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Who do I ask for a recommendation letter in this case?

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2020 3:46 pm
by cauchysequence
I did my REU project last summer under an assistant professor who is now an associate professor but isn't well known. My research paper is under his and my name. However, he knows me better than the REU coordinator who accepted me into the program, is very well-known, but knows a lot less about me compared to the associate professor. Sorry for a dumb question, but which recommendation letter is more valuable? Isn't a recommendation letter from a well-known professor more reputable than otherwise? But, if my paper is under the associate professor's name and knows me better, shouldn't he write my recommendation letter? But how would graduate admissions view this? There is a three-letter limit and I can only choose one of them. Thank you guys in advance.

Re: Who do I ask for a recommendation letter in this case?

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2020 6:37 pm
by Dabooo81
This isn't even a question. Ask the professor that knows you better and with whom you have a paper. They are going to write you are far stronger letter than the generic one you will receive from the REU coordinator.

Re: Who do I ask for a recommendation letter in this case?

Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2020 6:59 pm
by cauchysequence
Thank you