Letters of Rec: How do you make it easy for the recommender?

Hi JanieVail,

I'd like to compliment you on your thoughtfulness. Not everyone is as gracious to realize what an effort it is for recommenders! You have asked an outstanding question, and one that admissions officers know is really problematic. There is an effort in the works for a common recommendation system (like the common application for undergraduate schools). However, it isn't going to happen this year.

I am sure that some of the students who have been through it can post here with their suggestions -- but I would say there are a few rules of thumb that might smooth it out;

1. Brief your recommenders on your reasons for going to business school. If they want to read your essays, let them. It will be good for both of you
2. Offer your recommenders a few stories they can write about (but please don't write it for them!); tell them why those stories can benefit from their perspective
3. Let them know that the recommendation is there to round out what you have written on paper. Encourage them to give specific examples about what kind of person you are, rather than write what they think admissions committees want to read
4. Take them out for coffee, let them know how important their mentorship and support is to you.
5. Follow up -- not in an intense way, but in a timely way (because, of course, you have given them plenty of time in advance to write your recommendations!)

At a recent MBA event I chaired, Kirsten Moss of the Stanford GSB admissions committee advised students to find someone who really knows you to write your recommendations -- "someone who was in the trenches with you and can bring it to life" she said. She also encouraged you to have that person write about your behavior, not just what you did.

Hope this isn't information overload!

Best to you,
Betsy Massar
CEO
Master Admissions
www.masteradmissions.com