who to ask for letters of rec

[orphn]

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i was browsing the forum and i read this

You should have a minimum of 3 LOR writers. Not having your research advisor (or 1 of them) or clinical supervisor (or 1 of them) write you a letter would be foolish (and might be seen as a bit of a red flag), since these are going to be most likely to be the ones who can speak best to your future professional success (professors rarely see much beyond how you did in a couple of classes and don't get to see as well-rounded an individual).

i wasn't planning on asking my PI for a letter of rec because honestly i don't talk to my PI that much, and i also was previously told that if i got a LOR from my PI it would count as an outside source and not one of the 2 (?) required science LORs. Would not getting a LOR from my PI really raise a red flag?

i was planning on just getting a LOR from my lacrosse coach (to talk leadership) and from my clinical supervisor, but not my lab's PI

 

[Mobius1985]

My research letter was one of my two science LORs. It was written by the PhD candidate I worked with closely and co-signed by the PI who didn't know me well. I, too, was given to understand that having a research letter was very important and that not having one would raise red flags. I suspect that this is more of an issue if you are applying to research-strong institutions that value a research experience highly.

My other two LORs were a science and a non-science faculty member. I was never asked for a mentor, clinical, peer, volunteer coordinator, or MD letter. Maybe these are more typically sought out by non-trads who don't have the same access to college instructors, or by people getting a committee letter. Or maybe there are regional variations in the types of letters expected. I suggest you find out what types of letters are most desired by the institutions you'd most want to attend. This could be found on websites, the school-specific threads on SDN, or by calling an admissions office.

 

[BlueElmo]

A researhc letter isn't required but I think it helps a lot, especially if you have been involved in research for a long time. But I think it's a supplementary letter to the required science letters.

 

[orphn]

well i'm currently a jr and going to apply this summer, and i've had 2 different labs. i had 1 freshmen year, another sophomore year, left both of them willingly so i could explain to admissions officers why i siwtched up labs. the thing is, in my second lab my postdoc was kind of a dick, and so i probably wouldn't be able to get a very good letter from him. alternatively, i haven't really been keeping in touch with the people from my first lab (who i had a stellar relationship with)

would it be better to just ask the people from my first lab? what do you think would be the best way to approach the situation

 

[J ROD]

I had 4 LORS: Two professors, one from work, and one from my volunteering (this one MD was at both places and was heavily involved in my school, i'm a lucky bastard on this one!! )

 

[J ROD]

well i'm currently a jr and going to apply this summer, and i've had 2 different labs. i had 1 freshmen year, another sophomore year, left both of them willingly so i could explain to admissions officers why i siwtched up labs. the thing is, in my second lab my postdoc was kind of a dick, and so i probably wouldn't be able to get a very good letter from him. alternatively, i haven't really been keeping in touch with the people from my first lab (who i had a stellar relationship with)

would it be better to just ask the people from my first lab? what do you think would be the best way to approach the situation

I would only get one....schools dont want too many LORs to read with the apps they get. I was told no more than 5 but 4 would be better!! 😀

 

[orphn]

definitely not looking forward to asking a postdoc whom i haven't talked to for two years for a letter of rec then... lol

 

[J ROD]

definitely not looking forward to asking a postdoc whom i haven't talked to for two years for a letter of rec then... lol

some schools want specific letters so check that out too. Mine asked for two science professors...

 

[orphn]

another worry of mine is that the letters i get from my postdocs wil be "lukewarm". if thats the case, would it be better to just not get letters from them at all?

 

[skeptic29]

So I have an LOR related question but I didn't want to start a new thread.

I just received my first acceptance and would like to thank the authors of my LORs. I was wondering what is the best way to do this? Email? Letter? Hallmark card haha? Just looking for some opinions.

 

[BenUstudent]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering, if I should get a LOR from the Volunteer Coordinator at the Hospital I'm working at. We really don't see each other.However She took a great liking to me during my interview

 

[BennieBlanco]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering, if I should get a LOR from the Volunteer Coordinator at the Hospital I'm working at. We really don't see each other.However She took a great liking to me during my interview

sure, why not. they do it all the time. just give her info on you. extra letters NEVER hurt. use it as a backup or you may end up using it. just get it.

 

[BenUstudent]

sure, why not. they do it all the time. just give her info on you. extra letters NEVER hurt. use it as a backup or you may end up using it. just get it.

Thanks Bennie and BlueElmo

 

[BlueElmo]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering, if I should get a LOR from the Volunteer Coordinator at the Hospital I'm working at. We really don't see each other.However She took a great liking to me during my interview

Yes, I think that will help. Go for it.