - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Self-confidence - Please Select
  • Top 5%
  • Top 10%
  • Top 20%
  • Top 50%
  • Bottom 50%
  • Bottom 20%
  • N/A
 
Please give examples in the space below to support any Top 5% or Bottom 20% ratings (3000 character limit)
 

 

 

UCLA ANDERSON

  1. What is your relationship to the candidate and how long have you known him or her? How would you compare the candidate to others with similar responsibilities within the organization?
  2. Comment on the candidate's career progression to date.
  3. How would you describe his or her potential for professional growth and development?
  4. Comment on the candidate's aptitude for strategic thinking, leadership, and/or management.
  5. Describe how the candidate deals with challenges.
  6. Is there anything else that you would like us to know about the candidate?
 
Note: Questions listed above are for your reference only.  Actual submission of letters of recommendation is done online, through the application system only.
 
(found at http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/x27516.xml; accessed 2011/08)

 

 

VIRGINIA DARDEN

 

  • Question 1: Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. If applicable, briefly describe the applicant's role in your organization.
  • Question 2: How does the candidate's performance compare to other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
  • Question 3: Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.
  • Question 4: Please make additional statements about the applicant's performance, potential, or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the MBA Admissions Committee.

 

 

 

WHARTON

Recommendation Instructions

Please answer the following questions in a separate document. Please also: 
  • Answer all of the questions in a single document. 
  • Single space your answers. 
  • Separate your answers by writing each question at the top of each response.
 
Recommendation Questions
  1. How long have you known the applicant and describe your relationship to the applicant? 
  2. Provide an example of constructive feedback you have provided to the applicant. How did the applicant receive this feedback and what efforts did the applicant make to address the concern? 
  3. Please provide an example of a time when the applicant was particularly successful at interacting with others in a team (employees, peers, managers, etc.); how was the applicant successful? How does the applicant compare to his/her peers in this dimension? 
  4. How has the applicant’s career progressed over the time that you have known him/her? How does this growth compare to his/her peer group? Please describe the peer group that you are comparing this applicant. 
  5. Provide any additional comments you think would assist the Admissions Committee in making its decision.
 
(found at http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/mba/admissions/preparing-a-successful-applica.cfm#rec; accessed 2011/08)

 

 

YALE

 

Please write an assessment of the applicant that addresses the prompts below. We are looking for your candid and accurate assessment of the applicant's potential to be successful leader and what specific traits the applicant possesses that evidence this potential. Please be as specific as possible and use concrete examples whenever applicable. Do not incorporate anything drafted by the candidate in your recommendation or have the candidate submit the recommendation on your behalf.

 
  1. Please comment on the context of your interaction with the applicant. How long have you known the applicant and in what connection? If applicable, briefly describe the applicant’s role in your organization. (250 words)
  2. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)
  3. How does the applicant’s performance compare to other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (250 words)
  4. Please make additional statements about the applicant’s performance, potential or personal qualities you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee. (250 words)

 

 

 

-Updated by Vince on 20 Dec 2011

 
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