Should I get this rec letter from a summer research program from years ago?

[deleted1108162]

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Hey guys,

So my PI and mentor are offering me to write a rec letter. They were my PI and mentor from about 5 years ago. And I was only in the Lab for one summer. The letter will be a positive one, but it will be reflective of my abilities from 5 years ago.

Should I still pursue the letter?

I already have my main letters (2 science, 1 nonsci, 1 current research mentor, and some job letters)..... This would be an additional to add to some schools.

 

[JimKimSlim]

No, since you already have enough.

 

[deleted1108162]

@Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM

 

[Goro]

Hey guys,

So my PI and mentor are offering me to write a rec letter. They were my PI and mentor from about 5 years ago. And I was only in the Lab for one summer. The letter will be a positive one, but it will be reflective of my abilities from 5 years ago.

Should I still pursue the letter?

I already have my main letters (2 science, 1 nonsci, 1 current research mentor, and some job letters)..... This would be an additional to add to some schools.

This would be gilding the lily

 

[LizzyM]

If the research experience is on the application it can't hurt. While their experience with you was 5 years ago, no doubt they are familiar with what you've done since, maybe you've stayed in touch. The fact that they've known you for 5 years counts for a lot. It can't hurt; might help.

 

[deleted1108162]

This would be gilding the lily

what does that mean?

 

[Goro]

what does that mean?

what does that mean?

Google is your friend

 

[candbgirl]

From google:


phrase [VERB inflects] If you say that someone is gilding the lily, you mean that they are spoiling something that is already beautiful or perfect by trying to improve it or by praising it too highly.