What schools require a LOR from all PIs?

[oyoyo]

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I have been working in my current lab for the last 2.5 years. However, before beginning in this lab, I worked briefly (8 weeks during the summer) in a different lab. Since I was only a freshman at the time, most of the summer was spent learning basic techniques. I did not have an independent project, and my contact with the PI was minimal since he was often out of town or busy. Since I did not have a close relationship with him, and was not partcularly productive in his lab, I did not ask him for a LOR. In my current lab, I work completely indepdently and have regular meetings with the PI, so I feel more confident in his ability to judge my capacity for research.

Do any programs absolutely require letters from all PIs? Upon searching some of the old threads, I saw a couple people mention that Harvard does. From anecdotal evidence, however, I know of at least one person who was offered an interview after submitting only 1/2 PI LORs; he was never asked why he chose not to submit a LOR from the second PI.

Are there specific schools that will not process your application without a letter from all PIs? Or will it be possible to explain on a secondary why you chose not to include a letter from a particular PI?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Primate]

Disclaimer: I can only speak for the programs with which I am familiar.

Info: I don't know of any programs that would fault you if you didn't get a letter from a lab in which you spent two months, especially if you spent 2.5 years at another one and have a letter from that PI.

I would caution, however, that if you list the 2 month experience (and you sort of have to), it will be fair game in an interview. As in, "so, why did you only spend 2 months in a lab before bailing." I know the answer to that may be simple or complicated, but be ready for it, as interviewers may wonder why your tenure there was so short.

Apply where you want to apply, with the best letters you can arrange. I wouldn't try to start explaining things unless it's brought up, especially if the experience was negative (of course, it's always good to have a learning experience to talk about - "well, I was once in a lab and....").

Sorry I don't have any definites about who requires them, but my sense is that it shouldn't be much of an issue.

Best,
P

 

[Sonya]

why do we sortof have to list such an experience?

If they ask about the gap in my record (b/c i worked full time), i would explain i worked in a lab, but decided to change for so and so reason.

 

[Primate]

The reason you typically have to list such an experience is that adcoms (and this is sometimes even a requirement on the application) expect you to account for all of your time. If there is a gap and you don't say what you did unless specifically asked, it would, IMO, look fishy. If you left for so and so a reason, that's fine and it's always good to have a "learning experience" to talk about. If you don't list it, however, it may be viewed suspisciously. Adcoms don't mind that you've had bad experiences, but do start to wonder if it even appears that you're trying to hide something (which I recognize may not even be the case). Best to be up-front.

Also, please note that I'm not suggesting that you need a letter from such an experience (see orig. post), just that you not leave a gap in your record.

Hope that helps clarify my thoughts for you. Lemme know if otherwise.

Best,
P

 

[Sonya]

thanks.

I'll include it in the list, it's not really shameful i need to hide it.

So, there are no schools that absolutely REQUIRE LORs from all PIs?

Sonya