Meep_Meep Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 I am going to be applying for schools in the fall (particularly Stem Cell/Regenerative Medicine PhD programs) and I am wondering how crucial it is to have a publication as an undergraduate. Currently, I am second author on a publication that has recently been rejected, and I am unsure whether we will be accepted by the time my applications roll around. Is it possible to get into a relatively good/top school without a publication? Here are my stats: Undergraduate institution: Top 20 Private Research Institution GPA: General: 3.90, Science: 3.917 Major: Neurobiology Scores: GRE: V: 168, Q:163 Biology Subject test: 89 percentile Research Experience: I have been working in a cellular reprogramming lab for 3 years now and have 2 manuscripts in progress LOR: 3 from Undergraduate professors, 1 from PI Awards: 2014 Goldwater Scholarship Schools I'm looking at: NYU WUSTL Duke Stanford Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Applemiu Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 (edited) Definitely you can get into a top program without a publication, don't worry about that. Edited June 24, 2014 by Applemiu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dedi Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 As far as I know, most schools don't expect a publication from an undergraduate. Your stats seem good anyways. I think you have a shot in getting into at least one of the programs you are interested in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meep_Meep Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 Thanks guys, it is good to hear that I am probably okay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Applemiu Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 You are more than OK, but keep working on the application! There are tons of qualified applicants and 99% of them don't have publications, but they have very good SOPs, LORs etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ss2player Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Your stats are baller, I wouldn't worry too much! Expand your list of schools, 4 is not enough, aim for 8-10 that are a mix of dream schools and safer choices (but research fit is most important!). Pubs from an undergrad are very rare, I only had some 'cause I have worked for 4 years post-BA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meep_Meep Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 Thanks Applemiu and ss2player! And no worries, my list is actually currently sitting around 14 schools, but I didn't really want to take the time to write all of them out, I won't make the mistake of only applying to a couple! ss2player 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsharpe269 Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 I think that having them looks amazing but that not having them is probably normal. Your level of understanding of your research area will be more important. Your SOP and interviews will reveal how well you know your area of study, regardless of publications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glow_gene Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 As a student at WUSTL: your stats are awesome . Don't worry! Spend some time with your SOP and know your field as well as you can for interviews. Best of luck with your applications! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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