Are publications necessary for acceptance?

[gonl]

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I have been working as a research assistant full time for about 2 years since graduating from undergrad. I'm planning to apply to clinical psychology programs this year, to begin in 2014. My goal is to work in research or a combination of research/clinical work at an academic medical center.

My problem is that my name is currently not on any publications. This is not because I haven't tried, but because my supervisors haven't been moving forward with any of the papers I have worked on, including one that was my own project using their data (I have tried bringing up this issue several times with no success; have been told it is "on their list of things to do" but it has been a year since I submitted a draft to them). I have 2 first-author posters accepted for presentation at national conferences. Is this sufficient experience to be competitive for PhD programs, or is it necessary to have publications in today's competitive environment?

My second question is, how closely do the areas that my research experience is in need to match with the professors I am applying to work with? Do I need to match for age group + disease process or is just one of these sufficient to be a good match?

 

[syzergy]

Ugh I just wrote out a long, detailed response but hit the wrong key and lost it all.

Spark notes:

1. Publications are a perk, not a necessity.
2. However, program type is a factor. R1 top clinical science programs will probably have more applicants with publications. Mid-tier, balanced programs less likely.
3. First-author posters are great. Two years full-time experience fantastic. You should be able to speak intelligently and confidently about the projects.
4. Match depends on professor preference. Some are more flexible, others less. I wasn't a perfect exact match but it was within the same realm and I was able to demonstrate my excitement/interest in the topic.

Stupid computer.

 

[neuronic]

3. First-author posters are great. Two years full-time experience fantastic. You should be able to speak intelligently and confidently about the projects.

Being able to understand the research projects you are on is the most important thing. You would not believe how many applicants have their names on abstracts/pubs, yet when you ask them about them, they give you blank stares.