Supplementary 'Recommendation' From an Alum of a B-School

[shorttheworld]

I was just curious if anyone has had experience with having a supplementary note/letter added to their profile from a strong alum from a business school? Is it better to have this emailed in or to be sent in via letterhead and the like? This is obviously not going to be one of my two recommendations for the school but rather another added 'oompf' so should it generally be shorter in nature than the other recommendations? Do these carry any weight? Thanks!

[Jon@Admissionado]

This can be a good thing for most schools (though you can forget about this being effective at Harvard). It should be short (i.e. on paragraph) to the point, excited about you, and preferably sent by email.
It's obviously less important than most of your other application elements, but it can give your candidacy a boost.

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

I advise my clients to have the letter sent in after the application, and yes it should be no more than a page. Of course evidence of real time spent with you is better than a general endorsement.

I have seen this type of letter from an influential alumni/donor having an impact, even at the top 3. But in most cases I think the effect is slight.

[Tyler@MBAPrepSchool]

In terms of timing, I agree with the other two posts. In terms of content, I think that these letters are an opportunity for the alum, as a credible source, to comment on your exceptional cultural fit with the school and provide a brief example or two to support his or her feelings that you fit.

Best of luck!
Tyler