in a huge dilemma... LoR

[organicmodel]

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Hi. I need to get a science LOR ASAP. I have gotten 1 and I need 1 more.

My options are:
1) sci prof from a 1-year physics prof where I received 100% in the course. He has written a LoR for me 1.5 years ago... but I haven't really kept in touch with him since. However he is a nice guy and has a Ph.D

2) science instructor where I took 2 lab courses with him. I didn't do well in the class >85% each... mostly because the final was extremely difficult. I also TAed for him as well for a full year. We had a chance to talk alot during that year. However, I haven't talked to him in 1 year. I have gotten a LoR from him about 1.5 years ago as well... BUT he DOES NOT have a Ph. D. I think only a bachelors.

So, given my circumstances, who would you ask for a LoR? Can you even ask for a LoR from a person without a Ph. D?? Thanks!

 

[longhorn09]

I am tired and about to sleep, so i dun wanna type too much.
Go with 1), trust me.

 

[amygdaloideum]

Ask both of them for a letter now. You might find that one will get back to you in a week, the other will get back to you in a month. If they both get back to you send them both unless the school states specifically you can only have 2 letters of rec.

Hi. I need to get a science LOR ASAP. I have gotten 1 and I need 1 more.

My options are:
1) sci prof from a 1-year physics prof where I received 100% in the course. He has written a LoR for me 1.5 years ago... but I haven't really kept in touch with him since. However he is a nice guy and has a Ph.D

2) science instructor where I took 2 lab courses with him. I didn't do well in the class >85% each... mostly because the final was extremely difficult. I also TAed for him as well for a full year. We had a chance to talk alot during that year. However, I haven't talked to him in 1 year. I have gotten a LoR from him about 1.5 years ago as well... BUT he DOES NOT have a Ph. D. I think only a bachelors.

So, given my circumstances, who would you ask for a LoR? Can you even ask for a LoR from a person without a Ph. D?? Thanks!

 

[organicmodel]

Thanks. Does anyone have other opinions?

 

[Bernoull]

Ask both. What if u ask one n they consent BUT never do it? U'll be screwed, I had a similar exp last yr but fortunately that LOR was redundant..×

 

[flip26]

Ask both, and if you get both, use #1. Only use #2 if you don't get #1.

 

[johncalvin]

Also remember to remind both that they wrote you a LOR 1.5 years ago...that way they can go back and reference it (most people save these) and hopefully that'll generate a more personal LOR.

 

[organicmodel]

Thanks everyone. Is everyone basing their opinion on whether the person has a Ph. D or not? I am just curious because I think letter writer #2 will actually write me a more personal letter.

Also, I think writer #1 will mainly talk about my academic capabilities. Is there a benefit in getting a 100% in that course? Thanks.

 

[flip26]

Thanks everyone. Is everyone basing their opinion on whether the person has a Ph. D or not? I am just curious because I think letter writer #2 will actually write me a more personal letter.

Also, I think writer #1 will mainly talk about my academic capabilities. Is there a benefit in getting a 100% in that course? Thanks.

PhD is secondary. You did better in the first class, and that matters a lot. Give the writer a copy of your PS so he will see what you are doing.

 

[organicmodel]

Thanks. I dont think I'll get a very personal letter from writer #1. Is that okay? Other than coming to his office hours, etc. He doesn't know me amazingly well.

 

[mmmcdowe]

You could always use #2 as a general reference and make sure you have enough science profs otherwise to fill the quota.