First Authored Publications?

[jellybean13]

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How much do first authored publications and/or posters or presentations at international conferences really help your application?

 

[aSagacious]

Is your 'publication' in a peer-reviewed journal or simply the conference proceedings? There's a significant difference. In any event, a presentation at a conference will help your application a fair amount.

 

[0919mmk]

How much do first authored publications and/or posters or presentations at international conferences really help your application?

Yeah, I would say a first author in a journal will be a pretty big brownie point, conference somewhat less so. Either way though, def won't hurt. Having said that, I didn't get asked about my pubs in any interviews, so it's not a huge thing.

 

[0919mmk]

Is your 'publication' in a peer-reviewed journal or simply the conference proceedings? There's a significant difference. In any event, a presentation at a conference will help your application a fair amount.

lol, doubty mcdoubty-pants

 

[jellybean13]

Is your 'publication' in a peer-reviewed journal or simply the conference proceedings? There's a significant difference. In any event, a presentation at a conference will help your application a fair amount.

I am not in undergrad, I graduated awhile ago and have been working in clinical research, so I have two first authored publications in peer reviewed journals, second author on a few, a few abstracts and one presentation at an international conference in April.

I know that research is always good to have on your application, I am just wondering how it will really effect my application.

 

[0919mmk]

I am not in undergrad, I graduated awhile ago and have been working in clinical research, so I have two first authored publications in peer reviewed journals, second author on a few, a few abstracts and one presentation at an international conference in April.

I know that research is always good to have on your application, I am just wondering how it will really effect my application.

Oh yeah, this is pretty significant. If you end up applying to research-heavy schools, is could get your foot in the door, assuming the rest of your app is in order.

 

[jellybean13]

Oh yeah, this is pretty significant. If you end up applying to research-heavy schools, is could get your foot in the door, assuming the rest of your app is in order.

GPA = Less than stellar, but I am hoping my research experience and a high MCAT will help to make up for it.

 

[aSagacious]

I know that research is always good to have on your application, I am just wondering how it will really effect my application.

From what I've been told, publications (for the sake of admissions) simply serve to validate the idea that you were contributing intellectually to your study rather than just doing the grunt work. A single publication (even as a co-author) would suffice in this regard, the fact that you have a few is gravy. In my opinion the difference between someone with one pub and someone with 3 pubs is much less than that between someone with one pub and someone with 0 pubs.

 

[tiedyeddog]

GPA = Less than stellar, but I am hoping my research experience and a high MCAT will help to make up for it.

Yeah, I think this will help you out significantly. The hard part might be getting an interview. After that, you can chalk up your pubs, especially at research-focused schools.

I mean, it won't overcome a 3.3 GPA. But it will really enhance your E.C.s.