<p>So, I am working on applying to grad school. I eventually want a PHD in mechanical engineering, but it looks like I will probably go for my masters first. I have a few questions about recommendations.</p>
<p>Who I currently have-
A professor who I did research for over the summer.
A professor who I was in his class (of 10 people) for a year, and is directly in my field
A professor who I worked on an intense project for and was also my academic adviser</p>
<p>I have been a mechanical engineer in the field for 2 years, so my questions are</p>
<p>Should I get my boss to write a recommendation?
This would be difficult because he thinks I will continue working as I get my masters, which probably will not be true, so I will be applying to programs that would require me to move. However I believe I could do it, but I want to know if his recommendation is worth the trouble.</p>
<p>How many recommendations should I set up?
I have 3 already set up, but am I missing any, should I get 4 or more? If I should only get 3 and my boss would be a good one, which person should I get rid of?</p>
<p>3 is usually enough. The question I have is why do a Masters if you eventually want a Ph.D.? Are you concerned about your undergraduate GPA or GRE scores?</p>
<p>How did the summer research go with the first prof?
I think your boss would understand, just talk to him. The ideal person to ask for recommendation would be someone who knows you and is recognized in your field. So it’s up to your judgement.</p>
<p>75% of the programs I would like to attend require a masters before a pHD, also my GPA was not steller. (GPA 3.1, GRE 750Q/700V)</p>
<p>Also, the summer research went very well, I was already offered a position in that lab but I choose not to take it because I would like a slightly different focus.</p>
<p>Although my boss is mechanical engineering, he is not in my field but he knows me pretty well. All of the profs mentioned are somewhat in my field, as in I want to study the intersection of two fields which exists as its own area and they are all profs in one of the two.</p>
<p>For a professional master’s program, you could potentially get your boss to write you a recommendation if he too has a master’s and has been a professional engineer for some time. But an academic master’s program or a PhD will prefer the professors. Honestly I think you should just stick with the three professors you have identified. Professors will be able to comment on how qualified you are to complete a master’s.</p>