Letters of Recommendation

We ask that all applicants submit two letters of recommendation.

• One professional recommendation from a supervisor - This does not have to be a current supervisor although it is preferred. We are seeking objectivity in the letter and we want to hear from someone who can assess both your strengths and your weaknesses. If you work for a family business or you own your own company, please try to secure a letter from a client or a bank that does business with you.
• The second letter can be professional in nature or from an organization, club or volunteer project with which you are associated - These letters can give us a different perspective of your skill sets outside of your professional environment. There is no preference on who supplies your second letter of recommendation; our only guideline is that it should add new and valuable insights to your application.

Whomever you choose to write your recommendation, make sure he or she knows you well and can offer specific examples of your performance and contributions to the organization. Avoid choosing people simply based on their title or status. We are more concerned with content and substance than reputation.

Recommenders are provided the following guidelines:

Please provide a written letter of recommendation. Be sure to include how the applicant ranks comparative to his/her peer group. Other items to consider are the applicant's:

• most salient strengths
• areas of development, including efforts the applicant has taken to show improvement
• team skills and leadership ability
• initiative, curiosity and motivation
• other matters which you feel we should know about the applicant

Please contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at admissions@ChicagoBooth.edu or at 773.702.7369 should you have any questions.

Form

The letter of recommendation form is available electronically through the online application system . Once you access that system, you will be asked to provide the names and email address of your recommenders. They will get an email message providing them the link to the online form. Chicago Booth will no longer accept letters of recommendation via mail or fax.