Do I need to have all of the recommendation letters written by professors?

<p>I currently go to a hugh public university where there are around 100++ students in each of my lecture. This is hard for the professor to know me and write me a good recommendation letter. Any suggestion about what I can do? Can I let my TA writes me the recommendation letter? </p>

<p>I also do work in a research under a research scientist (not professor) which is directly related to my major. Can I let him write me the recommendation letter instead of my professor since he knows me more.</p>

<p>Probably not your TA's.</p>

<p>I'm sure the scientist can do it for you. Double check with the schools you're applying to.</p>

<p>so no TAs?
in two of my classes i am being taught by grad students (TAs i guess)
the classes are actually only like 25 people so maybe thats different
and that really limits my other options..</p>

<p>I guess you can do your TA's, but asking me won't help too much. Ask the school(s) you are applying to. They'll have a much better answer.</p>

<p>Are you employed? Possibly toss one to your boss.</p>

<p>High School teacher you slept with? Toss one to her/him (if you swing that way).</p>

<p>You get the idea.</p>

<p>TA's are fine, in collaboration with the professor. Many transfer app websites even specify this, as they know that someone who has only 1-3 semesters at a large uni has a handicap in terms of knowing a prof well.</p>

<p>IMO a rec from the prof with whom you are doing research is as good as or better than a teacher rec. But you might want to check with the school's where you are applying - would they want this as a supplemental rec or could it be the equivalent of a prof rec? Most transfer admissions offices are helpful and friendly. Don't be afraid to call them.</p>

<p>I would suggest that, for the prof/TA rec, you ask the prof if he would be willing to write you a recommendation in collaboration with the TA who has handled your section. You could ask the TA directly, but I like the other route a little better, because you will be better off with a prof/TA combined signature.</p>

<p>If the grad student <em>is</em> your teacher, that counts as a prof rec, really.</p>

<p>If you are about to be in a large class and won't need the rec until March applications, you can do things now to help: visit the prof office hours, ask questions in class if that is done, participate in whatever ways are possible.</p>

<p>my friend asked his recommendation to one of his physics TAs for emory transfer.</p>

<p>He got in so i don't think there is any risk to ask.</p>