<p>The prof I'm doing research with as an undergrad is not thrilled that I want to go elsewhere for grad school. He seems to think that the work I have done there will be a waste if I do not continue and finish it. </p>
<p>I explained to him my desire to go elsewhere to explore other opportunities I'm interested in, but he's just not really happy about it.
I'm scared that he's gonna write me a bad letter of recommendation because of this and maybe because he wants to keep me at his lab, which is really selfish. It sounds like he's being selfish and there's nothing I can do about it. He's the only prof I did research for. if he writes me a bad letter of rec, I'm going to be declined from everywhere...</p>
<p>Have you guys ever dealt with these kind of situations? What do I do?</p>
<p>When submitting grad application, you have a choice to waive/not to waive your right to read the rec letter. In your case, I suggest you can still use him as a ref, however you should look for 1-2 more faculties whom understand your potential as a back up. You read his letter first, if it’s ok then use the letter, if it’s not don’t use him. Good luck.</p>
<p>As far as I know the right to see what your recommenders have written only applies AFTER you are enrolled into a program. Therfore, it would not be possible to withdraw your PI’s letter of rec.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine a prof would write you a bad letter of rec because you want to elsewhere. It seems his opinion of your is pretty high if he wants to keep you.</p>
<p>Ask him directly if he can write you a strong recommendation for other places. Many faculty members are not happy when good students leave, but they are still willing to write them strong recommendations because they are interested in their general success. There are very few professors who will write you a bad recommendation to sabotage you so you can stay there.</p>