London Business School MBA Recommendation Questions

The London Business School application for the MBA program requires one professional reference, preferably from a current or former supervisor. It should be someone who knows you well in a work context, for example, a former employer or long-standing client. If you don’t want to ask your employer to be a referee, a colleague is acceptable. Referees must submit their reference via our online system, and LBS does not accept pre-written or general letters of recommendation.

Applicants who have a pre-existing connection with an alumnus or current student have the option to forward contact details for one or two recommendations from someone know you well in a personal, professional, or academic capacity. After you submit your application, admissions will invite them to complete an online recommendation form.

The London Business School recommendation questions for the current admission season are available below.

2026-2027 London Business School MBA Recommendation Questions

Confirm contact details

Are you an alumna/alumnus of London Business School or connected with the institution in any way? If so please tell us which class or who you are connected with.

Recommender Questions

Each question has a 4000 character limit

1. How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
2. What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?
3. What would you say are the applicant’s key weaknesses or areas for improvement?
4. How do the applicant’s performance, potential and personal qualities compare to those of other individuals in similar roles?
5. What do you think this person might be doing in ten years’ time? Why?
6. In what ways might the applicant benefit from the programme?

Recommender Rating

Please rate the applicant, comparing them with other members of his or her peer group, on the qualities listed below using a five-star rating system with one star being the lowest.

• Intellectual or academic ability
• Initiative/ability to make decisions
• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership/organisational skills
• Team skills
• Impact/charisma
• Self confidence/self motivation
• Spoken English communication skills
• Written English communication skills

Please indicate your overall recommendation on a five point score from (1) Not Recommended to (5) Highly Recommended

Please feel free to elaborate on your recommendation. (4000 character limit)