UCI Merage MBA Recommendation Questions
The MBA application to the UCI Merage School of Business requires two letters of recommendation. These should be provided by employers, supervisors, professors, or others who are able to comment on the professional and educational goals and potential of the applicant. Additionally, recommenders may upload their own letter of recommendation which must be signed on letterhead (PDF or .doc format). The UCI MBA recommendation questions for the 2025-2026 admissions season are as follows.
2025-2026 UCI Merage Recommendation Questions
Section 1
Recommender information: Name, Title, Company
Please comment on the applicant’s managerial and leadership skills. What do you see as the applicant’s strengths and areas for growth in this regard? [If included in optional attachment, enter “see attachment”.]
Do you feel graduate study is appropriate for the applicant at this time? Why? [If included in optional attachment, enter “see attachment”.]
Please evaluate the applicant with respect to the following:
- Intellectual and Analytical Ability
- Maturity
- Leadership Abilities
- Ability to Work Well with Others/Interpersonal Skills
- Written Skills
- Oral/Presentation Skills
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Self-Confidence
- Potential For Career Advancement
- Integrity
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Motivation/Initiative
Using the following scale:
- Unable to Comment
- Below Average/Lower 35%
- Average/Middle 30%
- Good/Top 35%
- Very Good/Top 20%
- Outstanding/Top 10%
- Truly Exceptional/Top 2%
How would you compare the applicant to his/her peer group? Describe the peer group to which you are referring (e.g., applicant’s peers, other candidates, other professionals)
We strongly encourage you to supplement your previous comments with any additional information you feel would be beneficial to the Admissions Committee. [If included in optional attachment, enter “see attachment”.]
Please select an option: I…
- Strongly recommend
- recommend
- Recommend with some reservations
- Do not recommend
Recommenders are given the option to upload a Word or PDF as a supporting letter for the UCI Merage MBA recommendation.
MBA Applywire
I'm Latino, I have MBB sponsorship although I'm not very interested in going back to MBB, is more like a back-up plan. I have very solid LoR.
Applying for GMAT waivers from selected schools. LoR's from current senior director and previous director who's now head of finance
Hi. I pivoted from litigation to credit research (worked with Evalueserve India, Crisil India) post my first mba. I did my mba from Symbiosis School of banking and finance in 2021. And altogteher i hold 6 years 4 months of work experience. I am targeting for 2027 fall. I hold an undergraduate degree in Law (BA.LLB (Hons)). I am looking for a change in roles/ geography.
Additional Notes:
1. MBB consultant w/3 years at the firm + one promotion
2. Took a secondment at a nonprofit focused in sustainability in countries below the equator (although have programs above too), including the one I am from (mentioned the link in essays)
3. Choosing to go to MBA for network opportunity to continue sustainability-focus, and inch closer to being ready to be in fields like impact investing (think MBB gives me general knowledge, but doesn't get me to where I want to go)
4. Will return to MBB because of sponsorship
5. Am worried about GRE; got a 158Q and 169V - so avg is around school avg, but the split is bad. Biggest worry here.
6. URM
URM with strong extracurriculars mentoring and tutoring low income students of various ages. Worked 25-40 hrs per week in undergrad which explains the lower GPA. Have led automation projects at work and should receive strong letters of rec. Goal is to pivot to management consulting at a B4/T2 in the financial services space since it matches my prior experience.
