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
- How do the applicant’s performance, potential and personal qualities compare to those of other individuals in similar roles?
- What do you think this person might be doing in ten years’ time? Why?
- 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
MBA Applywire
Veteran. Company sponsored.
BA in Sociology, Saint Petersburg State University (2022)
MRes in Sociology, Sciences Po Paris (2024)
Languages: English, Russian, French.
My motivation
For a long time, I aimed for an academic career in sociology, but after my master's (for which I traveled to Paris), I realized the academic world wasn't for me, and I wanted something bigger. And more lucrative.
I started working in data/business analytics and research at smaller Russian consulting agencies. But as a russian expat who lives in Georgia, I can only work remotely. And even though I love the work, it is not doing much for my long-term career.
After some thinking, I decided that an MBA is an excellent way to (1) grow my skills in business and finance, (2) grow my network, and (3) get my foot in the door of the European job market. My childhood dream is the UK, but I also consider France or Spain.
My experience
I started with research roles back in university around 5 years ago. After graduating from master's 2 years ago, I started working as a Data Analyst at a rather small research and consulting firm in Russia. Marketing, go-to-market, competitive analysis for large IT infrastructure products — that sort of things.
I moved up rather fast from a junior to a middle and middle+. Then moved to a different company to a comparable position. But now it was less IT and more real estate planning.
In both places I not only did the analysis but also proposed and implemented a range of AI-powered tools for lead generation and knowledge base.
International experience
After leaving Russia in 2022, I've lived in Turkey, Georgia, France and Spain. In France I did my studies, in other countries I simply lived and worked remotely, mostly for Russian-based employers.
Application process
I have already applied to IESE in R1. Now I'm waiting for R2 in LBS, and the January intake in INSEAD.
My problems
I realize that my greatest weaknesses are problably a short work experience and a low GMAT. I can retake the GMAT, and I'm counting on a score around 650. But with work experience nothing can be done quickly.
I want to get to school as soon as possible because right now my work does not do much for my career and does not advance me towards Europe where I want to live. I do not count much on the scholarships, but naturally it would be nice to get them.
My questions:
1. How competitive is my profile at these schools, and how much does a GMAT retake from 595 matter for admission?
2. My real estate experience is on the market/consumer research side, not deals or finance. Is the real estate narrative credible, or should I lead with consulting?
3. Does my nationality, or having worked mostly for Russian-based employers, hurt me in admissions or in EU/UK recruiting?
4. Are there other schools I should add or swap in given my priorities?
I am 30 years old and have recently been promoted to Manager at KPMG Ghana. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis on weekends, work occasionally as a DJ, and volunteer my time mentoring underprivileged children at a school near my home.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to transition into strategy consulting at a leading MBB firm, with the longer-term goal of becoming Head of Strategy for a Fortune 500 company in the United States. At the same time, I am intentional about pursuing opportunities that align with my broader life priorities. As a father of two young daughters, I want to build a successful career without compromising my ability to be actively present in their lives and contribute meaningfully to their growth and development.
MBA LiveWire
So excited! Submitted my response one day later (note! if you don't get a confirmation email immediately, it didn't go through; they will email you about 24 hours later to follow up). Also, note that I have a JD going into these interviews with a much higher gpa from a T14 law school.
Interviewed a week later.