<p>My references were all people I did research with. Two advisors from my home school and one advisor from a summer research program.</p>
<p>But of course not everyone will have that, so getting 2 references from professors with whom you took classes is fine. I will say that you do need to worry about WHO the references come from. It’s better to have a reference from someone who knows you well. But, all other things being equal, famous professor > professor > post-doc > grad students. Speaking as a graduate student, we’re not finished with the program nor have we worked in the field yet. So we can’t really adequately comment on a student’s potential to fully succeed in a graduate program, much less to do great work in the field.</p>
<p>So the best option is to get three professors to write your recommendation, and if allowed, add a fourth from a post-doc or grad student that knows you well. I would only make one of the three be from a grad student if you have absolutely no one else appropriate who can recommned you (I mean like your next choice is the priest or your mom). And what kryptonsa says is correct - in my lab, the grad student or post-doc essentially writes the LOR but my PI reviews it and signs HIS name to it. But let’s not mince words: a recommendation from a graduate student is definitely weaker than a rec from a professor, even if you only took a class with that professor. BUT 3 recommendations is better than 2.</p>
<p>What are things that professors look for? I’ve actually asked some of my grad professors this, lol.</p>
<p>-They do want hard workers - people who have shown evidence of persistence and perseverance despite obstacles.
-Creativity/curiosity. Research work requires someone who can formulate interesting (and fundable) research questions.
-Follow-through. Ideas are great; people who can actually carry out ideas to fruition are better.
-Emotional stability. Graduate school is long and arduous; 5-7 years is no joke. Professors want mature, stable students who can take the long haul without breaking down and/or leaving and wasting their funds.
-Sense of purpose; a student who knows what s/he wants and goes after that. Someone who isn’t going to decide one year in that s/he’d rather be a lawyer or a nurse.</p>