Are you considering pursuing an MBA at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)? One of the most critical components of your business school application is the letter of recommendation. It is essential to choose a recommender who can support the claims you have made in your application. So, who should you ask for a letter of recommendation for your MBA program application, and how can you approach them effectively? In this comprehensive guide, we will answer these questions and provide you with valuable insights to secure an outstanding MBA recommendation letter.
Choosing the Right Recommender
When selecting a person to write a letter of recommendation for your MBA application, it is crucial to consider individuals who can provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and accomplishments. Business schools value recommendation letters that come from someone who knows you well and can provide specific anecdotes and examples to support your claims. While titles do hold some weight, they are not the sole determining factor. The most preferred choice for a recommender is typically your immediate supervisor, as they have directly supervised your work and can vouch for your achievements. However, if you haven’t informed your current supervisor about your MBA plans or believe that it may adversely impact your career, previous supervisors or individuals from volunteer positions and internships can also be viable options. Ultimately, your recommender should be someone who supports your career goals and is willing to write a glowing letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Timing and Approach
Writing an MBA recommendation letter is a time-consuming task, so it is crucial not to approach your recommender at the last minute. Doing so may be perceived as flippant, potentially harming your application. It is advisable to request your recommendation at least 6 to 8 weeks before the application deadline, if not earlier. Additionally, remind your recommender about the projects in which you excelled, providing them with specific details to help them accurately describe your qualities and achievements. Remember, you play a significant role in managing the overall process and making it easier for your recommender to write an exceptional MBA recommendation letter.
Assisting Your Recommender
While it is essential to avoid writing your own recommendation letter, you can still assist your recommender in crafting a compelling and accurate portrayal of your abilities. Here are some tips to guide your recommender and ensure you receive an outstanding MBA letter of recommendation:
- Enhance Your MBA Profile: Continuously work on improving your MBA profile, accumulating a wealth of information and achievements to share with your recommender. This will enable them to write a well-rounded and comprehensive letter of recommendation for you MBA program application.
- Provide Relevant Information: Share the same resume you plan to submit with your application. Additionally, provide a list of the business schools you are applying to, along with their application deadlines. Inform your recommender about any specific requirements or questions that each school may have regarding the recommendation letter.
- Highlight Your Strengths: Provide your recommender with a list of characteristics and qualities you have emphasized in your application. Request that they focus on these attributes and support them with anecdotal examples.
- Acknowledge Weaknesses: It is important to demonstrate self-awareness by highlighting areas of development or weaknesses. This will showcase your commitment to personal and professional growth, and your recommender can relate these areas to the benefits of business education.
- Submission Instructions: Clearly communicate the instructions on how to submit the letter of recommendation. Most business schools provide an online portal for submission, so ensure your recommender is aware of this process.
- Express Gratitude: Don’t forget to send a thank-you note to your recommender. Writing a recommendation letter is a favor, and expressing your appreciation is a must.
Takeaways
In conclusion, the purpose of an MBA recommendation letter is to excite the TCNJ admissions committee about having you as a student in their business school. When selecting a recommender, prioritize individuals who have directly supervised your work and can provide concrete examples of your qualifications. Avoid approaching your recommender at the last minute and instead request their assistance well in advance of the application deadline. Assist your recommender by providing relevant information, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, and clearly communicating the submission instructions. Remember, building a strong rapport with your recommender is essential, so communicate effectively and establish a relationship based on trust and support.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of choosing the right recommender for your MBA application, you can confidently approach this crucial aspect of your business school journey. Click here to begin your application for the TCNJ MBA Program or visit our contact site for more information as to who you can reach out to with further questions! We look forward to reviewing your application!
These blog posts are curated for the TCNJ MBA program by Kayla Paster, Brooke Santos, and Sophia Chascsa, three students in Dr. Inyang’s Digital Marketing Strategy course this semester. Their goal is to improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of our MBA site using data analytics and other marketing tools. Throughout the semester they will continue to create blog posts for our program to increase the interest in obtaining an MBA from TCNJ.