How to ask for an MBA recommendation letter

Recommendation letters carry a lot of weight in an MBA application. Learn how to ask for a recommendation letter that improves your chances of acceptance to an MBA program.

By: Shelby Campbell, Edited by: Valerie Black

Last updated: September 19, 2025

A letter of recommendation can be a valuable firsthand testament to your skills. But, for some master of business administration (MBA) applicants, knowing how to ask for an MBA recommendation letter may be intimidating.

This guide explores the best ways to ask for an MBA recommendation letter. Plus, learn who to ask and what the letter should include to help increase your chances of acceptance.

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Why are MBA recommendation letters important?

Letters of recommendation can add necessary context to your application. By offering an external perspective, recommendation letters can help admissions committees better understand who you are and how your experience makes you a good fit for their program.

A strong recommendation letter should be around one page long and provide insight into your work ethic, character, and ability to accept feedback. For example, your recommender may describe how you made a difference in your- community or work environment.

Components of a recommendation letter

Introduction

The beginning of your recommendation letter is a great place for your reference to introduce themself. Have them outline their credentials, experience, and how you worked together.

Body paragraphs

The body of your letter is where your reference can go into detail about their time working with you. They may include information about standout characteristics, including:

Professional skills: Your reference can highlight how your skills qualify you for an MBA program and make you stand out among other applicants.
Long-term goals: Your goals can show your commitment to excellence in your MBA concentration and beyond. A good MBA recommendation letter may provide insight into how your goals make you well-suited for the program.
Ability to accept feedback: How did you implement feedback? Your reference can describe a specific example of when you showed a positive attitude toward growth and development.
Leadership traits: Since earning an MBA can qualify you for leadership positions, your reference may attest to your leadership qualities.

Conclusion

At the end of the recommendation letter, your reference can briefly restate why they believe you'd excel in an MBA program. They should also provide their contact information before ending with a respectful sign-off like "sincerely," "best," or "regards."

What is the Common Letter of Recommendation?

Many top business schools, like the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stern School of Business at New York University, use the Common Letter of Recommendation. This preformatted letter aims to reduce stress for recommenders and applicants. It provides clear guidelines to help letter writers provide useful information for admissions committees.

The common letter has three sections:

Information about the reference: The first section allows your recommender to establish credibility and introduce themselves.
Leadership assessment: In the second section, your reference can describe your strongest leadership qualities.
Open-ended questions: The third and final section is where your reference can express, in their own words, what it was like to work with you.

MBA programs that require a letter of recommendation

Though some schools do not request letters of recommendation in their admission requirements, some programs require them. The following list includes schools that require letters of recommendation in your application materials:

Boston University, Questrom School of Business
Columbia University, Columbia Business School
Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business
Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business
Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business
Georgia Institute of Technology, Scheller College of Business
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management
New York University, Stern School of Business
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
Rice University, Rice Business
Stanford University, Stanford Graduate School of Business
University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
University of Pennsylvania, Wharton
Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management
University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management
University of Florida, Warrington College of Business
University of Washington, Foster School of Business

Who should you ask for an MBA recommendation letter?

Some applicants may try to impress admissions committees by asking company leaders in important positions for letters of recommendation. However, a direct supervisor likely has more hands-on experience with you than the company's CEO.

Ask someone you worked with directly, such as:

Current and former supervisors
Professional or academic mentors
Experienced colleagues
Former professors
Trusted business clients

Make sure to give your reference ample time and a specific deadline. It may help to discuss how the letter could support the rest of your application. You may also want to give them more information about your application, such as your statement of purpose, résumé, and a list of schools you're applying to.

What if I have no one to ask for a letter of recommendation?

If you're struggling to find someone to ask for a recommendation, you may benefit from networking opportunities. Networking groups and business mentorship programs can help you develop new connections and allow you to work with leaders in your field.

You can also look for volunteer opportunities where you can exhibit your professional skills. That way, you can expand your network within your business community and meet someone qualified to write your recommendation letter.

When to ask for your recommendation

Your reference is likely an experienced business professional with a busy schedule. Therefore, they may need some time to write your MBA recommendation letter. Try to give them at least six to eight weeks to complete it.

Many business schools accept applications in stages. But you should still give your reference six to eight weeks, regardless of when you plan to apply. It's also a good idea to compile all of your MBA application requirements, including recommendation letters, at least a month before submitting.

Frequently asked questions about an MBA letter of recommendation

Do all MBA programs require letters of recommendation?

Not all MBA programs ask for letters of recommendation. But letters of recommendation are valuable resources for admissions committees, so most business schools require at least two.

How important are recommendation letters for an MBA?

MBA recommendation letters are crucial for your application because they offer a second perspective that testifies to your real-world skills and character. Having someone vouch for you can demonstrate your ability to work effectively alongside professionals.

Should I waive my right to see the letters of recommendation?

Yes, it's often a good idea to waive your right to see your MBA recommendation letters. Waiving this right can show admissions committees that you're confident in your skills and experience. It also protects the integrity of the recommendation to ensure your recommender has the privacy to be honest.

Who should you not ask for a letter of recommendation?

When searching for an MBA reference, avoid people who may be biased toward you. You should also ask people whom you worked directly, rather than distinguished professors or company executives who may be less familiar with your skills and experience.

Examples of who not to ask for a letter of recommendation may include:

A CEO or other executives at your company (unless you report to them)
Friends or family members
High school teachers
General education college professors
Junior colleagues