Who to ask for recommendation...hmmm...

<p>So I need three recommendations (four if I apply to the Hertz fellowship) for all my grad schoool (PhD) and fellowship applications. Two recommenders are already known, and one or two more must be sought out. I'll give a list of potential people, and you tell me who you'd pick for the 2 recommenders. Here we go...</p>

<p>Prof. L: I took one of the two most difficult classes in my major with him. I made a good first impression when I rocked the 1st exam getting the only A in the class (out of 50 students, a number of the grad students. His exams are notoriously brutal). Went on to do well on everything else. Never talked during his class. I've come in to his office a few times to discuss life and ask for professional advice. Graduate of Stanford.</p>

<p>Prof. M: I took the other most difficult class in my major with him. I completely dominated his course, easily having the highest grade by far. He speaks/writes very eloquently. Never talked much outside of class, but he seems curious about my plans, asking me sometimes when we pass by. </p>

<p>Prof. C: I took a graduate course with him last semester as a junior. I was the only undergrad in the class. I got the highest grade on each assignment (a midterm and a paper). He gave me a perfect score on my paper, called it "outstanding", and will be using it as an example or something for all future classes. Only talked to him a bit outside of class, but nothing much. He's in a different department and went to a no-name school.</p>

<p>Prof. B: Head of my department. He was my advisor for my senior project (took it as a junior). Didn't see him much, unfortunately, during this whole project, so he doesn't know me well. I will be taking a graduate course with him in the fall. Very busy guy, but similar research interests. </p>

<p>Prof. R: I only took a summer class with him (mandatory for people going into my major). I stood out to him because I was the only rising junior in the group of 60 who had already taken (and gotten straight A's) in all the junior level major classes. I also received the highest grade on every test/exam he gave us. We've only spoken a couple times, but he seems to take an interest in me. Back when I was unsure of what to do with my future, he said I "seem like the PhD type". </p>

<p>Prof. T: He is my advisor, but I almost never speak to him. I took a class with him and made a top grade. I also did some work with him as a sophomore, but nothing substantial. He wrote me a recommendation for an REU my summer going into junior year. He seems to think highly of me, but I haven't updated him on my life in about a year. He has all his degrees from my school, so I don't feel he has the experience to give me sound advice regarding grad school and whatnot (yeah, I very well may be wrong, but it's the impression I get). </p>

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<p>So given these choices, make your decisions... My fate is in your hands. I ask you all to pick the two professors you would approach for a letter of recommendation.</p>

<p>The first two you listed.</p>

<p>Do you have an explanation?</p>

<p>Definitely have Prof L write one. I think the second should either be M or C. It sounds like M writes well while C can provide evidence that you can excel in a graduate setting. I'd recommend going to talk to both just to discuss your grad school goals so they can get to know you better. Hopefully, you can get a better idea of which one will be best through this conversation. Also, look at who is more of a big dog in your field of interest. If its someone thats widely known, that is a huge plus.</p>

<p>I should add that Prof. C. and Prof R. specialize in areas related to my interests (somewhat), Prof. M specializes in areas very close to my interests, and everyone else is nowhere close. I have no idea if anyone is a 'big dog' in their field...maybe Prof. L. and Prof. M. if anyone. Sorry, I hope all these one-letter names aren't getting confusing...</p>

<p>First cut is definitely L, M, C, and R.
Possibly C and R if you feel that their interests are the most in-line - and the reference for future classes/Ph.D type bits. But L and M would work as well.</p>