Letters of Recommendation

Please note the following details when completing the Recommendations section of the standard online application.

Two recommendations are required with your application. Professional recommendations are strongly preferred over academic recommendations. One recommendation must come from your current supervisor. If a recommendation from your current supervisor cannot be included, you must provide an explanation in Essay 4.

Recommendations should come from individuals who can objectively assess your professional performance and your potential for success in Stern's MBA program and in your future career. Recommendations from family members, family friends and close friends are discouraged.   

You are required to have all of your recommendations submitted online. Our standard online application will prompt you to electronically send your recommenders instructions for completing and submitting our online Recommendation Form. (View or download the Recommendation Form for use as a reference only.)

If your recommender cannot submit an online recommendation, you must email sternmba@stern.nyu.edu to explain the circumstances and request approval for your recommender to submit a paper recommendation.

Submitting more than two recommendations is not necessary but allowed. Any recommendations in addition to the required two should provide the Admissions Committee with a unique perspective not provided by your first two recommenders.

Admissions Tips:

• Ask your recommenders to begin your recommendations months before they are needed. You want to give them ample time to write compelling recommendations on your behalf. You may want to provide them with materials on Stern and yourself (e.g., résumé and Essay 1) as background information.
• Listen to our podcast: Getting the most from your Recommendations.