How do I send recommendations to multiple b-schools?
May 20, 2008 10:22 PM Subscribe
What's the best way to handle b-school recommendations in regards to submission, length of time and etiquette on following up?
Is there an LSAC-like organization for b-school admissions where they gather recommendations and distribute to applying b-schools? Or do candidates have to ask the recommendation writers to send however many copies to each institution?
I came across this posting for graduate program:
http://ask.metafilter.com/19991/Duplicating-Letters-of-Recommendation
But if you have any suggestions I'd appreciate. I am going to be applying to 5-8 schools. Is the best to have them send their recommendations to me in soft copy then I do the sending? What's been your experience?
In addition, how much time should I give them? is 2months enough time?
What's the etiquette on following up? I only had to ask my professors who write recommendations as a part of their job, but not anybody at work. Any suggestions/experiences would be helpful.
Is there an LSAC-like organization for b-school admissions where they gather recommendations and distribute to applying b-schools? Or do candidates have to ask the recommendation writers to send however many copies to each institution?
I came across this posting for graduate program:
http://ask.metafilter.com/19991/Duplicating-Letters-of-Recommendation
But if you have any suggestions I'd appreciate. I am going to be applying to 5-8 schools. Is the best to have them send their recommendations to me in soft copy then I do the sending? What's been your experience?
In addition, how much time should I give them? is 2months enough time?
What's the etiquette on following up? I only had to ask my professors who write recommendations as a part of their job, but not anybody at work. Any suggestions/experiences would be helpful.
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There is no LSAC for b-school except for the GMAC, but they don't do your applications for you like LSAC does. You'll need to fill out each school's application online and follow its instructions for LORs. Nowadays a lot of these are done electronically. The schools will have paper applications, but nowadays it is mainly done online.
I'd start talking to your recommenders NOW, before the school year is done. Some profs take off for the summer or check their school e-mail less frequently. You'll want to tell them exactly where you're applying and what you want in your letter. Also send them a copy of your CV. Some may ask you to write the letter for them.
If the recommendation is online, you'll get a notice that Professor X submitted his/her letter. Otherwise, most profs will send you an e-mail "Hey, I sent the letters to schools X, Y, and Z."
I'd strongly recommend sending an immediate e-mail thank you and more importantly, a written thank you note. Also, if it was a really great letter, or they wrote a lot of letters for you, a plant or something isn't out of the question.
As you probably already know, b-schools generally only take people who have had a few years in the business world, so you're going to want a professional reference as well. (Not sure what the proper ratio is, but one of those "getting into b-school" books should have the information.)
posted by k8t at 6:16 AM on May 21, 2008