Which 2 recommenders? (CS PhD)

[sinerged]

I have to decide between a professor who has been my surpervisor for almost 6 years and knows me very well (option A) or a professor that was my (co)supervisor during a two months internship I did this year (option B ). At first glance it appears option A is better, but option B comes from a much more respected university and is by far much more well-known in computer science. I also have the feeling that option A, while holds me in very high regards, will write a somewhat standard letter with no particular anectodes or personal information to support my qualifications.

What do you think?

Edited December 5, 2011 by sinerged

[addola]

You can have both of them write you letters of recommendations! Most schools ask for 3 letters.

Ask "Option A" to write you a good letter and not use a template letter saying that you got B+ and you were in the top 10% of the class.

You can give him an outline or a set of questions or points that his letter should consider. Maybe ask him to talk about your personality, your hardships, your potential...etc

[sinerged]

Actually they are both writing LoR for me for some universities. However, this particular university (U Mass) asks only for two letters and I am positive about who I want to write the other one (another professor from same uni that Option B btw). I have thus one spot left to fill and two professors to choose.