Recommender Advice?: Pulling teeth vs. the easy way out

[cubiclemusic]

Hi All,

I am a second-time applicant hoping to get into a PhD program next fall. For the past few months I've been debating between two options for my 3rd LOR writer and would really appreciate your opinions and help.

My first option is a distinguished professor/my former BA thesis advisor. Unfortunately he never answers e-mails and doesn't really know how to use his computer or the internet. The last time I asked for recs I had to sit down with him and submit the LOR with him AFTER the deadline because he couldn't figure out what his user name/password was. Overall it was a pretty comical ordeal, but as you can imagine, quite nerve wracking for me. I've yet to hear from him this time and because I live a six hours away by car now, I can't just pop into his office and I'm pretty close to seeking other options. I was told in an interview last season that he wrote me a very impressive letter, but I'm not sure if worrying over his reliability is worth the anxiety.

The other professor I have in mind is pretty young—she's an assistant prof at the university I just received my MA from. She seemed impressed by my final seminar paper, gave me great comments, and is VERY responsive to e-mail, in short I know I can depend on her. However, I have only known her for one quarter and am worried this isn't really enough meat to work with. Also, does it matter if she's an assistant?

If it helps any, I already have one prof from undergrad (seminar prof/kept in touch frequently) and one from grad school (MA advisor, assistant prof) as LOR writers.

Thanks so much for reading all of that. In short: do I pull teeth to get a distinguished prof to write my letter again, or go with someone who is more accessible and recent?

[ZacharyObama]

I'm kinda in the same boat. I'm going with the younger, more dependable professor. I still have respect for my BA thesis advisor, but he's in his late 70's and I'm not sure I can count on him to get to the chase in the letter and get it in on time. Good luck.

[Usmivka]

The codger, hands down. Make time and sit down with him to help him through the computer bits if needed. Doesn't matter how far away (6 hours isn't so bad, do an overnight with friends), especially since you already know he writes "very impressive letter." He can always hand write the letter and scan it, he'll just need technical help. My partner had the same issue when applying, but helped the old guy out and his letter were absolutely essential in getting into programs. Also, at least some programs will be flexible and accept hand written letters if you explain it to them.

[1Q84]

The codger, hands down.

This made me spit out my coffee. Ha!