Who should write Letter of Recs?

Graduate School
1

<p>So I need a bit of advice on who should write my 3 letters of recommendation for graduate school (Chemistry PhD).
I am certain that 2 professors from my University (both of whom have advised me while working in their labs as an undergrad) will write the first two.
I have several options for my third (summer internship research advisors), and I'm not sure the best route to go...</p>

<p>-Scientist (PI) at a Biotech/bioscience company (I'm not giving the name, but it is someplace along the lines of Biogen Idec, Millipore, BD Biosciences, etc). I still keep in touch with her and probably know her the best of the three. Also, I am an author on a paper that she wrote involving my work there.<br>
-Scientist (PI) at a large pharma. company (Again, not giving the name, but it's comparable to someplace like Novartis, Bayer, GSK, etc). Less communication with him, but probably a better known company. No paper.
-Professor (PI) at a well-known German University. I received a scholarship to come to the University and work last summer. Probably no paper (at least before my grad. apps are due...). Didn't have too much contact with the professor (it was a large group) as I spent most of my time working under a grad student/post-doc.</p>

2

<p>I’d say the first option is the best choice. You know her/she knows you well, you have a paper from her lab, and she’s in the best position to speak of both your research credentials and your potential.</p>

3

<p>yourself :)</p>

4

<p>wow by he way it seems you have a lot of good choices to pick from.</p>

5

<p>^^ yeah, seriously. but first choice prob best.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the replies so far.
I too am leaning towards the first option. I wasn’t sure whether a big pharma name or a rec from an international PI who may have connections with chemistry PIs in the states would be any better, though. Thanks again</p>

7

<p>I would go with the first one, but I would consider the second one if the individual from the company is a ‘big name’ (not just a big name company) as the person is likely to be more important than the company.</p>

8

<p>As one who sits on admission committees, I offer the following. It would likely be viewed as a red flag if you omitted a letter of rec from a PI you were a coauthor with. </p>

<p>In the academic research world, its about what you accomplish-which means publications. I suggest you definitely ask this individual!</p>