Preparing for the Letters of Rec

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razorback: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 28; Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:43 pm; Thanked: 1 times

Preparing for the Letters of Rec

by razorback » Sun Oct 02, 2011 10:02 pm

Hi,

Currently I am studying for the GMAT and have made no steps beyond that for B-School in Fall 2012.

My intention is to have all of my applications in by the Round 2 Deadline, generally the 1st week of January.

What steps should I be taking towards securing my letters of recommendation, if any?

What hurdles can I expect in getting these letters where they need to be?

I served in the Marines over the last 4 years, so any relevant recs would be from bosses there. There is a professor from my undergrad studies who I'm sure would write one as well, attesting to my academic passion and commitment. Worth it to go after that one, or is it too out-dated?

Thanks

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Research MBA Programs | Sun Oct 02, 2011 10:02 pm

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Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 am; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times; Followed by:332 members

by Jon@Admissionado » Sun Oct 02, 2011 11:40 pm

Well first hurdle: choosing recommenders.
There are a lot of things to consider here, including how much they like you, the leadership you have displayed in a certain post, how VIP they are and so on. Most important though is that they be EXCITED to help.

Second hurdle: (for you) Make sure your Marine recommenders aren't too tough on you!

Remember, recommendations should help you get accepted!

Third hurdle: Content. Here, you can maybe have a chat with your recommenders to "remind" them of stories and idea that they might want to mention in your recommendation.

And that's that. One last note for you: unless the professor is one in a school whose MBA you are applying to, forgot about him. You have probably done MUCH more interesting stuff in the Marines.

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razorback: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 28; Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:43 pm; Thanked: 1 times

by razorback » Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:06 pm

Thank you for the response and I agree, but...

May I add: This professor is the head of the econ department, and that I (re)started/founded/presided over the econ club (which had been defunct for years) during my time at the university, hosting events such as field trips, debates, and meetings.

Still best to forget about that possible rec and simply express aforementioned accomplishment in another venue on the application?

Thanks again.

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GMAT/MBA Expert

Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 am; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times; Followed by:332 members

by Jon@Admissionado » Mon Oct 03, 2011 9:50 pm

The choice of recommenders is always RELATIVE. Meaning we look for those things I wrote above, but we choose recommenders based on what your other options are. So, for example if you still have a second recommender from the Marines, who would give you a great recommendation which shows your leadership and achievements, and gives a different perspective from your first, then yes, it's still better.

So I can't give you an absolute answer without knowing all your possibilities, but you get my drift...
Hopefully this helps,