Letters of Recommendation

Online Letters of Recommendation

The W. P. Carey MBA application requires two letters of recommendation which are submitted electronically by the recommenders directly to the University.  After you contact your recommenders about providing recommendation letters, you will provide the names, affiliations, and e-mail addresses for each recommender in the Supplemental section of the online application.

Once you submit the online application, the University will automatically send an e-mail message to the recommenders with instructions and a web link to complete the online recommendation form. If you have already secured a hardcopy letter of recommendation, please mail letter(s) with your official transcripts and the Supplemental Document Cover Sheet to the ASU Graduate College.

Recommenders will be asked to respond to the following questions:

1. Describe your professional relationship to the applicant.
2. Describe any professional abilities or interpersonal skills that make this applicant effective in the work environment. Provide specific examples where you have observed these skills demonstrated.
3. Describe any unique characteristics this applicant demonstrates.
4. Please comment on your assessment of how obtaining an MBA can fit into this applicant’s career goals and aspirations.
5. How would this applicant’s qualifications assist him/her in completing graduate business coursework in a rigorous, team-based environment?
6. What additional comments would you like to bring to the attention of the Admission Committee regarding this applicant’s candidacy?

Hardcopy Letters of Recommendation

Should your recommender be unable to submit an electronic recommendation on your behalf, a free form letter, printed on company stationery, can be accepted. Please forward the letter(s) to the ASU Graduate College in a complete package with your official transcripts and the Supplemental Document Cover Sheet.

If you are sending a letter of recommendation hardcopy, please complete the supplemental section on the online application with First Name = “Hard,” Last Name = “Copy,” and Institution/Company Affiliation = “Letters.”  List the first e-mail address for recommenders submitting hard copy letters as wpcareymba@asu.edu and the second e-mail address as wpcareymba@mainex1.asu.edu.

Checking the Status of Letters of Recommendation

You will receive a login and password after the online application has been submitted.  After activating this login and password, you may check the status of letters of recommendation and other MBA application materials on the the W. P. Carey Graduate Application for Admission Checklist.

Sources of Recommendation Letters

Individuals providing letters of recommendation should be able to speak to your personal qualities, career focus and potential for success in the graduate business classroom. They should know you personally and be familiar with your career history, credentials, leadership strengths and professional aspirations. Potential sources for letters of recommendation include:

• Supervisors
• Colleagues
•  Business suppliers
• Customers
• Internship supervisors
• Professional organization representatives

Letters of recommendation from family or personal friends are generally inappropriate. Letters from previous academic professors, volunteer site supervisors or organizational advisors are acceptable but should be complemented by a professional recommendation.