UMD Smith MBA Recommendation Questions

The University of Maryland Robert H Smith School of Business MBA application for the full-time program requires an applicant to share one recommender’s name and email address. Professional recommendations from one who has managed the applicant are preferred, typically a current or previous supervisor. If these options are not available, the applicant should choose recommenders who can attest to their professional skills, such as a person who managed the applicant through a volunteer or civic organization or a client.

The UMD MBA recommendation questions for the current admissions season are as follows.

2025-2026 UMD Smith MBA Recommendation Questions

Recommender Information

Institution/company information

Rate the Applicant

Knowledge in Chosen Field:

• Exceptional (Upper 5%)
• Outstanding (Next 15%)
• Very Good (Next 15%)
• Good (Next 15%)
• Next 50%
• No Basis for Judgement

Motivation & Perseverance Toward Goals:

• Exceptional (Upper 5%)
• Outstanding (Next 15%)
• Very Good (Next 15%)
• Good (Next 15%)
• Next 50%
• No Basis for Judgement

Ability to Work Independently:

• Exceptional (Upper 5%)
• Outstanding (Next 15%)
• Very Good (Next 15%)
• Good (Next 15%)
• Next 50%
• No Basis for Judgement

Ability to Work Collaboratively:

• Exceptional (Upper 5%)
• Outstanding (Next 15%)
• Very Good (Next 15%)
• Good (Next 15%)
• Next 50%
• No Basis for Judgement

Ability to Express Thoughts in Speech & Writing:

• Exceptional (Upper 5%)
• Outstanding (Next 15%)
• Very Good (Next 15%)
• Good (Next 15%)
• Next 50%
• No Basis for Judgement

Ability/Potential for College Teaching:

• Exceptional (Upper 5%)
• Outstanding (Next 15%)
• Very Good (Next 15%)
• Good (Next 15%)
• Next 50%
• No Basis for Judgement

Ability to Plan & Conduct Research (For professional programs: Ability to plan and complete projects):

• Exceptional (Upper 5%)
• Outstanding (Next 15%)
• Very Good (Next 15%)
• Good (Next 15%)
• Next 50%
• No Basis for Judgement

Overall Endorsement

Please indicate the strength of your overall endorsement:

• Highly recommend
• Recommend
• Recommend with some reservations
• Do not recommend

How long have you known the applicant?

In what capacity have you known the applicant?

Statement of Assessment