Does a publication help? ideas?...

[under taker]

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If it wasnt already obviously known....

I was just in contact with BU and a few other dental schools (i say BU cuz i know lots of people apply there) and i was given the obvious vibe and emphasis on research. All the dental schools after i told them i had a publication in cancer research seemed to glance over my 3.0 GPA (which is what i told them i had, im thinking of next year and if i get a 3.6 GPA ill go up to a 3.02GPA). Does anyone know, in more detail, how `good` it looks to have a publication?
(3.0 GPA, 21DAT, good ECs, volunteering, research, ppublication, and INTERNATIONAL)

Thanks y'all

 

[theleatherwalle]

Well I'll address a few points

1: DAT is awesome
2: GPA is low, but an upward tend is always a good thing
3: The publication is a talking point, but I doubt it will be that helpful at the interview.
4: Since you are an international you are going to have a tougher time getting into school so be prepared to apply broadly.

 

[periopocket]

Publication will help! A 4.0 GPA this next year will help more though!

 

[iphone1234]

I know someone with a 3.3 and publication and 23 DAT that got into Columbia

 

[doc toothache]

It would help more if you applied for grad school.

 

[diasIItema]

I know someone with a 3.3 and publication and 23 DAT that got into Columbia

All Columbia cares about is the DAT. 21 isn't good enough with that GPA.

To the OP, show a strong upward trend in your GPA, keep your DAT, and be involved in service/shadowing/EC/leadership. A well-rounded student is simply the best applicant, no two ways about it.

 

[under taker]

So should i work to publish another paper or not? How useful is it?

 

[Stacker]

So should i work to publish another paper or not? How useful is it?

Don't do it just because you think it could buff up your application. Do it regardless. If you're going to be that nit-picky about what is worthwhile, what about considering whether you'll be first, second, third or even 10th author. Albeit, any authorship is excellent for an undergrad.
You should be able to get a >3.8 with a decent load of courses as well as complete the research.

 

[periopocket]

By all means pursue an additional publication, It may help you get into a good masters program, make sure you get ready to apply for Masters Programs It will give you a serious leg up! GL

 

[UCLAzy]

if i were you, i'd accept nothing less than contributing author.

while you're at it, try to be the last author. it's the best, and i heard its really easy to get grant money from NIH these days.

or you could go for the trifecta: first author, last author AND contributing author. published in Nature.