Creating a strong MBA letter of recommendation requires thoughtful insight into the candidate’s professional achievements and personal qualities.
A recommendation letter serves as a critical component of the application process. It provides admissions committees with unique perspectives. These perspectives complement the applicants’ credentials.
In this guide, we will explore how to craft an effective letter of recommendation. We will address common questions. Additionally, we will offer samples for inspiration.
Wharton MBA Letter of Recommendation Sample
John Smith
Director of Marketing
ABC Corporation
123 Business Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
[email protected]
(555) 123-4567
June 4, 2025
Admissions Committee
Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania
420 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
3730 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Johnson for admission to the Wharton MBA program. Having worked with Emily for the past three years as her direct supervisor, I have witnessed her exceptional skills in leadership, analytical thinking, and teamwork.
During her tenure at ABC Corporation, Emily led the launch of a new digital marketing strategy, achieving a 30% increase in customer engagement within six months. She consistently demonstrated a capacity to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful results, reflecting the qualities that align with the Wharton philosophy of knowledge in action.
I wholeheartedly endorse Emily for your program and am confident that she will thrive in the Wharton community.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Director of Marketing
Harvard MBA Letter of Recommendation Sample
Lisa Brown
Senior Manager
XYZ Enterprises
456 Corporate Blvd.
Boston, MA 02115
[email protected]
(555) 987-6543
June 4, 2025
Admissions Committee
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write in support of Michael Davis’s application to Harvard Business School. As his manager at XYZ Enterprises, I have had the privilege to observe his professional growth and dedication over the past four years.
Michael stands out due to his remarkable ability to analyze market trends and recommend actionable strategies. He effectively led a cross-functional team to revamp our product line, increasing annual sales by 40%. This achievement illustrates his commitment to excellence and leadership.
I believe Michael will bring a unique perspective to the classroom at Harvard and will inspire fellow students to reach new heights.
Best regards,
Lisa Brown
Senior Manager
Columbia MBA Letter of Recommendation Sample
Carlos Ruiz
Project Manager
Global Tech Solutions
789 Innovation Way
New York, NY 10011
[email protected]
(555) 546-7890
June 4, 2025
Admissions Committee
Columbia Business School
3022 Broadway, Uris Hall
New York, NY 10027
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide my enthusiastic recommendation for Sarah Lee for the Columbia MBA program. As her project manager, I have seen firsthand her determination and excellence in leading complex software projects.
Sarah has a unique ability to motivate her team and ensure that milestones are met ahead of schedule. For instance, she spearheaded a project that automated critical processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in operational costs. Her innovative approach and collaborative spirit will positively impact the Columbia community.
I am confident that Sarah will be an asset to Columbia and will leverage the opportunities available to her full potential.
Warm regards,
Carlos Ruiz
Project Manager
Stanford MBA Letter of Recommendation Sample
Rachel Green
Vice President of Operations
Creative Solutions Inc.
321 Design Ave.
Stanford, CA 94305
[email protected]
(555) 654-3210
June 4, 2025
Admissions Committee
Stanford Graduate School of Business
655 Knight Way
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend David Thompson for admission to the Stanford MBA program. As his mentor at Creative Solutions Inc., I have witnessed his impressive achievements in the field of operations over the past three years.
David possesses extraordinary qualities in strategic thinking and problem-solving, as exemplified by his role in streamlining our production processes. His initiatives increased efficiency by 25%, enabling our team to meet increasing demand. This reflects the innovative spirit and collaborative mindset that I believe will greatly benefit the Stanford community.
Thank you for considering David’s application. I am confident he will make significant contributions to the program.
Sincerely,
Rachel Green
Vice President of Operations
Kellogg MBA Letter of Recommendation Sample
Michael Williams
Chief Financial Officer
Financial Innovations Ltd.
654 Economic St.
Evanston, IL 60201
[email protected]
(555) 321-4321
June 4, 2025
Admissions Committee
Kellogg School of Management
Northwestern University
2001 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jennifer Martinez for the Kellogg MBA program. As her supervisor at Financial Innovations Ltd., I have been impressed by her commitment to excellence and her analytical skills.
Throughout her time in the financial analysis team, Jennifer demonstrated her expertise by leading a comprehensive budgeting process that improved forecasting accuracy by 35%. Her ability to clearly communicate financial insights reflects her maturity and professionalism, which are invaluable assets that align with Kellogg’s values.
I am certain that Jennifer will contribute greatly to the Kellogg experience and continue to excel in the program.
Best,
Michael Williams
Chief Financial Officer
How to Craft a Professional MBA Letter of Recommendation
- Know the Candidate Well: Understand their professional background, strengths, and accomplishments.
- Be Specific: Use specific examples that highlight the candidate’s skills and contributions to their organization.
- Connect to Program Values: Align the candidate’s attributes with the values and goals of the MBA programs they are applying to.
- Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the letter.
- Conclude with Confidence: End on a strong note, unequivocally endorsing the candidate for admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should the MBA recommendation letter be?
A: Ideally, the letter should be one page long, keeping it concise while covering essential points.
Q: Who should write the letter?
A: It is best if the writer is someone in a managerial or authoritative position who has closely observed the candidate’s work.
Q: Can I include personal anecdotes?
A: Yes, personal anecdotes can add depth and context to the candidate’s achievements, making the letter more engaging.
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling MBA letter of recommendation is crucial for showcasing a candidate’s qualifications and potential. By following the outlined tips and using the provided examples, you can create an impactful letter that resonates with admissions committees.
Comments
John D.
Great tips! I never realized how important specific examples are.
Sam: Thank you, John! Specific examples truly bring the candidate’s achievements to life.
Lisa R.
I found the FAQ section very helpful in understanding the process.
Sam: I’m glad you found it useful, Lisa! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Emily T.
I appreciate the professional tone guidance; it makes a difference.
Sam: Thank you, Emily! Maintaining a professional tone is essential in these letters.