Question on Recommendation from current supervisor

[wsyzz]

Hi,

I am applying for an MBA program. 3 recommendations are required and at least one of them has to be from my current supervisor - if not, I have to give specific reasons. I have not yet revealed my intention to go for MBA to my current supervisor yet as I am afraid of the negative impacts it might have on my career. It would be great if someone can share his/her opinions on these questions I have:

1. Would it be considered unethical by the admission committee to apply to graduate school without letting my supervisor know and 'surprise' him/her after I am admitted? IMO, most people would hesitate about telling their current supervisors that he/she will be leaving the firm and asking for recommendation at the same time? Why would many business schools insist on recommendations from current supervisors as this would certainly negtively affect the applicant's career prospect at his current company? If I do not have my current supervisor as a recommender, how do you think it would affect my application?

2. If you are in my situation, would you ask your current supervisor for recommendation? I think he would write me a strong letter, but I dont think he will be happy about my leaving the company to pursue full-time graduate studies.

Thanks VM in advance!

[CalmLogic]

...but I dont think he will be happy about my leaving the company to pursue full-time graduate studies.

My guess is that is exactly why they prefer a letter from your current supervisor. An applicant who requests a recommendation from their current supervisor is showing a very strong commitment and is less likely to be talked out of going to grad school by one's boss or family after getting an acceptance letter, especially considering the cost of an MBA program and the fact that there are competing online and weekend MBA programs that allow one to earn an MBA while continuing to work, e.g. MBA Online / MS Online through Indiana University and University of Florida MBA Programs.

BTW, for more info about online MBA degrees:
The best MBA degree - Distance Learning Discussion Forums
site:degreeinfo.com mba

If I do not have my current supervisor as a recommender, how do you think it would affect my application?

I would ask that MBA program and also ask about their admission statistics. To avoid them just stating the obvious ("it depends on your overall application"), it may help to ask:

1. what percentage of applicants were accepted
2. roughly how many accepted applicants had the recommendation of their current supervisor

There is usually nothing to lose by asking such questions since the people who answer them are typically not on the admissions committee.