reference from a Teaching Assistant?

[pizza1994]

Is it okay to get a reference from a teaching assistant or is it not recommend?

 

[moisne]

Not recommended . The TA is probably a student. I'd get the TA to write it and the prof to sign - but tell them that ahead of time

 

[AlteredScale]

what is the TAs position? Grad student? PhD candidate?


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[ayothen]

I've been told that if the TA is a PhD candidate and has been a lecturer a few times, then it's not as bad, but still not as strong as coming from a professor.

 

[pizza1994]

Thanks guys! I think my best bet is to wait on a prof to reply to my emails...most are off on vacation

 

[IslandStyle808]

Thanks guys! I think my best bet is to wait on a prof to reply to my emails...most are off on vacation

Been a while since I have seen this question, but have a very good answer for you. Have the TA write the letter, but have it cosigned by both the TA and his/her PhD supervisor. In the end, it is better to have a PhD professor who has been teaching for a long time, but if there is difficulties in obtaining a science letter this would be the best way to go about it.