<p>I am thinking about choose the third reference these days. I have two choices. One choice is a big name professor. I got an A+ mark from his Quantum Mechanics course. He told me that he can only write about this for the letter. Another choice is a post-doc I worked with for a long time. Which choice will be better? Can you guys give some suggestions? Thanks!</p>
<p>How are your other two recommenders? I like to try to get a full-range of people for my recommendations. For example, my recommenders include a professor emertis whom I’ve done a lot of work with and is well-respected in the community, a reserach professor in the beginning of her career who is on my current committee, and an assistant professor that knows me well regarding academic potential (classes) and in the field.</p>
<p>If all of your recommenders are already your professors that are only familiar with your course-work, go with the post-doc. If all of your recommenders are already familiar with your research, go for the one who knows your acadmeic potential in your coursework.</p>
<p>Thanks for your suggestion! It is quite helpful!</p>