The Application Process

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

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

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.

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