How important are publications as part of research experience?

[fretting]

I am an international student from Asia who went to college in the United Kingdom, and I am currently applying to do a PhD in the US.

 

I feel that I have quite strong research experience (see signature), however, none have resulted in any publications.

 

I was wondering how this lack of publications would affect my chances of getting into the Top 10 schools that I am interested in?

[ghostar]

They definitely help your application, but they're not essential. The quality of your LORs matter so much more.

[Quantum Buckyball]

You'll be okay because you are in the synthetic methodologies field, it's hard to produce papers. 

[metallocene2015]

They definitely help your application, but they're not essential. The quality of your LORs matter so much more.

Are LORs more important than subject GPAs? I am applying as an international student-I am really worried about my gpa (cumulative 3.68)

[Hijojo]

Are LORs more important than subject GPAs? I am applying as an international student-I am really worried about my gpa (cumulative 3.68)

Yes, LORs are generally considered one of the most important aspects of an application (along with things like research experience and the SoP), while the hard numbers are usually considered less important. But a 3.68 is not going to hurt your application either way..

[Eigen]

Older thread, but I just wanted to echo:

 

Letters are probably the most important and defining part of your application. 

 

Publications are less important than a letter stating you were integral to the research and are a capable chemist. The publication is also less important than you being able to competently talk about your chemistry. 

 

I've even seen faculty candidates stumble because they have a great CV (ton's of papers) but can't talk about the design or methodologies of those papers in sufficient detail. 

 

Research experience with papers to back it up is great, but it's the research experience that's important.

[metallocene2015]

Does this still apply even if the POI is not famous or an authority in his/her field ?

[Eigen]

Yup.

Doesn't take someone famous to be a me to do a good job of assessing research ability.

Won't hurt if they're famous, for sure, but it's more important that they know you and your work well enough to write about it and that you've impressed them.