Professor who doesn't really know me or supervisor from somewhat unrelated profession?

[Bethany8787]

Hi All,

 

I am trying to figure out my best options for letters of recommendation. I am about halfway through a master's in sociology program and looking to transfer to a PhD program. I could ask for letters from some of my undergrad and grad professors and easily get three - but I don't think they wouldn't be particularly strong letters simply because I haven't been able to develop professional relationships w/ any of them. I have worked full-time throughout all of my academic studies. My undergrad was entirely online and I've just been taking night classes for my grad studies this past year and a half.

 

I have worked at a research organization for the past two years, but not in a research position. I worked mostly with contracts, grants and finance, a little with communications. My former supervisor (she left the organization about five months ago) would be willing to be one of my recommenders.

 

I am just not sure what the best combination would be. My supervisor could write a strong letter about my work ethic, flexibility, ability to learn and adapt, etc. but nothing specific to my sociology studies. One of my undergrad professors would probably write a really good letter. I don't really have any confidence in getting anything more than a mediocre letter from any of my other professors.

 

Would that combination be okay - one from my former supervisor, one from an undergrad professor and one from a grad professor? Or should I try to get letters from just professors?

[bsharpe269]

It sounds to me like that would be the best combo: 1 from undergrad, 1 from grad, and your supervisor. I definitely think a strong letter from a supervisor is better than a mediocre one from a professor.