Question about # of research labs

[GlobalDomination]

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Hey guys, I am a rising sophomore and I've noticed many researched-focused schools seem to expect students to be involved in more than one research lab since they want LORs from research mentors, not LOR (singular). I am currently in a great chemistry lab (great PI mentorship) where I expect to stay till my graduation but I do not want to (or have the time) to get deeply involved in another research group.

Should I continue to stay in one lab or try to get involved with one more?

Probably important info: Currently I have one Biochemistry paper under review for publication and expecting one more 3rd authored paper in the summer. Basically this trend will continue with me having my own 1st authored paper near my graduation.

 

[HybridEarth]

More than one lab is unnecessary unless it's something you'd actually be interested in. I've found other ways to do research outside the lab are by volunteering at clinical research centers in major hospitals or doing some computational work. This will give you a more well rounded research background if that's the impression you're aiming for. Don't do something unless you actually enjoy it, but I'm sure you know that.

 

[Ismet]

I go to a research focused school and we do not expect LORs from multiple labs. If you happen to have multiple lab experiences, that's great, but this is not something you go out of your way for. If you're on track for your own 1st author paper, absolutely stick with that lab and don't risk hurting your GPA or other parts of your app by tacking on another lab. What you already have is leagues beyond what most applicants have in terms of research.

 

[GlobalDomination]

thank you all. I will stick to my one research group till graduation and continue to build upon my research interest there