Will it look bad if I use my co-PI for a Letter of Evaluation instead of my "real" PI?

[GoPenguinsGo]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So I'm gong to have research as one of my most meaningful activities when I apply next year. However, the main PI of my lab is always off doing something (he's getting us that sweet sweet grant money$$$$) and therefore spends little time working with me. Once a month I'll give him updates on progress, but that's about it. However, my co-PI for the lab spends a great deal of time actually working on the project with me and also taught me for a science class. Would medical schools think it is suspicious if I use my co-PI to be a letter writer as opposed to my main PI when I list research as a most meaningful activity??

 

[GoSpursGo]

Nope. You want a letter from someone who actually knows you.

 

[zorcandpals]

If you're really worried you can have them write a joint letter together sort of like what you would do if you were getting a letter from a grad student although idk how much of a faux pas that might be to ask a co pi to do that.

 

[LunaOri]

How would they even know who the "real" PI is? You want a letter from someone who really knows you, and can write a letter that is personal, not generic.

 

[GoPenguinsGo]

If you Co-PI is a faculty member (which I doubt) then the letter is fine. If not, simply have Co-PI write letter and sign and have "real" PI counter sign as well

My co-PI is a tenured professor