Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hello!

I've spent the past two years starting a business with my father, and he has been my only supervisor. Would you advise against having my father write a LOR, given his bias toward me? If so, what can I do, instead?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Dear awilhelm,

Thanks for your post.

My thoughts are as follows:

1) You should not use your father as a reference. This will have no value in the admissions process and will show questionable judgment on your part. The adcom will not take his letter seriously at all.

2) Many entrepreneurs or family-business candidates are faced with a similar challenge when it comes to selecting recommenders. The key is to find objective outsiders who can comment on your skills. That could be your firm's lawyer or accountant, recent clients or venture partners, etc. You might also look to prior jobs you have held to get a letter - if you worked elsewhere prior to launching this venture with your father.

Best of luck,

Graham

PS: In the future, please be sure to post your questions only in one section of the forum. I have responded to this in the Ask Clear Admit thread as well....

Graham,

Thanks for your insight. I figured as much. I'll approach an investor, instead.

Thanks again!

P.S. Sorry about the multiple posts. I'm new to B-school forums.

Hi Graham,

I received the below response in one of the other forums I had posted in. Do you still categorically disapprove of this approach, given the below?

Thanks again for your thoughts!


If your father has been your main supervisor then it is fine for him to write your LOR. However, he should be very specific about your achievements and provide examples. The letter will not be as effective if he merely says you will be a strong MBA candidate.
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Scottie Winslow | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep |Elite GMAT Courses and Admissions Consulting| www.VeritasPrep.com

Dear Awilhelm,

Thanks for following up. While I respect the opinion of Scottie from Veritas, I have to strongly disagree on this point. As a former admissions officer from Wharton, I can state with a great deal of confidence that there is absolutely no situation wherein a recommendation from your father would be a smart strategic move in the MBA admissions process.

Best of luck,

Graham