Professional reference vs. emeritus professor

[imisscoffee]

Help. Do I ask someone who is a professional reference, relevant, but not academic, or a professor emeritus who admittedly doesn't remember me? I need to know NOW. Crap.

Anyway, I'm applying for a doctoral program, so perhaps the academic reference is best. Note that I already have two academic references.

Any advice? Thanks!!!!!!

[Sigaba]

I would go with the person who best knows you and the quality of your work. As you already have two academic references and the professor emeritus doesn't remember you, then you should go with the professional who does.

Going forward, do your best to develop good rapport with as many professors as possible.

[gradschoolguru]

Have you thought of asking both and ending up with an extra letter?

If you decide against having an extra letter, I recommend going with the professional who knows you well, especially if this person can and will write a glowing letter. If the letter author does not know you, it is likely that this will be evident in his/her letter.

Good luck!