LOR for summer research positions

[baseballcc]

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I'm starting to gather all of the necessary material to apply for research internships for next summer, and I noticed that the majority of internships require two LOR. I'm mostly looking at clinical research positions because I have some experience doing clinical research, but it was all done with a family member who is an M.D./PHD. Would a LOR from them be devalued because they are family and we share a last name? I was planning on using my college baseball coach as the other LOR, and I don't really have strong enough relationships with any of my professors where they'd be able to write a good LOR.

 

[DameJulie]

Would a LOR from them be devalued because they are family and we share a last name?

Naturally, a LOR from a family member brings some question mark to Adcom. However, if your other LORs are equally strong, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[aldol16]

I think that you would want two professor or research letters if you're applying for a research internship. They care more about your academic and research potential than the strength of your character, which is about the only insight a baseball coach could provide.