Ok, this is another prof writing back. He basically says the same thing but sounds nicer? I already have a professional rec but need an academic one. At this point, I really don't have any other options. Of the two profs, I should go with this one right?
Hi. Good to hear from you. And good to hear that you are thinking of
law school. Yes, I am willing to write a letter on your behalf.
But before we get into that, a word of unsolicited advice. You are
right that since it has been two years, my memory is a bit fuzzy---I do
remember you but only somewhat vaguely. My advice to everyone who
comes to me for a letter is to have them think about whether they can't
find someone better. What I mean by that is you want your letters of
recommendation to be specific and detailed. I read many letters of
recommendation, and the best ones are not the ones that simply say "so
and so is a good student"---the best letters are the letters that can
share stories and details, that paints a picture of who you are, and
lets the reader draw the conclusion that you are a good student for
themselves. So, you really want your letters to come from people who
know you well, who you have worked closely with, and who can provide a
detailed and well supported letter on your behalf. In this respect, a
letter coming from a professor is not always better than, say a letter
from a graduate student TA that you worked closely with. So, while I
am willing to write a letter for you, I strongly encourage you to think
about people you have worked more closely with that might be able to
provide stronger letters.
That said, I understand that you need to collect a certain number of
these things to satisfy the admissions folks at law school. So, if you
decide that you would still like a letter from me, send me your materials.
Best,
Dr. Y
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