Under the table LORs
I'm applying to several top schools this fall. A student I met who worked in MBA admissions highly recommended I reach out to any friends who had graduated from the program for an under the table recommendation. He said that would go a long way in improving my chances.
What kind of letter is he talking about? A 3-5 sentence email of support to admissions or a standard LOR detailing my strengths and accomplishments? I feel comfortable asking my friends for the first one but probably not the second.
That's interesting to hear considering the top 7 schools very specifically tell you not to do that (especially HBS), and that even if you do it won't be considered.
It's not that black and white, to be honest. HBS doesn't want extra stuff in the file, and won't consider it, but I don't know of cases where they ding you for trying -- unless it's clearly a dumb effort.
If a student is on the admissions committee or is a student ambassador and KNOWS of cases where the official admissions team welcomes additional material, then go ahead.
Having said that, every admissions officer I have ever met has a problem with anything that is considered "under-the-table" and if that's the spirit, don't even bother. If it is above board and welcomed and is substantive, then it's possibly worthwhile.
Duke is the only school I've seen that says they accept recommendations from students/alumni. No other school that I've looked at makes any mention of this on their sites.
Most don't put it on their website because it would create havoc. If an admissions officer or a genuine representative of the admissions team says it is a good idea, then it's fine. Not sure it tips the scale, to be honest.
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