LOR question

[phonyreal98]

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Should I worry about getting a letter of recommendation from my first research experience in college or even listing it on an application to MD/PhD programs. During my freshman year, I basically gathered and entered for a graduate student's project...never even met her PhD advisor or the PI for the lab, so I'd feel a bit awkward asking for a letter...I don't even really know if the graduate student is still there or what. Either way it was several years ago and as far as experience is concerned, I feel like my current PI can write a much better LOR for me, as I have done much much much more in his lab and I have had a lot of direct interaction with him. Should I even bother with trying to get a LOR from the first lab I was in...and if not, should I even bother with putting my time with this lab on my application (I can think of other stuff that may be arguably more important than this)?

 

[PfNO22]

Should I worry about getting a letter of recommendation from my first research experience in college or even listing it on an application to MD/PhD programs

No

should I even bother with putting my time with this lab on my application (I can think of other stuff that may be arguably more important than this)?

Yes

 

[K31]

Should I even bother with trying to get a LOR from the first lab I was in...and if not, should I even bother with putting my time with this lab on my application (I can think of other stuff that may be arguably more important than this)?

IIRC, at least some programs require a LOR from each lab you have worked in. If that is truly the case, if you can't get a LOR from that lab you probably shouldn't list it on your application.

 

[ablavar]

Don't bother listing it

 

[ImagineThis]

IIRC, at least some programs require a LOR from each lab you have worked in. If that is truly the case, if you can't get a LOR from that lab you probably shouldn't list it on your application.

I agree with this statement. At least 40% of the programs explicitly state that they want a letter from EVERY research advisor. You don't want to be having to call each and every one of these programs pre-interview invite and explaining that you cant meet this requirement when you only have a letter from one PI.

 

[phonyreal98]

nvm