Waive right to review recommendations

[twoplustwo]

Hello, I am applying to the HBS 2+2 program and I unchecked the box which said "I waive my right to review the letters of recommendation." I guess I was just curious as to what my recommenders would write about me. Was that a bad decision? Will that be viewed negatively and hurt my chances? I was thinking of faxing a letter to the admissions office to waive my right to review the letters, but then I thought the damage might already be done. Is there any way I can repair the damage? The application is not due until another 10 days. Please help!

[Paxton Helms - Kaplan]

Hmm... interesting question. My take is that --if your recommenders have already submitted their recommendations-- then that you should do nothing. I suppose you could fax a letter if you wanted (and I probably would) but this seems pretty small in the scheme of things.

The bigger risk is if this adversely effects your recommenders. One of the nice things about confidential recommendations is that the recommenders are free to say what they want. The picture that they paint is not as black and white as recommendees might think: it is often a combination of high praise and candid assessment of your weaknesses. Often times, the recommendation is more nuances (and the writer far more perceptive) than one might think.

My recommendation? Send the fax and then follow up with a phone call. Make sure that it gets done, especially if your recommenders haven't done their thing.

Paxton