<p>I am applying for graduate studies in ece major. I want to ask that how much do the credentials of the referee matters for a recommendation letter. I want to choose between a
referee for third letter of recommendation, one is a phd from Georgia tech and the other is a masters from illinois tech… The latter knows me a bit more. I am asking this because some people were telling me that its really important to have phds for Recommendation letters Although I already have 2 phd referees.</p>
<p>Also, I want to ask that generally if the content of recommendation letters are outstanding, SOP, GRE,GPA are also good but the referee’s themselves are not very highly qualified then how would it effect the overall application.</p>
<p>It really depends. When you say the referee’s are not qualified-- in what way? Have they never studied or worked in the ECE field? If that is the case, don’t ask them. Or at least, don’t ask one of them.</p>
<p>The best people to ask for letters of recommendation are professors whom have taught you in class, overseen a research project, or something like that. They must be familiar with your work. If they don’t know you well, the best they can write is a generic letter and frankly, it’s obvious to those reading the letters.</p>
<p>Let the graduate school applications guide you. For example, mine asked for letters of reference from 3 professors who are familiar with my work in my intended field. If your referees are not qualified based on what the school asks for, don’t ask them. </p>
<p>Also, if YOU do not think the referees are highly qualified…why are you asking them? </p>
<p>You want to be sure to ask people who will write you a strong letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>I think it matters a lot more what they say than who they are. As long as they have a baseline of credentials (i.e. not your aunt sally), then it’s what they say.</p>