Wharton MBA Recommendation Letter Guide

Introduction to Wharton MBA Recommendation Letters

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, and its MBA program is highly competitive. One of the key components of a successful Wharton MBA application is the recommendation letter. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the Wharton MBA recommendation letter, its importance, and how to secure strong recommendations.

The Wharton MBA program requires two letters of recommendation, which should be submitted by individuals who can speak to the applicant's professional skills, achievements, and potential. The recommenders can be current or former supervisors, colleagues, or clients, but they should be able to provide specific examples of the applicant's accomplishments and qualities.

Why are Recommendation Letters Important?

Recommendation letters are a crucial part of the Wharton MBA application process because they provide an outside perspective on the applicant’s abilities and potential. The admissions committee uses these letters to:

• Verify the information provided in the application
• Gain a deeper understanding of the applicant’s skills, achievements, and experiences
• Assess the applicant’s potential for success in the Wharton MBA program
• Evaluate the applicant’s fit with the Wharton community and culture

Strong recommendation letters can make a significant difference in the application process, as they can help to distinguish the applicant from others and demonstrate their potential for success in the program.

How to Choose the Right Recommenders

Choosing the right recommenders is critical to securing strong recommendation letters. The ideal recommenders are individuals who:

• Know the applicant well and can speak to their skills, achievements, and experiences
• Are familiar with the Wharton MBA program and its requirements
• Can provide specific examples of the applicant’s accomplishments and qualities
• Are willing and able to submit the recommendation letter on time

Applicants should consider the following individuals as potential recommenders:

• Current or former supervisors
• Colleagues or peers who have worked with the applicant on projects or teams
• Clients or customers who have worked with the applicant in a professional capacity
• Mentors or advisors who have guided the applicant in their career or personal development

How to Prepare Your Recommenders

Once the recommenders have been chosen, it’s essential to prepare them to write a strong recommendation letter. Here are some tips:

• Provide the recommenders with a copy of the Wharton MBA application and the recommendation letter guidelines
• Share the applicant’s resume, personal statement, and other application materials with the recommenders
• Discuss the applicant’s strengths, achievements, and experiences with the recommenders
• Encourage the recommenders to provide specific examples and anecdotes to support their recommendations
• Offer to help the recommenders with the submission process and answer any questions they may have

Applicants should also provide their recommenders with plenty of time to write and submit the recommendation letter. The Wharton MBA program recommends that recommenders submit their letters at least one month before the application deadline.

What to Expect from a Strong Recommendation Letter

A strong recommendation letter should provide a detailed and nuanced assessment of the applicant’s skills, achievements, and experiences. The letter should:

• Introduce the recommender and their relationship with the applicant
• Provide specific examples of the applicant’s accomplishments and qualities
• Assess the applicant’s potential for success in the Wharton MBA program
• Discuss the applicant’s fit with the Wharton community and culture
• Offer a comparison with other applicants or professionals in the field

A strong recommendation letter should also be well-written, concise, and free of errors. The letter should be submitted on time and in the correct format, as specified by the Wharton MBA program.

Additional Tips and Reminders

Here are some additional tips and reminders for applicants and recommenders:

• Make sure the recommendation letter is submitted on time and in the correct format
• Use specific examples and anecdotes to support the recommendation
• Be honest and authentic in the recommendation letter
• Avoid generic or formulaic language
• Proofread the letter carefully to ensure it is error-free

Applicants should also be mindful of the following:

• The Wharton MBA program uses a blind review process, so the recommendation letter should not include any identifying information about the applicant
• The recommendation letter should be submitted electronically through the Wharton MBA application portal
• The applicant should not write the recommendation letter themselves or submit a letter that has been written by someone else

Recommendation Letter Guidelines	Wharton MBA Requirements
Length: 1-2 pages	Two letters of recommendation required
Format: Electronic submission	Recommendation letters should be submitted through the Wharton MBA application portal
Content: Specific examples and anecdotes	Recommendation letters should assess the applicant's potential for success in the Wharton MBA program

💡 Note: The Wharton MBA program has a strict policy against plagiarism and misrepresentation, so applicants and recommenders should ensure that the recommendation letter is original and authentic.

To summarize, a strong Wharton MBA recommendation letter is essential to a successful application. Applicants should choose the right recommenders, prepare them to write a strong letter, and ensure that the letter is submitted on time and in the correct format. By following these guidelines and tips, applicants can increase their chances of securing a strong recommendation letter and gaining admission to the Wharton MBA program.

The key takeaways from this guide are that a strong recommendation letter should provide a detailed and nuanced assessment of the applicant’s skills, achievements, and experiences, and that it should be well-written, concise, and free of errors. Applicants should also be mindful of the Wharton MBA program’s requirements and guidelines for recommendation letters, and should ensure that their recommenders are aware of these requirements as well.

In the end, a strong Wharton MBA recommendation letter can make a significant difference in the application process, and can help to distinguish the applicant from others and demonstrate their potential for success in the program. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this guide, applicants can increase their chances of securing a strong recommendation letter and gaining admission to the Wharton MBA program.