How big of a deal is getting a paper published as an undergrad?

  • Thread starter Thread starter thebuttonfreak
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Paper Undergrad
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the significance of undergraduate students getting research papers published, specifically in the context of applying to graduate programs. Participants explore the implications of having a publication on one's academic record and how it may influence admissions decisions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions having submitted a paper to Physics Letters A in the field of supersymmetric quantum mechanics and seeks opinions on its importance for graduate applications.
  • Another participant suggests that having a publication is beneficial as it demonstrates quality research experience, which is valued by graduate programs, though it may not be essential.
  • There is a note that the significance of the publication may increase once it is officially accepted by the journal.
  • Some participants agree that including the publication on a resume is advisable and that it can enhance the applicant's profile.
  • One participant expresses concern about how to present the publication in light of previous poor math grades, indicating a desire for guidance on its impact.
  • Another participant emphasizes that getting published is a significant achievement for both undergraduates and PhD candidates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that having a publication is advantageous for undergraduate students, but there is no consensus on how essential it is compared to other factors like grades. The discussion reflects varying opinions on the best way to leverage the publication in applications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the impact of prior academic performance on the significance of the publication. There are also unresolved questions about how to effectively communicate the publication's importance in applications.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students considering graduate school, particularly those involved in research or looking to enhance their applications.

thebuttonfreak
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
I have submitted a publication to
physics Letters A in the field of supersymmetric quantum mechanics (SUSYQM)

my teacher says this is a pretty big deal but would like to hear some others opinion. I will obviously mention this when I apply but is it THAT big of a deal? Should I make a big deal about it when I apply? How much will it help me? I have some dumpy math grades from my sophomore year so I am worried about getting into a good school. What should I make of it?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I am only an undergrad myself, but by what I have heard, having a publication on your record is very beneficial since it shows that you have had quality research experience. This is important to graduate programs since they expect their graduate students to be active researchers. It will definitely look great on your resume, but (by my limited experience) it is not anywhere near essential.
 
Obviously it will be a bigger deal if and when Phys Lett A actually accepts the paper for publication. :wink:
 
well one ref has already approved it! so one more to go.
 
saying that it is, how should I use it? WIll it speak for itself? How should I handle it? I am trying to get a feel for what position this puts me in, I am very concerned about some very bad math grades in my soph. year.



jtbell said:
Obviously it will be a bigger deal if and when Phys Lett A actually accepts the paper for publication. :wink:
 
thebuttonfreak said:
saying that it is, how should I use it?

Plop it on your resume.
 
yeah, it'll look really good if/when it's published.
 
I think I'd like to add that getting a paper published is a big deal for undergrads and PhD's alike.:smile:
 
I think I got it, plop it om there, let it do the talking.
 

Similar threads

Other Name omitted from Professor's research paper- What should I do?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
Journal selection advice for publishing my papers
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Senior student publishing a first paper
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Other Is it common to change the title of a paper after a major revision?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs What graduate major deals the most with radiometry?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions GRE for USA PhDs? (and a couple more questions)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Admissions Will poor grades later in my degree affect my chances of doing a PhD?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Other Is this a conflict of interest? (reviewing an article)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Admissions Profile evaluation for astronomy Phd applicant in the fall 2023 cycle
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Admissions Should I submit 860 PGRE?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K