A strong recommendation letter is a crucial element of any successful MBA application. It provides the admissions committee with valuable insights into your character, skills, and potential from a trusted source. These letters offer a third-party perspective on your abilities, accomplishments, and areas for growth, complementing the information you provide in your essays and resume. A well-crafted recommendation can significantly boost your chances of admission.
When requesting a recommendation, choose individuals who know you well and can speak specifically to your strengths and qualifications for an MBA program. Ideally, select supervisors, mentors, or professors who have witnessed your work ethic, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities firsthand. Provide them with ample time to write the letter, along with relevant information like your resume, statement of purpose, and a brief overview of the MBA programs you’re applying to. This will help them tailor their letter to showcase your suitability for the specific programs you are targeting.
The best recommendations go beyond generic praise and offer concrete examples of your accomplishments. They highlight specific situations where you demonstrated key skills, such as teamwork, communication, or analytical thinking. They also address your potential for success in a rigorous academic environment and your ability to contribute to the MBA program’s learning community. A strong recommendation paints a compelling picture of you as a well-rounded candidate with the potential to excel in business leadership.
Below are 20 sample reference letters, illustrating different writing styles and focusing on varied skill sets. Use these as inspiration to guide your recommenders and help them craft compelling letters that showcase your unique strengths and qualifications. Remember to adapt the samples to accurately reflect your own experiences and achievements.
MBA Recommendation Letter Samples
To the Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your MBA program. As [Applicant Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name] for the past three years, I have been consistently impressed by their leadership abilities. For example, when our team faced a critical deadline on the [Project Name] project, [Applicant Name] stepped up to lead the effort, effectively coordinating the team and ensuring that we delivered the project on time and within budget. Their ability to motivate and inspire others, combined with their strong analytical skills, make them an ideal candidate for your program.
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. I had the pleasure of teaching [Applicant Name] in my [Course Name] course at [University Name]. [Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, particularly in their ability to dissect complex business problems and develop innovative solutions. Their insightful analysis of the [Case Study Name] case was particularly impressive. I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s analytical abilities and intellectual curiosity will make them a valuable asset to your program.
To Whom It May Concern,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your esteemed MBA program. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as a colleague at [Company Name]. [Applicant Name] possesses exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. They are able to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, making them a highly effective communicator in both internal and external settings. Their ability to build rapport with clients and colleagues alike is a testament to their strong interpersonal skills.
Dear MBA Admissions Team,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. I served as [Applicant Name]’s project mentor during their internship at [Company Name]. [Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated a strong ability to work effectively as part of a team. They are a collaborative and supportive team member, always willing to go the extra mile to help their colleagues succeed. Their ability to contribute positively to the team dynamic and their willingness to share their knowledge make them a valuable asset to any organization.
Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. As [Applicant Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name], I have witnessed firsthand their exceptional problem-solving skills. When faced with a challenging situation, [Applicant Name] approaches the problem with a logical and analytical mindset, carefully considering all available options before arriving at a solution. Their ability to think critically and creatively allows them to overcome obstacles and achieve positive results.
To the Admissions Committee:
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. I have known [Applicant Name] as their professor at [University Name] for the past two years. [Applicant Name] has a remarkable work ethic and a dedication to their studies. They consistently went above and beyond what was required, demonstrating a true passion for learning. They always came to class prepared and actively participated in discussions. [Applicant Name]’s commitment and hard work make them an excellent candidate for your program.
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to support the application of [Applicant Name] to your MBA program. During their time as a consultant at [Company Name], [Applicant Name] demonstrated remarkable adaptability. They were able to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Their ability to remain flexible and resourceful made them a valuable asset to our team.
To Whom It May Concern,
I enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your MBA program. I worked with [Applicant Name] on a volunteer project at [Organization Name]. [Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving. They identified a critical need within the organization and took the lead in developing and implementing a solution. Their initiative and dedication made a significant impact on our organization.
Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. In their role as [Job Title] at [Company Name], [Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated strong strategic thinking skills. They are able to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and develop innovative strategies to achieve business goals. Their strategic vision and analytical abilities make them a promising candidate for your program.
Dear Admissions Committee,
I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. Having worked with [Applicant Name] on international projects at [Company Name], I have been impressed by their global perspective and cultural sensitivity. They are able to effectively collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and navigate complex cross-cultural challenges. Their experience and understanding of the global business environment will be a valuable asset to your program.
To the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. As [Applicant Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name] for the past three years, I have been consistently impressed by their strong ethical compass and dedication to integrity. [Applicant Name] always prioritizes doing what is right, even when faced with difficult decisions. Their commitment to ethical leadership makes them a truly exceptional candidate for your program.
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. I had the pleasure of teaching [Applicant Name] in my [Finance Course Name] course at [University Name]. [Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional financial acumen, particularly in their ability to analyze financial statements and make informed investment decisions. Their insightful analysis of the [Company] case was particularly impressive. I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s financial acumen and intellectual curiosity will make them a valuable asset to your program.
To Whom It May Concern,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your esteemed MBA program. [Applicant Name] possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrated by their initiative in launching [Project/Venture]. They possess the vision, drive, and resilience necessary to succeed in the dynamic world of business. Their commitment to innovation and business acumen will make them a valuable asset to your program.
Dear MBA Admissions Team,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. During their time at [Organization], [Applicant Name] faced a significant setback when [briefly describe challenge]. Instead of giving up, [Applicant Name] demonstrated remarkable resilience by [explain actions taken to overcome challenge]. Their ability to learn from their mistakes and persevere in the face of adversity makes them well-suited for the challenges of an MBA program.
Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. As [Applicant Name]’s professor in [Statistics Course], I observed their exceptional quantitative skills. They consistently excelled in complex analytical tasks and demonstrated a strong understanding of statistical concepts. Their ability to apply quantitative methods to solve real-world problems will be invaluable in their MBA studies.
To the Admissions Committee:
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. While [Applicant Name] is already a strong performer, I believe their potential for growth is even more significant. They are eager to learn, receptive to feedback, and consistently seek out opportunities to improve their skills. I am confident that an MBA will provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to reach their full potential.
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to support the application of [Applicant Name] to your MBA program. [Applicant Name]’s commitment to social impact is evident in their work with [Non-profit organization or social enterprise]. They are passionate about using business principles to create positive social change. Their dedication to making a difference will enrich the MBA program and inspire their classmates.
To Whom It May Concern,
I enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your MBA program. In their role at [Company Name], [Applicant Name] frequently collaborated with teams across different departments. They were able to effectively bridge the gap between different perspectives and facilitate productive communication. Their ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams will be a valuable asset in the MBA environment.
Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. [Applicant Name] possesses exceptional proactive problem solving abilities. For example, prior to the [Project Name] failure in [Month] of last year, [Applicant Name] provided a solution, which was reviewed and used on this date [Date] to salvage the project, and delivered successfully on the [date]. Their strategic vision and analytical abilities make them a promising candidate for your program.
Dear Admissions Committee,
I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for your MBA program. I have personally witnessed [Applicant Name]’s dedication and commitment in being a mentor to junior colleagues, and as such seen their potential in shaping people’s careers and professional life. It is rare to find an employee in [Role] and professional experience [Amount of Experience] dedicating them self to mentorship, this is an addition to their already great achievements in [Area of Expertise]. Their experience and mentorship mindset will be a valuable asset to your program.
These sample recommendation letters provide a starting point for crafting impactful endorsements. Remember to personalize the information to reflect your unique experiences and strengths. By working closely with your recommenders, you can ensure that your letters effectively showcase your potential for success in an MBA program and beyond. A compelling recommendation is a powerful tool in your application process.
