thenerdypengwin

Well, who is it that reads the SOPs, the grad board or people in your field?

Ask them, do you need anything extra from me? it's better to assume that they haven't forgotten or are in any way irresponsible... but the friendly reminder does just that. Also, if they are into research (or are really better), it's better to get right to the point: short and sweet. They know you know they're busy, and they know it. No need to beat around the bush. Just say it nicely and don't waste their time with having to read a whole paragraph. 3 sentences, max.

Switch the order. People you worked for should be your most important recommendations.

Get to know the faculty you want to work for. It's a bit different between programs, but the best chance you'll have is where you know the professor you want to work with; then you're a shoo-in with that GPA, etc.

When choosing professors to write a recommendation for you, it should be as well written as possible (the professor should know and like you as much as possible), and he or she should have a good job title. Grad students mean nothing. Freshly appointed PhDs are weak. Assistant professors are a bit better, then associate professor, then full professors. Distinguished professors are rare, and i think MD, PhDs are a good bet too. Which is better though, a full professor who graduated and got their PhD from a moderately respectable university, or an associate professor who went to Ivy League schools for his/her undergrad & PhD. Discuss.