Need help deciding between two options for final letter

[topologicalGod]

Hi GradCafe Users!

 

I'm applying to graduate school in a STEM field this semester and am looking to get into a top 5 school for my discipline. I have the GRE scores, the grades, the research, and two really great letters of recommendation from faculty I worked with. However, I am in a bit of a dilemma over who to ask for my final letter of rec. Here are my options:

 

1). Last summer I worked with a PhD candidate in a STEM field that I am NOT doing my graduate work in. It was essentially a job where I would do a lot of coding for her. I did good work and  we had a lot of interaction and discussions over the course of 6 months, but it wasn't the most prestigious research position. She has since graduated and works for a large company. 

 

2). I could also ask her advisor (who happens to be the head of their department). The problem is I only met him once or twice and didn't have much interaction. However, he is faculty.

 

It boils down to this. I know this is my "weak" letter of rec (hoping that won't matter too much...) and I'm just trying to minimize the damage. What do you guys think? Really appreciate the feedback!

[bsharpe269]

I would go with the one that knows you better, especially since she does have her phd now.