<p>If a professor, for example, graduated from university x, would a letter by them hold considerable weight in an application to the same university (university x) simply by the fact that they went to university x? Would it hold considerable weight even if the letter was relatively flat (e.g. "Dear ___, [applicant] attended [course] and achieved a grade of [grade] in [course]. I recommend [applicant] to your program. The end.")?</p>
<p>Relating to this, which of these would look better: (i) a flat letter sent to university x by a professor who graduated from university x, or (ii) a glowing letter sent to university x by a professor who had not graduated from university x, but instead graduated from university y, which is less prestigious than university x?</p>
<p>I’d say the second option for sure. Top schools graduate their fair share of mediocre students just as “lesser” schools graduate their fair share of stars.</p>
<p>it also depends on what professor X is doing-- and how well they still know everyone at University X, and how well they did while they were there. The best option is C: a letter from a famous professor who has ties to the school, and who also knows you well enough to write you more than a form letter</p>
<p>Now let’s switch the situation around a little.</p>
<p>Given only the following choices, which would you choose:
(i) a glowing letter from a graduate student
(ii) a flat or negative letter from a professor</p>
<p>Have the grad student right the letter and have the professor sign off on it. And what kryptonsa said. It’s always wise to think ahead about letters and put yourself in a position where you can easily obtain three excellent letters from professors.</p>