LoR: view on no recommender from home university

[Counterfactual]

I was wondering if it is looked negatively upon if I have no recommender from my home university (I studied abroad for an academic year).

I’m an international undergraduate student in my senior year planning on applying for Stats/Biostats master/phd programs. Here’s a distribution of my current letters:

• 1 letter from my PI in the research institute where I did my REU (should be strong)
• 2 letters from course instructors in the university where I studied abroad (big names but probably did-well-in-class letters, should’ve attended more office hours then:( )

I don’t have any letters from my home university, since most of the professors I knew well retired and are difficult to contact. My supervisor for the REU said it would be weird to not have any letter from my home university, so urged me to ask for a letter there.

I’m not sure if I should stick to my current plan, or replace a letter as recommended by my supervisor. Any advice from this forum would be extremely appreciated! Thanks!

Edited September 1, 2022 by Counterfactual

[bayessays]

If their letters won't be any better/more personal, then I don't think it's worth it.  I personally don't think it's a big deal. 

[Counterfactual]

@bayessays Thanks so much! That's super helpful!