A question regarding a graduate school

[haplo]

Just a hypothetical question. If you undergrad and did the research that is published, how much does it significantly improves you chances of getting into graduate school.

 

[timur]

I think it pretty much guarantees.

 

[ice109]

I think it pretty much guarantees.

i highly doubt that. getting on a paper is not that difficult

 

[timur]

That means you are good :)

 

[ekrim]

Does it matter much if you're published in a field unrelated to your intended graduate field?

i.e. paper is on concrete creep testing, intending on doing thermal-fluids in grad school


sorry to commandeer the thread

 

[ice109]

That means you are good :)

no it means i go to a research school

 

[timur]

Ok. Going to research school makes you good in research.

 

[Laura1013]

No it does not, Timur. And it certainly does not guarantee acceptance!

Haplo and Ekrim, all research experience is beneficial for your grad school application, regardless of the area of research. If the area of research experience is the same as the area you intend to pursue, all the better, but doesn't hurt to have experience in other areas. As Ice said, it's not very difficult to get your name on a paper. If you're first author on the paper, that's a bit more impressive.

In short, I don't think there's a way to quantify how much it improves your chances of acceptance, if any. It never hurts, and it will most likely help by showing that a) you have some research experience and skills, b) you had the motivation to join and research project, and c) you possibly have some project leadership or technical writing experience.

Good luck with the application process!

 

[JasonJo]

I disagree, I think if you did a good Honors Thesis type paper, it does improve your chances at grad school, it doesn't gurantee it by any means, but it certainly helps.

 

[PhillipKP]

The problem with most publications and honors thesis is that you have to submit your application to grad school before they are published or completed. Unless you took a break between senior year and grad school.

 

[JasonJo]

The problem with most publications and honors thesis is that you have to submit your application to grad school before they are published or completed. Unless you took a break between senior year and grad school.

Good point, but the person you are doing your Honors Thesis under will usually their letters in mid to late November, by that time they should have a good idea of how you are doing in your Honors Thesis. Believe me, just because there is no immediate payoff does not mean it's beneficial. Bottom line? You are better off with some sort of research paper than without.