Unsure on my non-science LOR PI strength

[Brain Whisperer]

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So my PI, who was also a teacher for one of my non-science classes, recently agreed to write a letter of recommendation. However, I remember when I wanted to do a thesis statement (cause I thought it'd help with med school) she mentioned strongly how medical school is very expensive, difficult to get into and how me doing research is a much safer route and one I should definitely consider. This reminds me of one post on SDN where their letter writer wrote a weak LOR on purpose as they wanted that person to stay in research (my PI's thesis slots were full though so I never got to do it).

I worked mainly with a Ph.D student in the lab (who I'm close with and know will write me a good letter), and he said she'll get him to do a draft before she finishes it. However, I still can't shake the feeling that the letter might be worse off than just picking another LOR from a prof who said was happy to write LORs during class even though I never met her in person. So should I:
a. Hope that I don't get screwed over?
b. Make that letter non-confidential and go from there?
c. Focus efforts on other professors?
d. Get a separate letter from the Ph.D student (since many schools need only 2 science and 1 any) and use that as my 3rd one for the schools that I can do that with. <- kind of leaning here

Appreciate any and all advice/feedback

 

[Moko]

a. Hope that I don't get screwed over?
b. Make that letter non-confidential and go from there?
c. Focus efforts on other professors?
d. Get a separate letter from the Ph.D student (since many schools need only 2 science and 1 any) and use that as my 3rd one for the schools that I can do that with. <- kind of leaning here

Well it'll be impossible for anyone here to tell you one way or another without having worked with this PI before. If other students have gotten letters from her and had a successful cycle, then you'll probably be fine as well.

My advice would be to avoid being paranoid and to stop assuming the worst, unless there are objective findings that warrant concern. It seems like the PhD student will be batting for you. You will always find horror stories online of the worst possible scenarios, especially on here...

As a general rule, I would advise going with option A since the PI will likely incorporate much of the PhD student's contribution. Option C if you think the letter will be lukewarm. It's better to get letters from professors rather than students, so I would lean against Option D. You risk the letter coming off as being from a friend rather than supervisor. Avoid Option B at all costs. I don't even bother reading letters that are non-confidential, and quite frankly, it makes the applicant look bad. Just my thoughts.

 

[Seihai]

So my PI, who was also a teacher for one of my non-science classes, recently agreed to write a letter of recommendation. However, I remember when I wanted to do a thesis statement (cause I thought it'd help with med school) she mentioned strongly how medical school is very expensive, difficult to get into and how me doing research is a much safer route and one I should definitely consider. This reminds me of one post on SDN where their letter writer wrote a weak LOR on purpose as they wanted that person to stay in research (my PI's thesis slots were full though so I never got to do it).

I worked mainly with a Ph.D student in the lab (who I'm close with and know will write me a good letter), and he said she'll get him to do a draft before she finishes it. However, I still can't shake the feeling that the letter might be worse off than just picking another LOR from a prof who said was happy to write LORs during class even though I never met her in person. So should I:
a. Hope that I don't get screwed over?
b. Make that letter non-confidential and go from there?
c. Focus efforts on other professors?
d. Get a separate letter from the Ph.D student (since many schools need only 2 science and 1 any) and use that as my 3rd one for the schools that I can do that with. <- kind of leaning here

Appreciate any and all advice/feedback

I concur with Moko above, but I also think you shouldn't be too worried about this. Very rarely are PIs malicious enough to sabotage their mentee's chances at medical school for the small chance that it might keep them in the lab longer.

If your PhD student will be writing the bulk of the letter (which is what I'm seeing here), I seriously doubt that your PI would intentionally poke holes in your letter on the off-chance that it might make you decide to become a researcher instead.

You can solicit letters from other professors while you wait for this letter and potentially ask the PhD student how he feels about the letter if you would like, but do not submit a letter from just the PhD student (they rarely have enough experience to comment on how good of an applicant you are as they have not had many mentees of their own to compare you to).

 

[deleted972488]

doing research is a much safer route

🤣
This is just so wrong. I can't believe your PI would say something like this.

I agree with the others. I've been the PhD student who helped my PI write letters for undergraduates in the lab applying to medical school. They've all gotten multiple acceptances. Go with option A.