Getting Published!

[sgade]

Hi 

 

I am going to be applying for phd programs this year...right now I am finishing up a masters program in child development....

 

any tips on getting published and how important is it to get into a phd program?  

 

my grad gpa is a 3.9 but my undergrad gpa is terrible...I'm going to be retaking my gres old scores (155, 152, 4) 

 

if you guys any other suggestions on bettering my odd i would really appreaciate it...I will be applying for developmental programs... 

 

 

[uromastyx]

Bump those GRE scores. That solid grad GPA will totally outweigh the undergrad GPA, but I'd still suggest commenting on the low GPA in the SOP (it was the same with me).

My CV (numerous publications, conferences, professional experiences) is what sets me apart. IF you can get your work accepted into good journals then you must go for it. But getting pubs just for the sake of filling a CV is a bad idea.

You're in psych so getting published is not as straightforward as it is for me. Do you have faculty who can help guide you?

Keep in mind, pubs don't guarantee anything (check the results boards), but if they are good then they can help to separate you from the rest.

[BeingThere]

Hi Sgade,

 

I strongly suggest talking with your professors at your school and asking for help.  Do you have a research project you are wanting to write up for publication?  If you are applying to programs this coming Dec/Jan then you may or may not have enough time to do a new study, finish it, and write it up for submission by then.

 

Speaking for myself, I will be submitting a manuscript for publication this summer on research I did over these last two semesters.  I am having help and guidance from my professor/advisor.

 

From what I've been told, publishing in psychology is a lenghty process.  You may have something submitted for publication by the end of this year (if you already have a study ready to write up), but it's unlikely you would be actually published by then if you haven't yet prepared anything for submission.

 

Again, talk with faculty at your school.  They will know best how to guide you.  Another step in "thinking about submitting for publication" is to look at journals and read their submission guidelines.

 

But again, I'm only at the first steps of the process myself.  Maybe others who've been published in psychology journals have more practical guidance for you.

 

Good luck to you!

[IOPsych3927]

Hi 

 

I am going to be applying for phd programs this year...right now I am finishing up a masters program in child development....

 

any tips on getting published and how important is it to get into a phd program?  

 

my grad gpa is a 3.9 but my undergrad gpa is terrible...I'm going to be retaking my gres old scores (155, 152, 4) 

 

if you guys any other suggestions on bettering my odd i would really appreaciate it...I will be applying for developmental programs... 

 

I am not in developmental psychology, but I can speak to my experience with I/O psychology. Admissions committees don't expect publications from undergrads, but since you have a Masters', that change things a bit. With 2-3 years of grad school under your belt, I would imagine that they would want to see that you have research skills. The ideal way to demonstrate research proficiency is to publish, but I agree with Bren 2014 that publishing is a very lengthy, difficult process. Most journals (even "mid-tier" ones) have very low acceptances rates, and it can take up to several months to hear a decision on your submission. However, you can improve your chances by looking up journal wait times and journal acceptance rates. 

 

Have you considered submitting your masters' thesis for publication? If you don't think it's publication-quality yet, try submitting it to a conference. As Bren 2014 mentioned, I would definitely go to the faculty at your program and ask for their advice about how you can get some solid lines on your CV demonstrating your research proficiency, whether it's a publication, conference submission, or even a poster presentation. 

 

Agreed with other people that the GRE is going to be crucial. Admission committees will probably look at your graduate GPA, but it's best to do everything you can to compensate for a weak point in your application. I myself have a weak undergrad GPA relative to other applicants to top I/O programs, and my GRE scores are what saved me. The GRE forum on here is a great resource. I had a 3-month study plan and am very happy with my GRE scores, so you can PM me too and I'm happy to share.

 

Good luck!!!!  

[sgade]

Thank you guys for the feedback! 

 

I am working with professors, on research but I don't think I will get in a submission by the end of this year... :/ 

I mean do you think it makes a difference to not make it to being published but having done a lot of research? Or does that look worst because if I did 3-4 research projects and didnt make any attempts at publishing will it end up looking disappointing to the committee?  

[BeingThere]

You should definitely look for opportunities to present your research at conferences -- either poster or paper presentations.  I have been told this is important.