Send in secondaries w/o research advisor LOR?

[Dream_big]

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Hey everyone,

I have asked my research advisor in person in March to write me a LOR, which he was more than happy to write for me. I proceeded to send him all documentation he would possibly need (resume/CV, future goals, etc.), and continued to touch base with him about the letter. He has been through a few rough patches in his personal life, so he has not been able to get around to writing this letter. Him, my colleagues and I have worked diligently in the lab for 2 years and will be writing a manuscript this summer-- so I do not think he is "dodging" my request by any means.

I have received 6 secondaries that will be ready to submit within the next week. I have 4 other very strong letters already in place, however, I think his letter would really speak to my research abilities, problem-solving skills and overall persona. Should I still assign this letter to all of my schools?

 

[aladinforever]

You answered your own question: this letter will add more to your application because your PI saw something in you that your other letter writers could not have (I'm assuming these letters are from professors or healthcare professionals you shadowed). Gently ask your PI when he expects to have this letter written and whether he could speed up the process IF he is able to.

 

[Dream_big]

You answered your own question: this letter will add more to your application because your PI saw something in you that your other letter writers could not have (I'm assuming these letters are from professors or healthcare professionals you shadowed). Gently ask your PI when he expects to have this letter written and whether he could speed up the process IF he is able to.

When do you think I should withdraw his empty LOR slot from each school if he does not submit? I need to apply early, but I also think his LOR would give my application that needed boost..not sure what loss to cut here.

 

[aladinforever]

When do you think I should withdraw his empty LOR slot from each school if he does not submit? I need to apply early, but I also think his LOR would give my application that needed boost..not sure what loss to cut here.

I think it's safe to wait until the end of July. I personally submitted my secondaries sometime between August and September because my committee letter came in late, but I still managed to get three IIs.

 

[MaxPlancker]

I suggest going through with it for now unless you have high suspicion the PI won't come through.

 

[ronnicus]

I'm in a similar predicament and was wondering if it would be best to write that in the "Additional Comments" section on the secondaries. I am worried however that schools may read that I won't have a PI letter until September and then decide to delay reviewing my application until they receive it.

 

[Dream_big]

I think it's safe to wait until the end of July. I personally submitted my secondaries sometime between August and September because my committee letter came in late, but I still managed to get three IIs.

Great, thanks for your reply. I will wait..I have a feeling my PI is just busy with family matters.