<p>Hey, I had a question about graduate admissions and letters of recommendation. </p>
<p>I've been working in a bio lab for the past couple of summers, and I'm on good terms with the head of the lab (I'm on a first name basis :-X), and I might get 3rd author or something on a paper they're publishing. I wasn't sure if I should ask him for a LOR, since I'm going to be applying to grad school for applied physics. I know, why did I keep doing research here then? I've continued to work in this lab because it's fun, the people there are great, and it's nearby where I live during the summer. </p>
<p>So I guess my question is if you've done a fair bit of research in a field which isn't really connected to the program you want to apply in the future, but the head of the lab there really likes you/can give a good letter of rec, how much is the letter devalued by the fact that he's not part of the field in which you're applying to? (Also, the head of the bio lab is actually quite respected in his own field, neurology) Should I just find another person to get a letter of rec from, say a professor who taught me a physics class?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Since you need multiple letters of recommendation, I'd get one from the head of the lab AND from a physics professor.</p>
<p>Hmm, but if i had to only choose one?</p>
<p>Why would you only have to choose one? If it's because you've already chosen the people to write you other recs, I would pick the one that balances those out better. For instance: if you already have one from the director of your undergrad program and from a physics professor, then pick the lab guy. If you already have one from another lab you worked at, and from another professor from a subject other than physics, then pick the physics professor for your last rec. If you're having trouble deciding, try picking recs that will create a balanced picture of you and your interests, so pick wichever one will highlight a characteristic (either your dedication to research, or your love of physics) that your application needs to be stronger in.</p>
<p>A recommendation letter from someone who's seen you in a lab setting will be more useful than one from someone who's only seen you in a classroom setting, all other things being equal.</p>
<p>If nothing else, you don't have to choose one, because you could send one as a supplemental letter.</p>
<p>Exactly. You can always send in one or two supplemental LORs as long as they are helpful, not repeating, or not contrasting one another!</p>
<p>MY D submitted 3 LORs, two from profs in her specific grad field (two different schools) and one from a prof in a totally different subject, but one who got to know her quite well....it worked, though I don't know which one worked.</p>