Which professor to choose Forum

[maddox86]

So I've been out of school for 2+ years and here's the deal:

One professor was very encouraging and totally signed on, he knows me pretty well and I did very well in his classes, his LOR will be solid.

Second professor, I aced his class but I only did one and he was sort of clear about his ability to write the letter based on the class and state that I did exceptionally well, but it was just that one class.

Third professor, I did well on her classes and she knows me well, but her reaction was very lukewarm and she was kind of a bitch when I spoke to her.

Finally, after UG, I volunteered and assisted a professor with a research project in a different school (grad), she knows me very well, is quite prominent and would happily write a brilliant letter. The problem is I wasn't actually a student at the time, I simply volunteered to help with her research project which was pretty expansive and got published.

Please note that I am sending in total 3 LORs, 2 academic ones (basically that first professor and one of the other three) and 1 from my current boss whose been really encouraging about the whole law school thing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Hey-O]

Definitely use the grad school professor from the school at which you were not a student as one of your two academic records.

[holydonkey]

can't think of reason you'd chose the third professor. the others sound good.

[maddox86]

can't think of reason you'd chose the third professor. the others sound good.

Even if I took just one class with him? Don't they really stress how well the professor knew you etc...?

[maddox86]

Definitely use the grad school professor from the school at which you were not a student as one of your two academic records.

You know, you could just say don't do it...

[holydonkey]

can't think of reason you'd chose the third professor. the others sound good.

Even if I took just one class with him? Don't they really stress how well the professor knew you etc...?

It's great if letters of recommendation can be outstanding, but the most important thing is that they don't paint you in a negative light. Good letters may make the difference for an acceptance, but most likely won't. Bad letters can sink your app. From the way you described the third prof, there is a danger that she will write a subpar or somewhat negative letter. Avoid her. Even if some of the other recommenders may not be as strong, they don't sound as though they would hurt your application.

[maddox86]

Thanks

[romothesavior]

The first one and the last one.