A Small Weight Off...
It's interesting how throughout this process, there are many small victories and goals achieved that ultimately culminate in pressing that "submit" button...and hopefully ending in an acceptance letter/call/email/status change.
Today, for example, I asked my other two recommenders. I was dreading it as you might imagine, because I never like having to explain that yes, I'm going full time and will be leaving, and also because it's one more person who sees my vulnerability in applying to these tough schools with the distinct possibility of not getting in anywhere.
In my logical brain, I realize that it doesn't matter. The point is that I don't intend to remain in my current industry, so if I don't get in, I will be making a change of some kind (overseas possibly, increase my international experience?).
Anyway, their responses to my request for recommendations confirmed why I asked them in the first place. They were both classy, honored to be asked, and eager to help. Both understood my request for confidentiality and were happy to oblige, and both were excited for me, despite the disappointment once they figured out I was going full-time and not coming back.
It really was a weight lifted. The other, related, accomplishment of the day was handing over my final recommendation packet to my boss. She is the only one writing all five for me (the other two are writing three each), and she requested that I put together bullet points for her for each set of questions to make the process easier.
I ended up (as I am wont to do) putting together an entire packet for her with possibly more information than necessary. I put together bullets for each question as requested, of course. I spelled out my short-term and long-term career goals for her, and put together a summary of facts about each school (size, location, teaching style, general reputation information, social/club info) as well as how my particular profile, desires, and skills fit into each. For example, I pointed out that Wharton is a large school, and since I went to a small undergrad, I am looking for this variety in my MBA program. I also listed each essay question with a short summary of how I answered. I know some people say to provide a copy of all of your essays to your recommenders, but being that the total of 20-25 essays would certainly be too much to be helpful, I selected a representative four of them to include as well (your basic career goals, mistake/failure, self analyzing profile, etc). I felt good about it and I think I gave her as much as I could to write me a successful set of recommendations.
On a personal note, after that day of accomplishment, the boyfriend was sweet and took me to see the new Harry Potter (!!) movie tonight, even though he had already seen it. It was the perfect end to a busy/stressful day, and a great way to let it all go and relax briefly. Despite the upcoming time frame, it's amazing what a simple night out can do for my stress level!
Posted in: essays, recommendations on Thursday, September 03, 2009 at at 10:38 PM
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Well done! I too found asking my recommenders to be one of the hardest parts in the process.
Hi I want to apply to Cornell School and was wondering if a score of 670 with a current experience of 3+ years in an European Multinational will be enough to have a chance at the school. I am an Indian and have a good academic record with an engineering degree.
Please suggest if i should apply to the school or not?
achint - unfortunately i'm no expert at this, just another applicant hoping that i will be good enough as well! all i can say is to consider your stats in comparison to the class range and average, and beyond that, it's really up to how effectively you present yourself to the school as far as essays, recommendations, etc.