including PI LOR, need advice

[3member]

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Hi SDN,
I recently received a LOR from my PI a while back but am not sure whether it's a good one or not. It could be mediocre or very good. Anyway, my question is: should I include the letter if it's considered optional for other schools?

Research hasnt been a forte/meaningful experience to me, but how would adcoms see this if I didn't include it?
Thanks everyone.

EDIT: The time spent in research I've done with my PI wasn't significant (if that info helps some)

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

its a red flag if you list research and dont have a letter from PI

Says who? Many adcom's have stated otherwise on here, and have encouraged users to not use a LOR from PI if the letter has the chance to be subpar or down right bad.

 

[DingoPingo]

Some schools, like Harvard, say that you should have a letter from each research supervisor. Since you have it already, I'd use that letter for schools that require it and decide otherwise for the rest.

And if you have a committee letter, some of these letter requirements might be waived in light of your committee letter.