How is everyone choosing their referees? I have two great academic references, but I am torn on my "character" reference for schools that only accept one. Also... from the Western site:
"Provide one Professional or Personal Reference from someone who knows the applicant well from a non-academic setting (e.g. work supervisor, coach, clergy member, etc)"
Does anyone know if this rules out research supervisors? I work as an RA and the primary investigator has offered to write me a reference. It's a paid position, unrelated to my coursework, but the investigator is a (fairly important) faculty member as well. I have never taken a course under them, so they would be speaking exclusively to my work ethic & research potential.