MIM Prep x 📩 LBS & INSEAD Recommendation Forms

So how do you ace your recommendation letter for LBS/INSEAD?

INSEAD and London Business School (LBS) do not use the traditional method of uploading a letter of recommendation. Instead, these institutions require a questionnaire to be completed by the applicant's referees on an online portal accessible via a unique password. While this may seem more challenging, well, don't stress; we've got your back and are determined to help you ace this step with a few tips.

1. Both INSEAD and LBS recommendation forms have two parts - a question and answer section, and a ratings section. In the first section, INSEAD asks 4 questions, while LBS asks 5. These questions will focus on your relationship with your referee, what you have done during your internship, your strength and weakness and your learning path. It's the perfect opportunity to showcase leadership potential and demonstrate that you are an excellent team player.

2. In the second section, both schools ask your referee to rate you on attributes such as personal resourcefulness, professionalism, communication skills, leadership, impact/charisma, etc. It's important to note that the questions in the first section of both forms are similar, so you can use a single draft of answers for all your applications, saving time and effort.

3. We highly recommend working with your referees to answer the questionnaire instead of writing your own answers, sending it to them, receiving feedback, and re-doing the whole process. Rather, create a draft of answers to all the questions, and discuss it with them to ensure your best qualities are highlighted. In this way, they might provide insights you might've forgotten and help you phrase the responses more authentically.

4. Worried about low scores? Instead of claiming you're a hard worker regardless, write about situations where you did work hard and excel instead.

5. However, if you're super anxious about weak scores in your application, it would be beneficial to explain yourself in the 'additional essay' or 'additional information' section where INSEAD and LBS encourage you to tell them anything that your application has not yet covered.

6. Keep the answers short and sweet. The questions may not have a word limit, but that doesn't mean you need to write a novel. Sticking to 250-300 words per answer is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind.

7. Start early, and we cannot stress this enough! Your referees are working professionals. Contact them early enough so they have time to complete the questionnaire sent to them. Trust us; they will thank you for it.

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Thanks for reading !

The MIM Prep Team