My stats
BSc in Computer Engineering from an obscure university. Decent grades MSc in Development Studies from a top university in the UK. Decent grades. Working for a year at a well known policy research institute Research interests- social demography, poverty, inequality, gender and intra-household welfare
I am currently working on a couple of papers, one single and two/three co-authored (I will be the lead author for at least one of these). I hope to get them finished by the end of this year and have at least two accepted for publication in peer reviewed journals by the end of next year.
My dilemma is as follows. I am in my late twenties and anxious to starting applying to PhD programs as soon as possible. I was in fact, hoping to take the GRE in September, and apply this year. However, if I do so, I don’t get to show any publications in my resume.
On the other hand, if I apply next year, there could be at least 2 publications to support my application. I was speculating that a publication or two might strengthen my applicant profile, especially since my undergraduate degree is not in the social sciences. I was just wondering whether anyone has any advice. How favourably are publications looked upon by ad coms, i.e. is it worthwhile delaying my application by a year?
