3 years of research without pubs?

[wontonsoup]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Will it raise any red flags if I've been involved in research for 3 years but haven't had any publications? I'm hoping to be able to present my work on a poster at a conference next year (my senior year), which will be at the beginning of my 3rd year of research. I've mostly been doing some statistical analysis and stuff but we have really nothing publishable.

 

[JustAPhD]

I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it. It happens. Most programs, if they're looking for research experience, are looking to see you develop your critical thinking skills and learn the scientific method first hand. Be sure to be able to talk intelligently about what you did in case you're asked and you'll be fine.

I don't believe the lack of publication would sink you're app at any school.

 

[efle]

3 years as in 6 semesters of like a dozen hours a week, or 3 years as in 3 years of full time employment in research? If the former, this is not that rare, especially in basic sciences it is possible for you to do everything right but not generate anything worth publishing. I would not worry at all about having only poster presentations.

It also depends what schools you are targeting/if you are aiming MD or MSTP. If you are aiming for mid level MD for example, it's really a non-issue because these schools aren't chasing research peeps, they'll care a lot more about everything else.

@Lucca

 

[Lucca]

I echo what has already been said. Definitely try to present your work somewhere. If this is for MD/PhD, try to get on an independent project where you have more autonomy and are working on producing more substantial data.

 

[JustAPhD]

3 years as in 6 semesters of like a dozen hours a week, or 3 years as in 3 years of full time employment in research? If the former, this is not that rare, especially in basic sciences it is possible for you to do everything right but not generate anything worth publishing. I would not worry at all about having only poster presentations.

It also depends what schools you are targeting/if you are aiming MD or MSTP. If you are aiming for mid level MD for example, it's really a non-issue because these schools aren't chasing research peeps, they'll care a lot more about everything else.

@Lucca

Most likely the former since OP said next year (the third year) is his senior year.