Last edited:
How important is it to get a LOR from a research PI?
- Thread starter thaman91
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2012
- Messages
- 291
- Reaction score
- 3
I probably would not ask her. If you don't think it will be a good letter and you have other options that will most likely be better, I would just ask someone else. It's not that big of a deal to not have your PI write you a letter, especially if it was only one semester of research.
Depends on how strong her letter is and what type of schools you're applying to. If you're applying to big research schools, I think it will help to have a strong letter from a PI to back up the research experience you list on your application; with more community/clinically focused schools, I think it would matter less.
If you have another option, I would go with that - it's better to have letter writers who really want to help you get into medical school, not just those who will write a routine letter.
If you do end up asking, just ask her if she would be comfortable to write you a STRONG letter of recommendation. I think most people realize that a negative/neutral letter can sink an otherwise strong application, and would tell you that they can't write a strong letter. If she says no or even hesitates when you ask, then you can walk away knowing you tried.
Edit: Also, if you made friends with any of the grad students in the lab, maybe ask them what their impression was - maybe your PI is just awkward and comes off as unfriendly without meaning it. Just a thought.
If you have another option, I would go with that - it's better to have letter writers who really want to help you get into medical school, not just those who will write a routine letter.
If you do end up asking, just ask her if she would be comfortable to write you a STRONG letter of recommendation. I think most people realize that a negative/neutral letter can sink an otherwise strong application, and would tell you that they can't write a strong letter. If she says no or even hesitates when you ask, then you can walk away knowing you tried.
Edit: Also, if you made friends with any of the grad students in the lab, maybe ask them what their impression was - maybe your PI is just awkward and comes off as unfriendly without meaning it. Just a thought.
mmmcdowe
Duke of minimal vowels
Staff member
Administrator
Volunteer Staff
Lifetime Donor
15+ Year Member
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2008
- Messages
- 9,968
- Reaction score
- 2,005
Are you going to be doing any other research experience? If so, then no.
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2011
- Messages
- 3,578
- Reaction score
- 548
Only one semester of research with her? Probably not a good idea.
I don't know about you, but I rarely saw my PI. She was busy writing, calling around and teaching all the time. She came in to the lab like five times in the two plus years I have worked there. If I needed to ask her something, she was in her office. That's why I didn't ask for a letter until I had worked there over a year and a half and she had seen me in her office a few times.
