Sometimes, an eloquent letter of recommendation paints a portrait of an MBA applicantwhich is so vivid and so attractive, it is impossible for an admissions committee to ignore.
MBA admissions officers say they have received some inspiring recommendation letters over the years, and that although a moving recommendation does not always result in an acceptance letter, it occasionally tips the scales in favor of admission.
U.S. News asked MBA admissions officers to share anecdotes about memorable recommendation letters. A Heartfelt Letter
Soojin Kwon, director of MBA admissions at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, says she once received a recommendation letter that nearly made her cry, because it was such a poignant testimonial.
The letter, Kwon says, offered a more powerful perspective on an applicant. What stood out about the letter, she said, was its plethora of examples about the applicant's ability to lead with courage, compassion and foresight.
The letter included stories about what a humane manager the applicant was, including one about how the applicant saw potential in an employee who most people in the company had written off and gave that employee the support he needed to develop his talent.
The letter writer, a former supervisor of the applicant, hit home when she quoted a goodbye note she had written to the applicant when the applicant took a new job.
That note said that the applicant's personal growth was a joy to witness, and that the supervisor's proudest professional accomplishment was having hired and mentored the applicant.
Evidence of Character
One admissions dean says she was impressed by a recommendation letter that described an applicant's poise in stressful situations.
Rebekah Lewin, assistant dean of admissions and financial aid with the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester, says she received a letter that described how an applicant handled a fire alarm 20 minutes before a major event and turned the event into a success.
"It is relatable anecdotes like this that help confirm that the candidate possesses the professional skills necessary to be successful, both during the MBA and afterwards in their career," Lewin said in an email.
Informed Advocacy
Some admissions officials say their favorite letters were ones written by recommenders who were familiar with what unique assets their MBA program offered.
Regina Korossy, regional director of executive programs with the Graziado School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University, says the letter that struck her most was one written by a Pepperdine MBA graduate.
"The author described many of the usual merits of a great Executive MBA candidate – a hard worker, strategic and thoughtful," Korossy said in an email. "However, he also described how the candidate and the company would benefit from the differentiators of our specific program."
Jim Parrish, director of MBA programs with the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University, says he likes to see the name of his program in recommendations.
"If I see the specific name of our program highlighted in the letter, it leads me to believe that the applicant has had a real conversation with the recommender about our program and this was not just a form letter for multiple applications," he said in an email. "That small, yet powerful item, allows me to believe that I will not be wasting my time with taking the next steps with this seriously interested prospective student."
Specific, Emotional Testimonials
Luke Pena, MBA admissions director with the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, says he has encountered many wonderful recommendation letters and that they all share these two traits: conviction and precision.
"The very best recommendation letters I read demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for your candidacy and your future success, and tell unforgettable stories about your ability and desire to make a difference in the world," Pena said in an email. "Many letters are passionate, and many others are highly descriptive, but only the very best are both."
Morgan Bernstein, executive director of admissions for the full-time MBA program at theHaas School of Business at the University of California—Berkeley, says there is no formula for writing a powerful recommendation letter.
"Letters, much like application essays, are unique," Bernstein said in an email. "There are no right or wrong answers. Some stand out for the richness of the examples they share – like how a candidate managed a team through a restructuring or surpassed all performance expectations and was promoted ahead of schedule. Others stand out for the character detail they are able to provide – of resilience, empathy, optimism, conviction or curiosity, lending insight into the type of student and leader a candidate would be in our program and beyond." | 
