More than one research lab and LOR

[novafan3000]

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Would anyone recommend getting two sep. LOR from each of my lab mentors? I worked in one for about a year and the other for 6 months. I have a much better relationship with the latter and she can write a significant part not only about my performance in her lab and in class but also a bit on the personal side. The other prof was just research and was a sub a few times for my micro class but a longer duration, nonetheless. Would it look suspicious if I didn't get one? Just trying to stay well rounded with my letters and I am planning on 6 or 7 from lab mentor, genetics professor, non science prof, personal/prof/church mentor, family doc, ent (def my best physician letter), and work supervisor at my hospital.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Ismet]

Quality over quantity. Definitely get the latter PI since you're pretty sure you'll get a strong letter. If you think the first PI can write a strong letter about your performance in lab, you can get that too, but if it will just be an indifferent "this person did his job" kind of letter, it might not be a strong addition to your app. IMO, I would get LORs from both PI's as long as there was nothing wrong with your first lab experience.

 

[novafan3000]

Quality over quantity. Definitely get the latter PI since you're pretty sure you'll get a strong letter. If you think the first PI can write a strong letter about your performance in lab, you can get that too, but if it will just be an indifferent "this person did his job" kind of letter, it might not be a strong addition to your app. IMO, I would get LORs from both PI's as long as there was nothing wrong with your first lab experience.

Appreciate the advice. I wouldn't say there was anything "wrong" with it, but there was some literal miscommunication toward the end throughout our lab group, and to stay neutral instead of playing the blame game, we all went our separate ways and found new mentors. He said he would write me a letter no problem, but I just dont want to go that route if I don't have to for simplicity purposes. How would you explain this to adcoms if it arises, btw? The word "miscommunication" usually has that negative connotation but this time it seriously was.