Are co-signed letters better/worse?

[thermodynamic]

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I work in a cancer research lab. I work very closely with a PhD scientist (8+ years in the field) who I have a great relationship with. The lab PI is an MD who is pretty well known in his field, but I do not have as much contact with him. They're both willing to write me letters, however.

I have a few questions. The first being, should I get a letter from each of them, or a combined/co-signed letter. I've heard it's not a good idea to get multiple letters from the same source, as the letters may sound the same, or may contradict each other. Also it might look like a cop out, in terms of trying to get enough recs?

My second question: the PhD and the PI are willing to co-sign on a single letter, but is this better or worse than if just the PI signed it? They wouldn't have a problem doing this either (just the PI signing it, with input coming from the PhD), they're just unsure (like me) which is the best option.

Thanks everyone! First time poster, ~long time reader, I hope I can contribute to the great community here!

 

[talbo]

a lot of times the PhD writes the letter since s/he knows you better and both the PI and the PhD signs it.

The content of the letter is more important than who signs it, but of course you would preferably want the PI to sign it. So PI+PhD or PI signs would be best.

Also, I would suggest to not get 2 letters for the same reasons you mentioned: letters sounds similar or contradict each other.

Good luck.

 

[BlueElmo]

Have both of them sign it. It really is not a big deal, you know. One is a PhD and the other is a MD, so you get the best of both.

 

[thermodynamic]

Thanks both!