Do Publications Help Applications If Not Related To Your Field?

[omoplata]

I applied this year and got some interviews for some biomed programs. In truth though, I have wanted to get into earth systems science/geobiology/biological oceanography for some time. I've taken some evolution/conservation biology courses, but my undergrad coursework does not fulfill the supposed chemistry and geophysical requirements of many earth sciences programs. Additionally, my research background is mostly biomed as well because of the opportunities available to me. This interest developed as I took those evo/conservation bio courses, and my undergrad institution did not have much in the way of geobiological research. 

 

Here's the thing -- by a stroke of luck, I've gotten some interviews for programs I like (already accepted into one) which, while biomed in name, would allow me to work with PI's doing geobiological work. After talking to my current boss though (tech'ing at a lab currently), he is advising me that those programs I've gotten interviewed from do not carry enough prestige to help me get good post-docs afterward, that I should ditch the acceptances I have or will get, stay an extra year in his lab, and reapply next year. He says that the publications I'll presumably finish this year (I have three in the works), will allow me to get into better programs with a specific geobiological/earth systems focus. Thing is, these publications will still have nothing to do with the earth sciences. He says that that will not matter, and that the number of publications will impress any sort of program. 

 

I am very uncertain about his advice. Would these publications help a future application in a different field? I can't help but feel that an extra year in his lab would not help me make up my missing earth sci coursework, give me any better shot at a geobiological program. Also not sure about delaying an extra year when I already have some programs that I like. What is y'all's take on this? 

 

[omoplata]

Hmm, maybe I posted to wrong section?

[zupgiusto]

I'm surprised no one has chimed in yet! I don't really have advice that will carry much weight, but have you considered trying to defer your acceptance(s) by saying you have some kind of work/research opportunity? Each school has its own policies around this, but it's worth looking into. 

[jujubea]

This topic has been written on on this forum already - within the past few months even. That might be why no one's answering - because many of us already have (lots of people do this don't worry; the search function stinks anyway).

 

My two cents: I was told by one school that one of the reasons they liked me (and ultimately accepted me) was because of a piece I had published last year, that is not even related to the major... perhaps only mildly tangentially, in the same way studying dogs is like studying cats: sure they're totally different creature, but they are both animals and domesticated pets...

 

I think that a publication shows you have writing and thinking skills which are acknowledged/recognized by an entity outside of yourself and the school.

Edited February 6, 2015 by jujubea

[geographyrocks]

One thing to note is that the biomed field and the biogeo field are two very different animals.  From what I gather, biomed is very competitive and popular so choice of school really matters.  The name of the school matters a lot less in geosciences.  What matters is what your adviser is doing, what you will be doing, and how you will be prepared when you graduate. 

 

As for publications, they always help.  However, if you are accepted into a program that you like with an adviser who is relevant in the field, I would take it over waiting a year.