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I'm seeking some advice about getting a fourth recommender. I'm applying to PhD programs in statistics and biostatistics. I asked my 3 recommenders, a PI and two former professors, back in June and they've all gotten their recommendations submitted.

Since June, though, I started a new position doing remote, part-time research in a lab that's related to my applied interest. I've been learning a lot and it's been a meaningful experience so far, but I've only been doing it for 3-4 months and part time at that. I've worked with the MS-level lab manager primarily and haven't really interacted with the MD PI at all. That said, the manager has several publications with the lab and indicated he would write a strong letter.

Would you all recommend getting a recommendation from the lab manager as a fourth recommendation to speak to this experience? I think it could help my application, but it could also dilute the current recommendations.

Thank you.

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A letter from someone that doesn't have a doctorate is much less valuable than otherwise. A good letter needs to be able to accurately predict your success in doctoral study, research, and a career in field.

If a place asks for three, I'd send the best three available to me. But, you don't say how much contact you have had with the two "professors". If it is just a course in which you did well, then they might not be able to make the required prediction honestly.

You might suggest to the fourth person that you might want a recommendation at some future point and leave it there for now.

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  • Yes, the two professors I took classes with, though I also spent a lot of time in office hours. Is it detrimental to send four letters if the guidelines are, say, "minimum 3" but don't discourage more?
    – viscous_cat
    Commented Nov 18 at 2:09
  • My assumption would be that an additional positive recommendation would not be detrimental, and would very possibly be a helpful tie breaker if you are fairly evenly matched with other applicants.
    – deee
    Commented Nov 19 at 10:45

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