Who do you think would make a better LOR writer

[flatearth22]

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Prof A: Had him for 2 semesters in molecular biology and plant genetics (soph and jr year respectively). Got a B both times (upper level courses in my major). Knows me pretty well because I worked in a lab next to his and we often did lab meeting together (saw me present 3 times or so over 2 years).

Prof B: Had him this past semester for a physiology class (not in my major department). Got an A. His class wasn't particularly challenging so I had limited contact with him but he knows who I am.


EDIT - Also Prof A has a doctorate but Prof B only a masters if that makes any difference.

 

[Isoprop]

Go to both and ask. Then gauge their enthusiasm.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Master's degree faculty letter likely will hold less weight

 

[munchymanRX]

Prof A: Had him for 2 semesters in molecular biology and plant genetics (soph and jr year respectively). Got a B both times (upper level courses in my major). Knows me pretty well because I worked in a lab next to his and we often did lab meeting together (saw me present 3 times or so over 2 years).

Prof B: Had him this past semester for a physiology class (not in my major department). Got an A. His class wasn't particularly challenging so I had limited contact with him but he knows who I am.


EDIT - Also Prof A has a doctorate but Prof B only a masters if that makes any difference.

The answer is always whoever knows you better. A.

 

[bucks2010]

Sounds like Prof A knows you better = better letter.

Also the PhD will probably hold more weight than a master's.

 

[mauberley]

Go to both and ask. Then gauge their enthusiasm.

This is important. I'd be less inclined to go with the person who I thought knew me better if they weren't comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation. I'd also wonder why they felt that way.

 

[apumic]

A, but neither is ideal. Your research PI is a must (hopefully, you also took one of his classes and got an A). If you TA'd or something, get that prof as well. You should just sort of know who would write you a good letter. Consider who you'd write a good letter for. Of your profs, who do you feel YOU could recommend for something (for, say, a faculty advisor role if you were asked as a student leader)? The professors I asked to do my LORs had supervised me as an RA, a TA, a tutor, an instructor, etc. in addition to having had me in class. They could attest to more than simply my work ethic and ability to ask questions. They also could attest to my leadership, initiative, creativity, ingenuity, social skills, communication skills, and so forth. In other words, they knew me FAR beyond the classroom AND they all had credibility (i.e., terminal degrees in their fields -- Ph.D.s, MDs, DOs, etc.). Those are the kinds of people you want, not masters-level folks that only sort of know you from seeing you in the hall after class a couple of times.