<p>apart from a professor telling the school you're trying to transfer to how great you are, what else constitutes an excellent rec? Does it matter if the professor didn't do his phd/ms or bs at a prestigious university? Basically should i look for the professors who will definitely write me excellent recs or should i also consider reputation?</p>
<p>I'm probably not answering any of your questions, but something you should look for is a prof. that knows you pretty well and you have done well in his class, ie: participation, good grades, knows you are interested, questions, etc.</p>