Hi all, Since the admission process has started I start this new thread specific to this section of the forum for recommendation guidelines and strategies to the top international b-schools along with ISB… Here are a few questions I a…
Hi all,
Since the admission process has started I start this new thread specific to this section of the forum for recommendation guidelines and strategies to the top international b-schools along with ISB...
Here are a few questions I am looking for answers to:
1) Is it advisable to get all 3 recos from three comapnies one has worked in or is it advisable to mix and match like one from an educational institution, one from a client you worked with while in employment and one from the employer?
2) Is it possible that b-schools might allow students to submit more than 3 recos. If yes, is it advisable to do that?
3) A lot people whom we might talk to for recos will most probably tell us to fill the recos by ourselves and get it signed from them, if it is paper based or they say they will vouch for the reco no matter how good or bad it is if and when they get a call from the b-school. What should the strategy be in this case?
4) Either ways if case no. 3 is true or not... on the weakness section what are the recommended answers? Obviously you don't want to hit the axe on your own foot? (I had read about this somewhere on the forum but can't seem to find it)
5) If one has worked with a small company and in a big MNC... I would assume that the reco of the bigger MNC would be preferable, isn't it? Is such a case should one get a clients reco rather than a reco from a small company?
6) Is it recommended to get a reco done from the person you directly report to or your bosses boss who is a Sr. Vice President!
BTW, here's what ISBs reply was to some of the above queries:
"We prefer a reco from your employer. You can have the second reco from one of your clients, if you feel it adds to your application. Reco from academics does not add value, if you are not a fresh graduate. We do not consider more than 3 recos."
Recos from a client... recommended?
All knowledge, views, criticism, gyan invited.
More queries with time
Cheers!!!
Hi all,
1) Is it advisable to get all 3 recos from three comapnies one has worked in or is it advisable to mix and match like one from an educational institution, one from a client you worked with while in employment and one from the employer?
2) Is it possible that b-schools might allow students to submit more than 3 recos. If yes, is it advisable to do that?
3) A lot people whom we might talk to for recos will most probably tell us to fill the recos by ourselves and get it signed from them, if it is paper based or they say they will vouch for the reco no matter how good or bad it is if and when they get a call from the b-school. What should the strategy be in this case?
4) Either ways if case no. 3 is true or not... on the weakness section what are the recommended answers? Obviously you don't want to hit the axe on your own foot? (I had read about this somewhere on the forum but can't seem to find it)
5) If one has worked with a small company and in a big MNC... I would assume that the reco of the bigger MNC would be preferable, isn't it? Is such a case should one get a clients reco rather than a reco from a small company?
6) Is it recommended to get a reco done from the person you directly report to or your bosses boss who is a Sr. Vice President!
1) Generally getting recos that show ur competence in diff areas is a good practice.
getting a reco from ur project guide can show a lot of qualities, but a normal teacher who taught in a class of 40 is unlikely to know you well..
2) u shud not send more than the specified no. in the first app itself, how ever if waitlisted then you may send one or two more recos.
3,4,5,6) as simba told us all in her articles, recos should be from someone who would not be irritated due to signing papers again and again and reciving n no. of calls for
verification.
more over it is highly un likely that they will know anyone from your or your client's organisation so u shuld get a reco from the person who is reasonably high up the ladder.. and will be willing to stand behind u (without getting irritated). in some case if you have subbordinates at work u can even get there recos to.. to add a diff perspective to your app (but this should only be an additional reco and not a required one)
not exactly 2 cents but hope this helps..
All my apps had client recos, but it was because I don't have a senior boss. So my recos had to be from folks who could talk about my abilities in an as unbiased way as possible. So depending upon your situation you can proceed.
However, if you have worked in 2 companies, then you can always get the recos from your bosses from both the places and that should serve you well.
Recos from a client... recommended?
All knowledge, views, criticism, gyan invited.
More queries with time
Cheers!!!
1. If you could chose between 3 companies , chose the best company in terms of your contribution at the company and how would it add to your profile. You should preferably have a recommendation from your current supervisor , otherwise you should explain the absence somewhere in your application. Most of the recognized B-Skewls recommend that your referees should be able to speak about your professional experience so an educational reference won't carry the same weight. Some schools strictly advise applicants not to submit educational references.
2.Its possible at a few schools but the schools advise students to submit only the required number of recos ( mostly 2 but in some cases 3 ). If you are submitting more than the required number of recos then you should have a very strong reason to do that which should be explained. Having said that most of the B-schools follow an online application process and you would not be able to exceed the stipulated limit anyways.
3. Your recommender should atleast be able to read the recommendation before signing off so that he knows what was written in it. It is critical that each recommendation has a differentiating element to it so that it does not just repeat your strengths and weaknesses without any supporting evidence.
4. This is a personal thing but B-Schools would be interested in looking at you as a future business manager so don't venture into things "non-business like". Do not mention weaknesses like " I am a go getter so I guess I have a weakness for hardwork" even if they are true. 😃 I guess adcoms generally get too many of these.
5. I am assuming here that if you are working for a "small company"( sometimes small is better if your role gives you better exposure to cross functional areas ) which in turn works for "big company" client you should chose a recommendation from your client only when you have already used your recommender in your company. A client's recommendation could at times be viewed as biased and the adcom would like to know why you chose the client over your company.
6. Use your boss's boss only if your boss has already given you a recommendation and you are left with no other choice (like a previous company or previous boss) or else you would have to explain a lot.
However, if you have worked in 2 companies, then you can always get the recos from your bosses from both the places and that should serve you well.
ISB is allowing for upto 3 recos... so can that be two employers and one client as the general trend is not to submit education recos.
should preferably have a recommendation from your current supervisor , otherwise you should explain the absence somewhere in your application.
Well that looks highly unlikely. I cannot go an tell my current boss... "boss i plan to apply to b-school need your recommendation". They will then be all alert that I plan to quit and things might not turn out to be as planned. Has anybody encountered such a situation what did you do?
In my mind getting a reco from a current employer must be highly unlikely for anyone. I was speaking to a havard guy the other day and he also mentioned to me that I should try and get a reco from my current employer. But I explained to him and he seemed not convinced!!! Whats the solution... should, shouldn't. I guess its a risk which will really jeopardize a situation/platform.
Moreover, I have over 2 years of pre-grad work experience as well...
I know most school might not recognize that but would that help.
My guess would be... using it only in a desperate situation... gyan sought
Also doing two jobs at the same time as well as freelance work later in life both not jeopardizing the interest of the other company and not violating any rules... worth mentioning... or might be taken in bad spirit, lack of dedication unless I have a damn good reason for it... like no money to eat?
People can please also discuss more on how does one tackle the weaknesses section in an application?
Well that looks highly unlikely. I cannot go an tell my current boss... "boss i plan to apply to b-school need your recommendation". They will then be all alert that I plan to quit and things might not turn out to be as planned. Has anybody encountered such a situation what did you do?
The way out for me was sitting with a glass of beer(or coffee) with my boss and talking about my goals in life and asking him first how would the company help me achieve those goals? When boss empathised with me as the company had limitations meeting my lofty ambitions in the timeframe I was targetting I requested for his recommendation 😃 I also used reccomendations from my previous employer and previous boss in the same organization.I n those cases there was no problem. This way I was able to cover a bigger spectrum of my professional experience.
Moreover, I have over 2 years of pre-grad work experience as well...
I know most school might not recognize that but would that help.
My guess would be... using it only in a desperate situation... gyan sought
Also doing two jobs at the same time as well as freelance work later in life both not jeopardizing the interest of the other company and not violating any rules... worth mentioning... or might be taken in bad spirit, lack of dedication unless I have a damn good reason for it... like no money to eat?
I guess you should talk about your additional pursuits only if you feel it would add value to your overall application. I have heard that the adcoms also look for the quality of work experience. If the freelance work is really going to make you a strong candidate you would have an option to differentiate part time job from full time job in your application so go for it.
All my apps had client recos, but it was because I don't have a senior boss. So my recos had to be from folks who could talk about my abilities in an as unbiased way as possible. So depending upon your situation you can proceed.
However, if you have worked in 2 companies, then you can always get the recos from your bosses from both the places and that should serve you well.
i am applying for the first time so i dont really know but i feel that if recos know you well, they could write you a better reco than someone higher up who would write it more generic one. Adcom is trying to judge you and if reco has some exapmles nothin like it.
cant say if this is the right way but this is what i am planning.
The way out for me was sitting with a glass of beer(or coffee) with my boss and talking about my goals in life and asking him first how would the company help me achieve those goals? When boss empathised with me as the company had limitations meeting my lofty ambitions in the timeframe I was targetting I requested for his recommendation 😃 I also used reccomendations from my previous employer and previous boss in the same organization.I n those cases there was no problem. This way I was able to cover a bigger spectrum of my professional experience.
If ifs and buts were pots and pans, there would be no tinkers! 😃
I really wish I could do that, its a catch 22 situation. My boss is really good and if requested he might just give me a reco. He himself is a b-school grad from broad michigan. But I am sure he definitely would not want to loose me in the next 10 months. Asking for a reco would mean I am looking at better options in life and wanting to quit. I really don't want to take the risk of loosing my job and not end up getting admissions anywhere either :)
Moreover the biggest problem is... I have never had beer in my life and coffee is something I avoid... but then as they say it... "time aane par gadhe ko baap banana padta hai"
The request again... does anybody have any views and gyan on tackling the weaknesses section.
Cheers!!!
funkyfuturist SaysA lot people whom we might talk to for recos will most probably tell us to fill the recos by ourselves and get it signed from them, if it is paper based or they say they will vouch for the reco no matter how good or bad it is if and when they get a call from the b-school. What should the strategy be in this case?
Hmmm....Frankly speaking, these ain't admissions for MS that we are talking of here....In an MS app, the only place where your efforts go in an app is the SOP...But here, you write, at the minimum, a coupla well thought-out essays...Now, consider this....How easy/tough is it to write in 3+1 distinctive styles I should say, extremely tough !! Its pretty easy to tell from a glance if the same person has written the reco...Give it a shot and ask one of your friends to find out..You will be surprised how simple it is
Cheers
Hi all,
Since the admission process has started I start this new thread specific to this section of the forum for recommendation guidelines and strategies to the top international b-schools along with ISB...
Here are a few questions I am looking for answers to:
1) Is it advisable to get all 3 recos from three comapnies one has worked in or is it advisable to mix and match like one from an educational institution, one from a client you worked with while in employment and one from the employer?
2) Is it possible that b-schools might allow students to submit more than 3 recos. If yes, is it advisable to do that?
3) A lot people whom we might talk to for recos will most probably tell us to fill the recos by ourselves and get it signed from them, if it is paper based or they say they will vouch for the reco no matter how good or bad it is if and when they get a call from the b-school. What should the strategy be in this case?
4) Either ways if case no. 3 is true or not... on the weakness section what are the recommended answers? Obviously you don't want to hit the axe on your own foot? (I had read about this somewhere on the forum but can't seem to find it)
5) If one has worked with a small company and in a big MNC... I would assume that the reco of the bigger MNC would be preferable, isn't it? Is such a case should one get a clients reco rather than a reco from a small company?
6) Is it recommended to get a reco done from the person you directly report to or your bosses boss who is a Sr. Vice President!
BTW, here's what ISBs reply was to some of the above queries:
"We prefer a reco from your employer. You can have the second reco from one of your clients, if you feel it adds to your application. Reco from academics does not add value, if you are not a fresh graduate. We do not consider more than 3 recos."
Recos from a client... recommended?
All knowledge, views, criticism, gyan invited.
More queries with time
Cheers!!!
Funkyfuturist,
I apped in ISB last year. But bombed in the interview . Still, I think I have some gyan on the recommendation thing.
First of all, if the 3rd reco is 'optional' then dont use it untill you have to. I dont know about ISb, but US schools do keep applicants in waitlist, and consider them with the applicants of the next rounds. So you can strengthen your application by using this option as 'late-cut'. And if the late-cut is crafted nicely, then a boundry is assured.
And about 3 reco from 3 companies, well, I agree with Vipin's POV.
Next in the line is reco from teacher. I will never advice it and I am currently at war with AIM on this topic. (AIM Manila requires 1 reco from teacher) But the results are still awaited. Not advisable, because generally, you have 50 fellow students in your class (if you are an engg student) so it is unrealistic to expect him to remember you out of 50... untill ofcourse, you have done some substancial work, say a summer project with him.
Your point 3 is really a matter of concern. I will advice you to do your every bit to persuade your recommender to write for you. Spend some time with him and make him listen to what you have to say about your future plans and goals. I understand that for a senior person, (1) Time is difficult to spare, (2) The thought of loosing you within one year is frightening. But still you should do your every bit to persuade him. But if the things dont materialise, write it for yourself, and ask him to go through it for necessary changes that he may suggest.
Weakness section is, most intriguing, I must say! My recommender later told me that he wrote that I must do more physical exercises, as he considered it a part of personality development.. and that if he could, he would make me run for 5 kms per day!! Now that was amazing thing to write.. and also tells that how much the recommender is concerned about your welfare. That makes a strong reco.
The size of company does not matter. Your work should speak for yourself. Generally you learn more in start-ups.. The challenges are different and alter you in a different way. Whereas the challenges in a big company are different.. as you have set goals and projects to perform.. so in short you should concentrate on selling what you actually do.. and also your enjoyment quotient.
It is preferable to ask your boss and/or project leader to write reco for you. Because you have been with them in close proximity for say 2 years now. So they are better judges. But the Rank of your boss DOES MATTER. If he is just 5-7 years in the organisation, the adcom may be skeptical about the extent of seriousness in his reco. If your boss is VP, fine!! Great!!!.. and in this case dont worry abt Sr. VP. But if your boss is say just 2 cadre above, then try to woo a person in higher ranks to write for you. (I know many ppl will try to write against my advice.. but this is true. Sr. VP is always preferable to PL)
Now the client part. That is nicest thing that you can get as the 3rd reco. The client must be one with whom you have worked for at least 3 months.. so that he gets fair time to assess you fairly. Since the 3rd reco can be vital in breaking stalemate of wait-list, so this one should be well crafted. But be alert to what he writes. If your earlier 2 recos talk about 'How great he is in work' or 'How good team guy he is' or 'How great learner he is'.. then the 3rd reco should talk something different of you. Say, 'How great he was when he approched complete strangers in the organization for getting things done' or something like that. I mean something that adds to different value, as per your job profile.
Hmmm....Frankly speaking, these ain't admissions for MS that we are talking of here....In an MS app, the only place where your efforts go in an app is the SOP...But here, you write, at the minimum, a coupla well thought-out essays...Now, consider this....How easy/tough is it to write in 3+1 distinctive styles I should say, extremely tough !! Its pretty easy to tell from a glance if the same person has written the reco...Give it a shot and ask one of your friends to find out..You will be surprised how simple it is
Cheers
True Sir. It is very easy to find out.
So never bluff on that front. 😃
And also consider the amount of extra work that you will be taking up, while writing reco for yourself. This is others job.. and not yours!
Hmmm....Frankly speaking, these ain't admissions for MS that we are talking of here....In an MS app, the only place where your efforts go in an app is the SOP...But here, you write, at the minimum, a coupla well thought-out essays...Now, consider this....How easy/tough is it to write in 3+1 distinctive styles I should say, extremely tough !! Its pretty easy to tell from a glance if the same person has written the reco...Give it a shot and ask one of your friends to find out..You will be surprised how simple it is
Cheers
Absolutely agree and that is why I raise this point
Cheers!!!
Funky,
I read & re-read & again re-read to understand what this thread is all about & what ur question was...
funkyfuturist SaysWell that looks highly unlikely. I cannot go an tell my current boss... "boss i plan to apply to b-school need your recommendation". They will then be all alert that I plan to quit and things might not turn out to be as planned. Has anybody encountered such a situation what did you do?
I think 3 out of every 5 applicants will face this problem & its not very unusual either. And I am still strying to fathom 'how come' the harvard guy didnt understand ur situation. Strange!
If U cannot ask ur current boss, then go & talk to ur ex-managers. try to get both the recos from ex-managers or ex-ex-managers. But somewhere in the optional essay, u might have to talk about the 'choice of recommenders'. Adcom do understand the position of an applicant when he says that it might not be possible to get a reco from a current boss.
Moreover, I have over 2 years of pre-grad work experience as well...
I know most school might not recognize that but would that help.
My guess would be... using it only in a desperate situation... gyan sought
Reco should be professional ones unless it is impossible like with a fresher! Professional means postgrad. Pregrad & Grad recos may not be taken well except under extreme circumstances. I would suggest u to avoid it!
Also doing two jobs at the same time as well as freelance work later in life both not jeopardizing the interest of the other company and not violating any rules... worth mentioning... or might be taken in bad spirit, lack of dedication unless I have a damn good reason for it... like no money to eat?
Hmmm, didnt understand this thing but I guess it all depends on how u will portray things in ur essays!
People can please also discuss more on how does one tackle the weaknesses section in an application?
Talk about ur weaknesses.. whatever they might be but try to show u are working hard to overcome it!! Like my biggest weakness was - miscalculating my priorities. & hence losing track of most important things...
If schools say atmost 3. Send only 2... 3rd one should be used only in critical stages. BTW, if ur current boss is from UMich, there is all the more reason to speak to him & get him to give u a reco. He will not only understand it but will be happy to write in ur reco for UMich - Ross School Adcom will be more than happy to see an alum writin ur reco.... think about it!!!
If u are still clueless about whom to use for a reco -
List the people u have in mind like.. boss, ex-boss, boss's wife etc etc.. we can suggest who will be better. Keep in mind - that person should want u get an MBA.. he should be passionate in recommending u!!
Cheers
Simba
Funky,
...BTW, if ur current boss is from UMich, there is all the more reason to speak to him & get him to give u a reco. He will not only understand it but will be happy to write in ur reco for UMich - Ross School ...
Simba
MSU, not UMich
Board, not Ross 😃
Funky,
If U cannot ask ur current boss, then go & talk to ur ex-managers. try to get both the recos from ex-managers or ex-ex-managers. But somewhere in the optional essay, u might have to talk about the 'choice of recommenders'. Adcom do understand the position of an applicant when he says that it might not be possible to get a reco from a current boss.
Well Simba, I guess only you and you along would know how it works where I work!
I report to the CEO & CMO of the business... I have no ex-boss or ex-manager here as yet.
Reco should be professional ones unless it is impossible like with a fresher! Professional means postgrad. Pregrad & Grad recos may not be taken well except under extreme circumstances. I would suggest u to avoid it!
My pre-grad work ex is over 2 years with one of the biggest companies in the world. Moreover, it was a managerial position with a strategic bent. However, the problem is when the project I was working on was closed down, all the employees were asked to quit (thrown out rather ;)) except for the project head who was transferred to Singapore. We had to fight for general recos from the company. At present I donno even if the project head is still in the company or not. This presents a bit of a catch 22 situation because I donno anybody from whom I can get a reco other than my immediate superior who himself was asked to quit 😃
but then as everybody has mentioned on this thread 2 recos... that it! I guess I would stay away from this controversial issue and stick to the conventionals. But I would definitely mention this in my essays as I believe this to be one of the strong points in my application, I hope the adcoms think the same 😃
If schools say atmost 3. Send only 2... 3rd one should be used only in critical stages. BTW, if ur current boss is from UMich, there is all the more reason to speak to him & get him to give u a reco. He will not only understand it but will be happy to write in ur reco for UMich - Ross School Adcom will be more than happy to see an alum writin ur reco.... think about it!!!
Mistake of fact... 😃 But I get the point... Thanks a ton!
If u are still clueless about whom to use for a reco -
List the people u have in mind like.. boss, ex-boss, boss's wife etc etc.. we can suggest who will be better. Keep in mind - that person should want u get an MBA.. he should be passionate in recommending u!!
Aight then.... two recos from bosses of two former organisations I have worked for... No education recos, no recos from pre grad work ex, recos from present work ex looks tough.
What I can probably do is use my present job reco as a third reco to score the boundary when things look icey dicy...
Anyway, the time I would require the third recos will be around Feb... I guess I can take a chance for 2 months on the present and my bosses wouldn't mind giving me the reco to seal the deal 😃 I am pretty sure about that.
So then the recos:
1st Job - Small Company big work - event management
boss - partner in the company - extremely impressed - would want me to progress and has a gift of the gab as well as the power of the nib. Used to an editor for a magazine
Time - 19 months
2nd Job - Big Company (Worlwide) - advertising
boss - Brand Services Director (designation) - extremely impresses - always pressed on me to go ahead and do an MBA - Knows about my Stanford dreams.
MBA from NMIMS - huge in the agency - seems to know everybody from the CEO to bosses in Singapore both on the agency and the client sides. Always engrossed in books whenever has free time, so I guess can write well. A perfectionist
The Sr. VP could also vouch for my work if required but I was not reporting to him directly.
time - 12 months
-------
Could even use a client reco from the advertising agency, if required. The Client is also one of the biggest companies in the world. The General Manager marketing (IIMA) would write the reco or the product manager could write one (IIMB). They know about my ambitions and would be more than happy to help.
On the education recos. It is possible for me get a reco from the principle of my college. I have done a lot of good work for the college and have been complimented by here before. However, was never to good in studies towards the later part in life due to prioritization!... That could be a weakness she could include in the essay, i guess. Obviously such that it does not ruin my application 😃 but I donno if she will be able to divert too much time for the reco.
Besides I guess I have the pre-grad work ex. reco I can fall back upon if I am really really unlucky and nothing works out 😃 Though as I have learned from here... I will refrain from it
Its a got a bit long long
I guess people are going to take time to read and reply 😃
Cheers!!!
Funkyfuturist,
I apped in ISB last year. But bombed in the interview . Still, I think I have some gyan on the recommendation thing.
First of all, if the 3rd reco is 'optional' then dont use it untill you have to. I dont know about ISb, but US schools do keep applicants in waitlist, and consider them with the applicants of the next rounds. So you can strengthen your application by using this option as 'late-cut'. And if the late-cut is crafted nicely, then a boundry is assured.
Hi,
Just wanted to check when a late cut would generally be required. How would I know I need to play the late-cut now. Would there be some kind of an indication/sign from ISB?
Or should I take my own initiative and send it mid-way sometime between after the GD/PI and the final call or between the application and the GD/PI call. As far as I know the GD/PI call generally comes within a week or two after applying. No there is not enough time I guess!
Cheers!!!
Hi,
Just wanted to check when a late cut would generally be required. How would I know I need to play the late-cut now. Would there be some kind of an indication/sign from ISB?
Or should I take my own initiative and send it mid-way sometime between after the GD/PI and the final call or between the application and the GD/PI call. As far as I know the GD/PI call generally comes within a week or two after applying. No there is not enough time I guess!
Cheers!!!
Hello.
There are no requirements per se. If you feel at some stage of your application (before, ofcourse, the final words) that another recommendation (the 3rd) would significantly strengthen your application then, you should use it.
Late cut may not be required at all.
Once you are invited for an interview (there is no GD), that is sufficient reason to feel that application is strong for now and you should try to capitalise on the opportunity. In my case, I messed up my interview (I did not immediately recignise my mistakes and it took me 2 full days to do so), so the 3rd reco might not have been helpful (as they can not patch up a bad-work in interviews). But if your interview gives you certain level of satisfaction, then you can always use the 3rd reco to tell them about another facet of YOU (in a way that it strengthens your candidature)
I mean there must be something to defend your application. Had I been kept on shelves (wait-listed), then certainly I would have used the 3rd reco. And it should have been different from the earlier recos (say a non-professional reco), throwing more light on my more personal attribute.
But sadly that never happened. And buddy, there were no signs from ISB. But yes, the US unis do it regularly, and if you are waitlisted (you should do regular correspondence with the adcom about the status of your application), then you should immediately be alarmed to do something to strengthen your appli (The 3rd reco is most preferable and an updated resume comes at the second place).
I hope I make my take clear on this subject. But I am still figuring out more about this thing, by contacting the chairmen of adcoms in various unis and also by reading their interviews and their take on this topic.
Cheers.
Hello.
There are no requirements per se. If you feel at some stage of your application (before, ofcourse, the final words) that another recommendation (the 3rd) would significantly strengthen your application then, you should use it.
Late cut may not be required at all.
Once you are invited for an interview (there is no GD), that is sufficient reason to feel that application is strong for now and you should try to capitalise on the opportunity. In my case, I messed up my interview (I did not immediately recignise my mistakes and it took me 2 full days to do so), so the 3rd reco might not have been helpful (as they can not patch up a bad-work in interviews). But if your interview gives you certain level of satisfaction, then you can always use the 3rd reco to tell them about another facet of YOU (in a way that it strengthens your candidature)
I mean there must be something to defend your application. Had I been kept on shelves (wait-listed), then certainly I would have used the 3rd reco. And it should have been different from the earlier recos (say a non-professional reco), throwing more light on my more personal attribute.
But sadly that never happened. And buddy, there were no signs from ISB. But yes, the US unis do it regularly, and if you are waitlisted (you should do regular correspondence with the adcom about the status of your application), then you should immediately be alarmed to do something to strengthen your appli (The 3rd reco is most preferable and an updated resume comes at the second place).
I hope I make my take clear on this subject. But I am still figuring out more about this thing, by contacting the chairmen of adcoms in various unis and also by reading their interviews and their take on this topic.
Cheers.
Thanks mate... Its just like playing cricket after all 😃
Cheers!!!
Is it acceptable if someone who was/is a collegue of mine gives a reco for me ?
Or is it that it has to come from my manager only ?