[Music Composition Phd - recordings necessary?]

Hi fellow composers,

I'm applying to a few phd programs in music compostion this Winter and am curious how important it is to have recordings for all of my pieces? I have recordings for 3 of my 4 pieces, but unfortunately my strongest piece has not been recorded or performed yet because it was only finished in September and I can't find players that can pull it off before apps are due. Do you think I should still submit the piece with no recording or should I submit a weaker piece with a recording? 

Thanks in advance!