Hello,

I'm applying for M.Arch 1 program for Fall 2010. Right now, i'm facing the dilema of who to choose to write recommendation letter for me.

I have a bachelor and master degree in computer science and have been working for 6 years.

Here are some of my options:

(1) Ask from my old Computer Engineering professors at U of Michigan, which they can verify my acdemia strength in math and science, but i don't think they will have anything to say about arts. They may be able to back up about my design ability and creativity about software programming...btw, i've graduated for 6 years and havn't contacted them for 6 years...

(2) Ask from my current and previous employer. They prob have nothing to say about my potential for success in architecture, but should have alot to say about my professionalism as an IT consultant, and suggest that i'm smart.

(3) I just took a painting and a drawing classes at Indianapolis Art Center, a local non-profit organization. Many freelance artist teaches there. So I get to meet two teachers from my classes. I think they also teach at a local community college. I can ask from them, but wonder if it would be a strong recommendation, since they only know me for 2 months.

So, I want to get some opinions who I should choose to give recommendation.

thanks,
Jy

get them all. too many can't hurt and from various areas is good. alot of schools prefer academic recommendations, but it can't hurt to have multiple.

I agree with peedy that schools like academic recommendations, but I think thats more for students coming right out of undergrad. Since its been a few years I would go with the boss and maybe art center teachers you have worked with more recently. If you have one professor you were especially close to it probably wouldnt hurt, but generally they may not remember much about your individual personality, work ethic, etc. and might not be able to write the same kind of personal, detailed recommendations someone you have worked with more recently would.

Regarding your statement in #3:

Potential strength of letter is NOT at all correlated with the time that the instructor has known you. Many who hardly know you will write you the best letters because that's the way they are. Others who have known you for awhile will write you worse letters because they're grumpy old fucks. Strength of letter has much more to do with their personality than with how long the recommender has known you for or what they know about you.