Which Recs Should I Use?

[readeatsleep]

hello all;

i am in a philosophy M.A. program now and am applying to political science Ph.D programs. i have 4 recommendations at my disposal:

1 from the chair of the philosophy department of my graduate program (very famous person, mediocre rec)

1 from the chair of the political science department of my graduate program (very famous person, decent rec)

1 from a political scientist at a well know political science program (not a famous person, will be an excellent rec)

1 from an intellectual historian at my alma mater (not a famous person, will be an excellent rec)

so! some programs allow 4 letters of recommendation, and for these programs i have no conflict. however, others only allow 3 letters. initially i thought i would have to choose between the two lesser known recs, which is tough because they will both be excellent. however, i am beginning to think that i may abandon the chair of the philosophy department, since his rec will only be so so.

is it important that 2 of my 3 recs come from professors at my graduate program? do you think an excellent rec from an undergrad professor will be better than a lackluster rec from a superstar at my grad program?

thanks for any advice!

Edited November 10, 2009 by readeatsleep