How important are publications?

[cluelessgrad]

Hi everyone,

I am thinking of applying for fall 2010 for Phd in organic chemistry. My dream school is MIT. I was wondering if it is possible to get into MIT without any published papers for an international student. I do have a research experience of 2 years in my home university but no publications yet.

Do you think I am being foolish aiming for MIT?

Ok that was a bit too general. Apart from the non-existent publications I have fairly good grades (nothing too exceptional I have to say) but strong letters of recommendation. I have an undergrad degree in physics and a masters in chemical research and now I want to do a PhD in chemistry.

Hope this helps!!!

[frankdux]

you'd probably want to give us more specifics regarding your app if you want some solid advice. how 'bad' were your grades? also, realize that there are tons of people applying who have stellar grades. what is it that your app has to make up for that?

since the competition for getting in to MIT is incredibly fierce, even if you had a near perfect application, your odds still aren't that great for getting in. just realize that there are lots of other great schools besides MIT so be sure to apply to many schools so you at least get an acceptance somewhere.

[Stories]

Foolish for wanting to go to MIT? No.

Foolish if that's your #1 dream school and you'll be unhappy anywhere else? Yes.

Like Frank said, even if you're an absolutely fantastic applicant, there'll be 400 other applicants that are VERY strong, as well.