BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Recommendation word counts - q for MBA consultants

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed May 25, 2011 10:42 am
Followed by:2 members

Recommendation word counts - q for MBA consultants

by tess2011 » Mon Sep 19, 2011 7:15 am
Hi,
Could an MBA consultant please let me know how strictly HBS adheres to recommendation word limits of 250 words/question? My recommender sent me a draft of her recommendation, and each is ~400 words. Do I need to ask her to edit it, or will HBS accept the entire rec?
Thanks so much,
Tess
Top
Source: — The Application Process |
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 247
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:27 am
Location: Houston
Thanked: 52 times
Followed by:42 members
GMAT Score:740

by Jessica@VeritasPrep » Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:48 am
First of all, you really shouldn't see your recommendations. I understand that a recommender may want to show you what s/he wrote, but, it is important that you waive your rights to see LORs. But, I know this isn't your question! Generally, for essays and applicant answers, there is a 10% rule (okay to be 10% above or below the word count). It would be best if your recommender adhered to the limit but as long as the answers are well written and concise, I would never tell a recommender to shorten/edit what he/she has written. However, if your recommender has come to you asking for advice I think it is fine to make a comment along the lines of "wow, these are great answers, thanks so much for putting time into this..." and then you can suggest a few sentences that seem superfluous and help him/her stay closer to the 250 word limit.

BUT, again, make sure that for future applications you do NOT read what the recommenders write and that you WAIVE YOUR RIGHTS. Schools will look at your recommendations as much more credible if the applicant hasn't reviewed the LOR first!

Hope that helps!
Jessica
Jessica
MBA Admissions Consultant
Veritas Prep

Enroll now. Pay later. Take advantage of Veritas Prep's flexible payment plan options
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 510
Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 6:15 am
Location: London
Thanked: 122 times
Followed by:22 members

by throughmba » Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:23 am
Hi

I would suggest you to ask your recommender to shorten the reco to 250 range. Though it may happen to have 20 words extra but not one and a halve times.

You may ask him/ her for a gist but should not read it.
ThroughMBA Consulting
The No. 1 B-School Admission Consulting of U.K. is now the most Affordable.

https://throughmba.com
email : [email protected]

Alex Wilkins
Senior Admission Consultant, ThroughMBA.com
Panelist | MBA Admissions Achievers Meet
Interviewer | MIT Sloan | Former
Management Consultant | McKinsey & Company | Former

"Regardless of who you are or what you have been, You can make what you want to be."
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed May 25, 2011 10:42 am
Followed by:2 members

by tess2011 » Mon Sep 19, 2011 11:25 am
Thank you both so much for the quick replies! Waived my right, but my recommender sent a copy to me directly and I noticed the long word count... Sounds like I should leave as is or politely suggest to trim down - thanks again!
Best,
Tess
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1