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!
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
I work in enterprise middleware / infrastructure engineering at DXC, supporting IBM MQ/MFT environments for large enterprise clients. My work extends beyond production support into automation, observability, systems optimization, and leading cross-functional technical initiatives.
Key impact areas include:
• Reduced service downtime by 10+ hours and eliminated 80+ hours of manual effort through centralized monitoring solutions using Dynatrace and Datadog.
• Led end-to-end resolution of a major mainframe transfer overload issue by analyzing system behavior, designing a multi-agent routing solution, coordinating testing, approvals, and phased production deployment mitigating ~$4M in potential revenue lost .
• Mentored 10+ junior team members and peers on MQ fundamentals, troubleshooting, and best practices, reducing dependency on senior engineers.
Post-MBA, I aim to transition into Technical Product Management, leveraging my experience solving complex systems problems, building scalable processes, and leading technical execution.
I would especially value feedback on:
1. Competitiveness for T10/T15 schools as an Indian male engineer applicant.
2. How admissions committees may view an enterprise infrastructure / middleware background relative to software engineering or product backgrounds.
3. Whether TPM / PM goals appear credible and well aligned with my experience.
I graduated in 2022 from MIT World Peace University (MIT‑WPU), Pune, with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, achieving a CGPA of 8.6.
From an early age, I was exposed to entrepreneurship through my grandfather’s agricultural business, where I regularly assisted him. This experience sparked my long‑term interest in business, ownership, and value creation.
During my undergraduate years,I co‑founded two start‑ups with college peers—one venture did not succeed, while the other continues to operate successfully, although I am no longer actively involved.
Alongside academics, I served as the Publicity Lead for my college technical fest, where I:
Secured over ₹2 lakhs in sponsorships
Led promotions and crowd management
Coordinated operations for an event hosting approximately 10,000 attendees across 3 days
I am also a national‑level roller skater.
Between 2020–2021, during the COVID‑19 pandemic, I actively engaged in social impact initiatives:
Volunteered for over a year with an NGO, teaching underprivileged children during lockdown
Assisted at COVID‑19 vaccination camps, supporting on‑ground public health efforts
After graduation, I joined NielsenIQ, where I have been working since 2022 as an Incident Manager. In this role, I:
Manage complex, high‑pressure incident calls
Coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders and global teams
Exercise people management and decision‑making responsibilities, but no direct managerial exposure.
I have scored 635 in GMAT FE and 8 band in IELTS
My plan for a future career is to expand my network (for either entrepreneurship or career pivoting to a higher paying job). Google is my dream but I've never been able to break through. My background is mostly in tech/gaming/AI and I've only been at one major Seattle based company for my entire post-undergrad career. I am open to part time at like Berkeley or MIT Sloan, or quitting (laid off if that happens) to pursue this full time. I plan to study for the GMAT and feel confident I can get 700+.
Uncertain of my low undergrad gpa (from premed classes) and professional career being diversified enough for a strong application. Dream is Stanford > Harvard / MIT > Everything else selected > Foster UW
MBA LiveWire
Should I take this versus an MIT offer?