I am wondering what is the proper prefix to use to refer to someone who has the title of Associate Professor (at a US University). Should I use Prof. or Dr.? I have heard that the prefix 'Prof.' tends to be reserved for full, tenured Professors - is that true?

I guess a more general question would be, at what point in an academic career does someone start being referred to as Prof. rather than Dr.?

(for context, I am wondering how to refer to researchers in a personal statement for US graduate schools)

I am applying for PhD programs at graduate schools in the US and I am wondering how I should refer to researchers that I name in my statement of purpose? In particular, I am wondering whether to refer to people that have titles of 'Assistant Professor' or 'Associate Professor' as Prof. or Dr.? I have heard that the prefix 'Prof.' tends to be reserved for full, tenured Professors - is that true?

(note, that I have edited the question due to its similarity to this one, to focus specifically on the context of a statement of purpose for US grad schools)

I am wondering what is the proper prefix to use to refer to someone who has the title of Associate Professor (at a US University). Should I use Prof. or Dr.?

I guess a more general question would be, at what point in an academic career does someone start being referred to as Prof. rather than Dr.?

(for context, I am wondering how to refer to researchers in a personal statement for US graduate schools)

I am wondering what is the proper prefix to use to refer to someone who has the title of Associate Professor (at a US University). Should I use Prof. or Dr.? I have heard that the prefix 'Prof.' tends to be reserved for full, tenured Professors - is that true?

I guess a more general question would be, at what point in an academic career does someone start being referred to as Prof. rather than Dr.?

(for context, I am wondering how to refer to researchers in a personal statement for US graduate schools)