Are three research PI letters TOO MANY?

[kitkat13]

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Hi all!
I was hoping someone who has applied, or maybe the admission gurus on here could give me some more insight.

I was planning on having 5 letters of recs (2 faculty, 3 research PIs)

The reason I was having so many research PIs is because I used to be on the pre-PhD track and I have a lot of previous research experience.

My question is, is 3 research letters too many? An older student suggested that 3 letters from a research perspective would make my application seem not as well balanced, and should include one from an extracurricular adviser, or club sponsor or something.

Any thoughts?

 

[deleted781806]

I think that three PI letters is a little excessive and does make your application package a little unbalanced, especially if these PIs were close in the scope of their research and how they ran their labs. They will most likely all touch upon the same qualities that you demonstrated through research, which can get repetitive very quickly. I would definitely try to work on diversifying your letter writers to help strengthen your application, the more perspectives the merrier. For example, my university required a spread of letters including 2 science faculty, 2 non-science faculty, and then additional personal letters (at least one). The PI letter would count as a "personal letter" in their eyes because they can't specifically speak to your academic ability (unless they also taught a class you were in). I'm not sure about an EC advisor, but it might work if you were very involved with that activity.

 

[aldol16]

Are the PIs going to say pretty much the same thing about you (i.e. good research skills, etc.)? If they are, then what's the point in having three of the same perspectives? There is an art that goes into constructing your LOR list. You want people who can give the admissions committee a good picture of you as a person. You exist in many ways outside of research, so why not choose one of those aspects?

 

[Chromium Surfer]

Are the PIs going to say pretty much the same thing about you (i.e. good research skills, etc.)? If they are, then what's the point in having three of the same perspectives? There is an art that goes into constructing your LOR list. You want people who can give the admissions committee a good picture of you as a person. You exist in many ways outside of research, so why not choose one of those aspects?

Solid advice right here! People underestimate the importance of LOR. It's another unique perspective and a way for you to be evaluated in a manner that you can't do yourself. Good LOR provide context to you and your app in relation to other students and individuals.

 

[cranialLOOP]

I had 3 research PIs and 3 faculty. My research PIs also happened to be my mentors and each played a role in my growing interest in medicine.
My faculty also knew me well.
You've got to be strategic in who writes your letters if you're fortunate enough to have a few to choose from.

If they are simply research PIs that you did research with, 2 is more than enough. If they know you well and can say more on your behalf, more than 2 is worth it. Typically, these are PIs that you've carried out independent projects for.

 

[kitkat13]

Are the PIs going to say pretty much the same thing about you (i.e. good research skills, etc.)? If they are, then what's the point in having three of the same perspectives? There is an art that goes into constructing your LOR list. You want people who can give the admissions committee a good picture of you as a person. You exist in many ways outside of research, so why not choose one of those aspects?

hmm I think that my BEST letters would come from a PI though. I did about 1000 + hours of work in each lab, pretty decently well I think. More than I did for any other activity

 

[aldol16]

hmm I think that my BEST letters would come from a PI though. I did about 1000 + hours of work in each lab, pretty decently well I think. More than I did for any other activity

I mean, if you don't think that anybody else can add a valuable perspective as compared to another PI, then I think you already have your answer. I'm just saying that for the vast majority of people, they can get someone else who can add a new perspective - even if they have to think about who that person will be for a while. Think hard and think about what kind of message you want your letters to convey to the admissions committees. If the three PI letters will convey that message, then you already have your answer.

 

[capenn16]

Is it okay to hop onto this thread? (I'm new here...)

I also have three PI letters. One from undergrad thesis, two from my gap year research experience (senior and junior PI). Two other letters are faculty/professors I had (one science, one non-science), and my final letter is from my pastor in college. I recognize that this is pretty research heavy, but I think given my research heavy background and intentions it makes sense?

 

[deleted781806]

I recognize that this is pretty research heavy, but I think given my research heavy background and intentions it makes sense?

It makes sense if they can all give different perspectives on your state as a student, researcher, and applicant. But if they are all going to emphasize the same topics and the write the same type of letter it doesn't make sense to have that many repeats. I'd consider getting some other teaching-faculty from different course subjects if the latter is the case.

 

[capenn16]

It makes sense if they can all give different perspectives on your state as a student, researcher, and applicant. But if they are all going to emphasize the same topics and the write the same type of letter it doesn't make sense to have that many repeats. I'd consider getting some other teaching-faculty from different course subjects if the latter is the case.

Okay, that's good advice - thanks! I think the letters will most likely be different. My undergrad PI knew me in the context of undergrad, whereas my other two know me post-grad, which I think is a very different relationship. They'll also be working together to make sure their letters aren't redundant. Fingers crossed things go well - it's a bit late in the game for me to ask a professor for a letter. It's been a while and I'm not sure they'll remember me. 🙁

 

[deleted781806]

Fingers crossed things go well - it's a bit late in the game for me to ask a professor for a letter. It's been a while and I'm not sure they'll remember me. 🙁

It sounds like you've got it worked out pretty well, and you might be surprised about the professors memories, sometimes they are a bit better than we'd expect. I actually have a professor who keeps records of all of his students work so that if they ever need letters from him he can pull up their papers/presentations, he's great. Good luck getting the letters all figured out, and in the application cycle!

 

[Goro]

Not if you want to go to grad school.

Med school, too many.

Hi all!
I was hoping someone who has applied, or maybe the admission gurus on here could give me some more insight.

I was planning on having 5 letters of recs (2 faculty, 3 research PIs)

The reason I was having so many research PIs is because I used to be on the pre-PhD track and I have a lot of previous research experience.

My question is, is 3 research letters too many? An older student suggested that 3 letters from a research perspective would make my application seem not as well balanced, and should include one from an extracurricular adviser, or club sponsor or something.

Any thoughts?