Hi,

I have a few simple questions about recommendations:

1) if the school asks for 2, is it frowned upon to send in 3?
2) for the number of recommendations required, is it good to get them all from professional (employer) backgrounds or is it better to diversify?
(I am actively involved in an outside / cultural organization and was wondering if I should highlight that by having one of the 2 recommendations come from that area)

Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your inquiry.

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to your questions as both require judgment based on the particular situation.

1) A third recommendation: We generally dissuade candidates from “stepping outside the lines” and sending an additional recommendation. However, in certain circumstances, it may be appropriate. For example, if the third recommender is a former employer and a distinguished alumni of the school, his opinion may not be current and thus may not warrant displacing an existing recommender. However, his reflections on the past may carry some weight because of his “status”. This is just one example, but again, the decision requires judgment.

2) Activity recommendation: Again, we generally advise candidates to stick with professional references when there are only two to be written. However, if you have been truly instrumental to the growth and development of a community organization or if you initiated one, then we would be encouraging of seeking a recommendation from the organization.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission