Retained Right to view LOR..!!

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Retained Right to view LOR..!!

by ECLS » Sun Oct 31, 2010 3:18 pm
I just submitted my application for a school. I retained my right to see the LOR. To be honest I didnt think its a big deal. But after seeing few posts it seems that admissions teams dont take it very positively. I am never going to ask the school to provide me a copy of LORs but can the experts comment if its going to cause any problems in my application.?

I have a decent rapport with the admissions directors and I can inform them that I didnt know the implications. But right now, I dont want to draw unnecessary attention to it.

Pls advise.
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by Tani » Tue Nov 02, 2010 9:38 am
Schools expect you to have chosen your recommenders with sufficient confidence that you do not need to see your recommendations. I doubt that admissions committees look at a file and say, "oops, didn't release his letters, he's out!" On the other hand, it might plant a grain of doubt in the reviewer's mind.

I think you're correct in not wanting to draw attention to it at this stage. However, if you get an interview and there is an opening, for example if you are asked about a supervisor, you might slip in the fact that you did not recognize the implications. As far as factors affecting admissions go, this one is not at the top of the list.
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by Tyler@MBAPrepSchool » Fri Nov 05, 2010 5:42 pm
This is an interesting question that I've received in the past from my clients. The rule of thumb is indeed to waive the right.

I did come across a blog post from Dee Leopold, Admissions Director at HBS, where she responded to this question directly. Here is a copy of her answer, which explains that for HBS at least retaining the right to see your recommendation letters is not a factor in their admissions decision:


Source: From the Director
Answers to Your Questions
Date: September 29, 2009

Could you please explain the choice to waive or not to waive one's access to the recommendations? Is this of interest to the Admissions Board?

It plays no part in our evaluation of your application - it's something for you and your recommenders to decide.
Tyler Cormney
MBA Prep School
Website: https://mbaprepschool.com

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