MBA Recommendation Questions
We know it’s a bit unnerving to ask someone for a recommendation without knowing what they’ll be asked. Luckily, we’ve done all the legwork for you and have gathered all of this admissions cycle’s MBA recommendation questions from the top business schools in one central spot.
Usually each school’s rating grid and recommendation questions are visible only to your recommenders. Below you will find details on the questions that your recommender will see after you submit their name and contact information in the Recommenders section of your online MBA application.
It’s also worth noting that many programs now use the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation. Be sure to check out (and share with your recommender) our GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation Analysis for MBA Applicants and Recommenders.
Bookmark this page for your convenience as a reminder of this year’s MBA Recommendation Questions and as you go about crafting the perfect application(s)! Good luck everyone!
2026-2027 MBA Recommendation Questions
We will update recommendation questions here as applications open for the MBA Class of 2029.
2025-2026 MBA Recommendation Questions
Do Not Require Recommendations
IE Business School does not require letters of recommendation, but applicants must provide contact information for two academic or professional references.
OSU Fisher does not require letters of recommendation, but applicants must provide two references for admissions to contact if needed to make an admissions decision.
Rochester Simon does not require or accept letters of recommendation, but applicants must provide contact information for two professional references.
SMU Cox does not require letters of recommendation; instead, they request two contacts to serve as professional references if needed.
USC Marshall does not require a recommendation as part of their application process.
WashU Olin does not require a recommendation.
Clear Admit Resources
If you (or your recommender!) are looking for more detailed strategic guidance on this element of the business school application process, we encourage you to check out the Clear Admit Recommendation Guide. This 45-page PDF publication is available for immediate download. Go beyond the MBA recommendation questions. Learn who your best options are for recommenders, and how to coach them to write winning letters of recommendation.
MBA Applywire
Education/Testing
- T20 US University, 3.73 GPA, Economics - Graduated 2022
- Won some research/academic awards in undergrad - not sure if that matters
- GRE 332: 167Q/165V
Background & Experience
- 26M, based in South America, work across two roles in a family business
- Role 1: Small division within the family business making a leather goods (private label for a small client base). I led the entire public launch of our own brand, from the ground up, including hiring the full team and building out retail placement. Now have 3 of our own retail locations plus placement in larger third-party retailers, roughly $1.5M in sales over the last two years
- Role 2: Regional sales leadership for a distribution business, leading two teams (40+ people total). Led a strategy pivot that roughly quadrupled our regional sales target over three years to 250K$
ECs
- Regional chair of global professional organization
Pivot to Energy Strategy Consulting and potential achievable universities. GMAT Focus: 665. India-based Chemical Engineering gold medalist (rank#1) with 5+ years in India at renowned US-based EPC major, delivering process engineering on two flagship LNG EPC projects, earning 6+ internal recognitions and 2 merit based promotions. Took on a parallel 6-month international leadership role coordinating a USAID-funded social impact project in Zambia, managing a 16-person local team. Extracurricular national-level footballer, leadership of two Toastmasters clubs (one to President's Distinguished status), and an accredited Mental Health First Aider certification. Post MBA transition into Energy Strategy Consulting to build commercial and strategic capability before returning to scale a GCC-based family business, which currently supporting for past 9 months, into an energy transition solutions provider. Thank you!
Chemical Engineering Bachelors and Masters (3.44 and 3.88 respectively)
Currently mentoring entry level engineers as well.
Worried about transition from a more engineering field to consulting and how the masters impacts admission odds
Background:
24F, Indian
GPA - 7.5 from a Tier 1 Indian college
Participated in CBSE Swimming nationals, and won medals in relay
Took part in badminton clusters
Was part of the prefectorial body in which we welcomed delegates from all around the world
Took part in a NASA program wherein we visited the Johnson Space Centre in Houston
College:
Not good GPA but can defend it
Part of college badminton team and won many laureates
Got bronze in an inter-collegiate tournament as the women’s badminton team captain. And created history as this wasn’t achieved before by any woman’s badminton team
Was the sportswoman of the year for my college
Was part of the incubation center management team of the college. Was part of the strategic relations team (where we almost got Steve Wozniak to deliver a speech) and was the event management team lead
Work Experience:
3yrs Software eng/ quant experience in a top investment bank (front office and back office Eng roles)
Got a promotion
Lead a 2months intern project
What are my chances for the above colleges for a MBA and can I expect any scholarship?
Should I retake the test? Planning to apply in R1
Two-time founder (marketing agency during undergrad, then a fintech post-graduation), ex-Kearney consulting, currently on the founding team of a boutique financial consulting firm. Based in Pakistan, 29. Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Undergrad from LUMS (top business school in Pakistan) with a 2.91 GPA, which I know is my main weakness.
Targeting HBS, Stanford, and MIT Sloan for R1. I'm aware these are reaches given my GPA. GRE is in progress, currently retaking to push into the 315 to 320 range with a strong quant score to offset the academic profile.
Post-MBA goal is to scale into senior operating or founder roles in fintech and financial services, building on my consulting and startup background.