Letter of rec

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Letter of rec

by thirst » Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:04 pm
I understand the basic idea that you don't want to obtain a letter of rec from someone who might be notable but doesn't know you very well. Famous names don't count for too much. However, I worked with a top-10 business school faculty during undergrad, about 4 years ago. I worked with this individual for about 8 months, as an assistant. Upon graduation, and even during employment, we talked about business schools. Naturally, as a professor, she thought highly of a business education and urged me to apply when I was ready. offered to write my letter of recommendation and even speak with the admissions office at the school where she teaches.

Questions: 1) how valuable is it to have a letter of recommendation from a faculty member of a top 10 business school? 2) Can someone write a valuble, insightful letter of recommendation when the experiences from which the writer can draw from are 4 years old? Does the writer need to cite specific, current examples? Or, can they speak with respect to their experiences with me, even if it is a bit date, that led them to believe I would make a great candidate for bschool (leadership, communication, etc).

Thanks for any inputs.
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by Eliot » Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:13 pm
Thirst,

Thanks for your note. An ideal recommender is someone who knows you well in a business context (ideally a supervisor), likes your work, and is able to write a strong letter.

Since you worked for this professor for 8 months, she sounds like she was a former supervisor who knows you well. Assuming that she liked your work, she could be a solid recommender. Of course, the adcom will prefer a letter from your current recommender. But if you need a 2nd or 3rd recommender, this professor could be a good choice.

Sincerely,

Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit LLC
Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215 568 2590

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