I wonder the same thing…like you, lucerovespertino, I have no publications. A mentor professor told me recently that the key element for admissions to a PhD program is finding the right fit with a faculty member, research-wise. Does the proposed research align with research interests among faculty at school X? Are there enough professors there with expertise in that field to form a dissertation committee?
This is my first time applying for PhD programs. Already, I wish I knew back in October what I know now…I would have made contact with one or more professors at each of the schools before applying. As it is, I only connected with a couple of the schools. Additionally, if I go through this again, I will do the process in reverse: seek out professors who are actively publishing in the areas that I am interested in, and apply to their schools. This may seem common sense to many applicants, but I guess I wasn't aware of these things before applying. Live and learn! (two rejections later…)
Anyhow, best of luck to everyone -- it seems like a very dedicated group on the forum here. I hope we all find good homes for our doctoral study!