Asking for LOR from research mentor?

[RuggedShark]

I'm wondering if it is worth asking for a LOR from my research mentor at my lab. She is the PhD I work under (my PI is elusive and I've only met him in person once). I've only had about 200 hours there and haven't done too much independent work, but I know she would write me a fairly strong letter.

The only reason I ask is because I'm applying to a fair number of T20-type schools and I don't know if they maybe want something like this. I already have five other letters (2 science, 1 non-science, one from a doctor I shadowed for a while, and from my hospice volunteer coordinator).

Any advice would be really appreciated!

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[GoSpursGo]

It could be helpful. It really depends on what you're trying to convey and how strong this letter would be relative to the other non-prof letters (ie the doc you shadowed vs the hospice volunteer coordinator). Of course research is more highly emphasized at "T20"-type schools, but I wouldn't invent a narrative about being passionate about research if it isn't true--and if you care enough to include this person as an LOR writer I would expect something in your application about where research fits into your goals in med school.

Additionally, if you decide this is worth it, then I would see if it would be possible to have it co-signed by your direct mentor in the lab as well as the PI. Having a post-doc or staff scientist writing your letter probably is not that meaningful.

 

[RuggedShark]

It could be helpful. It really depends on what you're trying to convey and how strong this letter would be relative to the other non-prof letters (ie the doc you shadowed vs the hospice volunteer coordinator). Of course research is more highly emphasized at "T20"-type schools, but I wouldn't invent a narrative about being passionate about research if it isn't true--and if you care enough to include this person as an LOR writer I would expect something in your application about where research fits into your goals in med school.

Additionally, if you decide this is worth it, then I would see if it would be possible to have it co-signed by your direct mentor in the lab as well as the PI. Having a post-doc or staff scientist writing your letter probably is not that meaningful.

Thank you so much. This is sort of my problem. I don't have enough research experience yet to know if I am interested in it in addition to the patient-facing aspect that I love. I have enjoyed the research I have done so far and will be doing a lot more this upcoming year, but I just don't know yet. Realistically I'm applying to these schools because of a 52X MCAT, as well as other schools that interest me just as much but I am afraid of being "yield-protected" from. Kind of a mess, I know.

So far in my writing, research is not a major part of my narrative.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Thank you so much. This is sort of my problem. I don't have enough research experience yet to know if I am interested in it in addition to the patient-facing aspect that I love. I have enjoyed the research I have done so far and will be doing a lot more this upcoming year, but I just don't know yet. Realistically I'm applying to these schools because of a 52X MCAT, as well as other schools that interest me just as much but I am afraid of being "yield-protected" from. Kind of a mess, I know.

So far in my writing, research is not a major part of my narrative.

Having a high MCAT is never a bad thing

Then I probably would not include this letter. The research experience is still going to be a plus, but if research is not a theme that is front and center throughout your application then I'm not sure you gain much from including this over more obviously patient-facing activities.