Letter of Recommendation from PI you didn't take a class with?

[cheeeeeese]

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Hello,

I've been working in my PI's lab for two and a half years. Wondering if it's okay to get a LOR from him even if I've never taken a class with him.

Thanks!

 

[stubblesmcgee]

Totally. It wouldn't count as an one of the 3 academic letter most schools need I don't think, but someone attesting to your skills at research/working independently/etc could only help.

 

[pewpew95]

Whenever you see someone ask a really stupid question like this

It's not a stupid question if you're new to the process and are unsure where to find resources. We've all been there. And the whole point of the forums is to anonymously ask stupid questions.

 

[aldol16]

Of course get a letter from him. It wouldn't count as a "letter from faculty who taught you in a science course" but it would definitely be a strong letter to have. Also, if you're at all interested, grad courses are usually graded much easier than undergrad courses. Grad students' grades don't really matter (they just have to be above a certain threshold) and so the instructors are more lenient on grading. Undergrads tend to do well in grad courses that they are prepared for.

Hint: A grad student in your lab that you probably know will likely be doing the grading for the class.

 

[DameJulie]

If your research experience was brief, it doesn't matter since the LOR wouldn't suggest much. However, if you had good relationship with PI and got some production from research (e.g. poster), then a LOR from PI would be helpful.

And who knows, maybe some day you will take a class with your PI

 

[cheeeeeese]

Okay, thanks everyone for your replies! But I was specifically asking if it's a requirement that I take a course with my PI for his LOR to count towards the three LOR requirements. In other words, if I've never taken a class with him, can I still count his LOR as one of the three LORs or would his LOR just be an addition to the three LORs? Thanks!

 

[cheeeeeese]

Each school will vary with its LOR requirement. For instance, one may require a minimum of three and maximum of six with at least two from a professor that has taught you a class. They can only be considered to have taught you a class if they assigned you a grade. Other letters may count toward your six total, but not satisfy the two from teaching professors. Does this help?

Yes, thanks so much for your helpful reply!