Recommendation from a gmail address

Expert replies

arrocker: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Sun Jul 14, 2013 9:03 am

by arrocker » Thu Nov 21, 2013 1:54 am

Hi,

My recommender has just left the firm. However, he was a senior chap and I have worked with him very closely for almost 2.5 years. He is ready to recommend me, but it will be from his personal id. School application forms state that "recommendations from gmail / yahoo ids might be subject to additional scrutiny". However, since he knows me well, I believe he is the best person to recommend me.

So 2 questions -
1. Can I explain my situation in the optional essay and will that solve the problem?
2. Any idea as to what kind of scrutiny do schools carry out on such recos?

Thanks!

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Thu Nov 21, 2013 1:54 am

bremkofi: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 10; Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 8:59 am

by bremkofi » Fri Nov 22, 2013 6:27 am

You can give an explanation in the optional essay if you wish, but why? Your recommender should explain his situation at the outset of his letter and save you the trouble. If he's been in good standing til now, any additional scrutiny won't hurt him or you. But if this is a 'personal beef' story, I might rethink using him as a recommender.

GMAT/MBA Expert

CriticalSquareMBA: Legendary Member; Posts: 1088; Joined: Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:29 pmFollowed by: 52 members; Thanked: 171 times

by CriticalSquareMBA » Fri Nov 22, 2013 1:45 pm

Hi there,

Additional scrutiny in this case won't be a big deal. You can explain it in the application portion where it asks you why you chose that recommender or if there is anything to note. If they don't have this section, put it in the optional essay. Overall, additionally scrutiny isn't a big deal. You're not the only applicant to have been put in this position.

For our clients who have had to go this route, the verification schools carried out varied. Have your recommender address it in his/her letter and just be ready to provide some back up if necessary.

Good luck!

Bhavik

Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

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