Can I get into a Ph.D. program without publications?

[marcopolo0919]

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I am a senior right now with 2 years of research experience. I presented at 2 conferences but I don't have any publications. I probably will graduate this May with a 3.6. took my first practice GRE and scored in the 150 range on the Verbal and Quantitative and I have a lot of time to study. I was thinking about applying to Ph.D. programs in school psychology and combined school psychology and clinical this fall but I am worried that because I won't have any publications by the time I apply I won't have a chance.

 

[cara susanna]

It probably depends on how research-focused the program is. I didn't have any publications and I got in, but I also applied to more balanced PhD clinical programs. I think I've read on this board, though, that it's uncommon for undergrads to have publications. Thing is you may be competing against people who did full time research jobs for 1-2 years.

 

[Sanman]

Do you have anything to lose except a few bucks in application fees and a little time if you apply now? It is the best way to find out.

 

[thebalmofhurtminds]

Are your posters relevant to what you want to study? Are you first author? Any other products?

I would also want to increase the GRE score quite a bit.

 

[AbnormalPsych]

Yes, you can.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, but it may depend (as cara susana mentioned) on how research-focused the programs are. If you apply broadly to programs that meet your interests/goals, and you do well on the GRE, I would say it's worth a shot to apply.

Anecdotal: I had 2 years of research experience with 0 posters, presentations, or pubs. I ended up getting in somewhere. This was (*cough*more than*cough*) a few years ago, but I would imagine it still happens.

 

[Mama Bear]

Pubs not necessary, but they help (I had none). Other products such as presentations help. So many schools emphasize the fit, so you would need to communicate how your experiences and interests fit with what they offer.

 

[SportsNeuroPsych]

In general, it is not a requirement but certainly would increase your chances if you did (I got into a program without any pubs). However, in the context of a strong GPA, GRE scores, interview skills, program match with your interests, and other examples of research involvement (posters, presentations, working in a lab, etc), you should be competitive.

 

[bcliff]

I had 2 when I was admitted. I spent a few years between UG and PhD working in a lab.

 

[Justanothergrad]

I am a senior right now with 2 years of research experience. I presented at 2 conferences but I don't have any publications. I probably will graduate this May with a 3.6. took my first practice GRE and scored in the 150 range on the Verbal and Quantitative and I have a lot of time to study. I was thinking about applying to Ph.D. programs in school psychology and combined school psychology and clinical this fall but I am worried that because I won't have any publications by the time I apply I won't have a chance.

Yes. Most people don't have any when they apply.

 

[Seven_Costanza]

I had just one in preparation as a 4th author and 3-4 posters when I applied and I got into a competitive clinical science program. Despite not having a pub, I still received 9 out of 13 interviews from mostly upper-tier programs. I didn't go to undergrad at a prestigious university at all but did have quality experience from labs at R01 universities, excellent letters of recommendations from my mentors, and decent (not excellent) GRE scores (I think 80th percentile in verbal and 74th% in quant). All this to say, that my background wasn't super typical of my peers, but I was still able to do it by working really hard and being deliberate in my choices. Make sure there is a good match between your research experience and the POI's work and be able to articulate how they can help you meet your goals and what you can uniquely contribute to them.

 

[psych.meout]

You need exactly 2 publications, 1 under review, 3 in prep, 2 international posters, and 3 national posters.

It's like the Konami code (R.I.P.).

 

[AbnormalPsych]

While I was in grad school we had a dude apply and interview with our lab that already had 10+ publications. He wasn't a good fit in person so he got the axe. Pubs and posters aren't everything. But they certainly can be helpful. Do what you can to get good experience.