I just got news that I'm being published for the first time... Should I update schools who haven't responded to my app yet?

[caltecher]

I got an email a day or two ago that my paper has finally gone through all revisions and has been accepted for publication in Angew. Chem. It will be my first publication, and I'm only 3rd author, but it's some (I think) really cool, and possibly important research. (The journal said they ask the top 10% of submissions to submit a figure for the cover, and asked my team to, so maybe it's not just me?) I'm applying to MechE MS/PhD programs, and yes, this is a completely different field than I'm published in, but it's related to my end-goal for research (solar energy wooooo). I'm an Environmental Science and Engineering major now for undergrad.

 

The question is, should I try to update my schools? I haven't heard back from 2 of 3 (from the search results, nobody else has heard back from these programs yet either). But, given that it's mid-March I'm guessing (hoping?) that I'll hear back from them probably some time this week. Is it worth it? I didn't mention the possible publication at the time of application because it wasn't a sure thing that it would even get submitted yet.

 

It would almost make more sense to wait until the article comes out so I can just link to that, but I don't really know when that will be.

 

What should I do?

[brown_eyed_girl]

Some programs have apps that allow you to upload updates/supplementary materials after submission. Is that true of these programs? If so, I think it would be appropriate to upload an abstract of the article and its slated date of publication. If you've been in regular contact with POIs it may also be appropriate to mention if you can sneak it into the conversation somehow. Otherwise I'm not sure how you would do it without it seeming like a last plea, and I doubt that at this stage it would be a deciding factor in your admission.  

[caltecher]

These programs don't have built-in updates. I was in regular contact with one of the POIs (he's teaching a class I took this quarter) but classes just ended and he was out of the country for our final presentations, the day after I got news. Seems like I'll just let it be. Too little too late.

[DTY]

I would - I updated my schools when I got CLS, and two emails responded with a status update - one admission (YAY) and one very nicely worded rejection, and two others just responded with a thank you and a note they would update my application.