Research with no letter of rec?

[tdod]

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I've done 3 quarters of research in a lab, but I won't be able to get an LoR (details are not important). Can I still list the research experience in my application?

 

[jeffreylei]

Depends on the school that you will be applying, some schools do require a research letter.

 

[Bovary]

Depends on the school that you will be applying, some schools do require a research letter.

I've only seen Harvard as specifically requesting a research letter, and for then it's a recommendation rather than a requirement. Do you know of other schools with a similar request? Any idea how important this is (ie how much of a deal breaker?)

 

[jeffreylei]

I've only seen Harvard as specifically requesting a research letter, and for then it's a recommendation rather than a requirement. Do you know of other schools with a similar request? Any idea how important this is (ie how much of a deal breaker?)

My state school requires research letter (University of Utah), however, I cannot recall other schools requirements at the top of my head. If the school requires it, obviously you should have it. If they recommends it, it really depends on the quality of the recommendation. If your PI can provide you with an excellent letter, then yes, if they can't, it is really up to you. Just make sure to communicate with your professor before asking them to submit any letters.

And yes, you should list your research experiences on your AMCAS. Unless you have too many experiences and your research is insignificant compare to other activities.

 

[Bovary]

And yes, you should list your research experiences on your AMCAS. Unless you have too many experiences and your research is insignificant compare to other activities.

You may or may not know the answer to this, but I'll ask since this is worrying me: I'm applying this coming June with 6 months of full-time research (but no pubs, and no letters of rec. from PIs because I know I was only an average-quality worker). Although obviously not ideal, is this a red flag of sorts if I go into research-oriented schools expressing my interest in research?

 

[jeffreylei]

You may or may not know the answer to this, but I'll ask since this is worrying me: I'm applying this coming June with 6 months of full-time research (but no pubs, and no letters of rec. from PIs because I know I was only an average-quality worker). Although obviously not ideal, is this a red flag of sorts if I go into research-oriented schools expressing my interest in research?

I have worked in a lab for 2.5 years with no pub and I got into several research oriented schools, so you should be fine. However, I did have an excellent LOR from my research professor. I would not say its a red flag, just realize that a lot of people don't have a research letter or even research experiences. However, if you really want to attend a top research school, you might want to consider discussing it with you PI to see if he/she can write you a good letter. It will be important to get that letter in my opinion!

 

[jeffreylei]

Del

 

[knv2u]

Depends on the school that you will be applying, some schools do require a research letter.

I agree with this. With this said, I think a lack of a LOR will raise eye brows even when not required. Did you anger your PI?