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Selecting a reference(s).

The selection of a reference(s) to stand up for you in your application is a challenging prospect.  You want someone that knows you (well) but also someone with some gravitas.  That isn't an easy thing to determine, but title and reputation count especially to reviewers who will mostly be faculty at other colleges and universities.  The temptation is to pick someone you know will say something nice but they might be relatively inexperienced in writing letters or not have a well-known reputation.  On the other hand you could go after a Nobel Laureate but it might be someone who doesn't really know you.  Most important is the confidence you have in this person and their willingness to get the job done.  To paraphrase Wayne Gretzky, you miss 100% of the references that don't get submitted.  Make sure you get started early and have your references lined up in advance.  Don't play games and ask for the letters to be done one month in advance of the deadline.  On the other hand don't ask the day before they are due.  

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