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Listing "in preparation" papers

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:29 pm
by sterculus
In addition to the two papers listed on my profile (in the 2009 thread) I'm currently working on two more first author publications that unfortunately won't be submitted for another 1-3 months. I already have some sections written, but we're still working on the analysis for a part or two on each. Do you guys think it's ok to list them on my CV/applications as "in preparation, estimated submission (whenever)", or is that frowned upon by admissions committees?

Re: Listing "in preparation" papers

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:53 pm
by twistor
Yes.

Re: Listing "in preparation" papers

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:54 pm
by admissionprof
That's perfectly ok. If you know what journal it will be submitted to, you can also list that. Make sure to list co-authors.

Re: Listing "in preparation" papers

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:41 pm
by SamBam77
This is something I was wondering about as well since I have several papers which are on the brink of submission but are not quite there yet (they are already written but I am not in control of when to submit).

I was reluctant to list them since merely having papers “in preparation” does not really say that much. Anyone could write a paper, it is getting it accepted for publication which is the big accomplishment.

But at the undergraduate level, having publications to show that your research is actually making progress on important topics is a major plus. So, personally, I draw the line at the submission stage for listing papers on my CV (although I would very briefly mention papers which are in the advanced ‘in-preparation’ stage in my personal statement); it shows that you are getting results and following the proper steps in the research process even if you are not fortunate enough to have something actually published.

But then again, admissionprof’s comment would seem to indicate my reasoning is a bit too restrictive.

Re: Listing "in preparation" papers

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:48 pm
by tmc
Ultimately, you want to list as much stuff that will make you look good, as long as you're honest about everything and not misleading them.

Re: Listing "in preparation" papers

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:49 pm
by stardust
The professors due that on their grant updates to the grant agencies all the time, i.e.
say a paper is in preparation. If they can do it, so can we.

Re: Listing "in preparation" papers

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:17 am
by sterculus
Thanks for the responses everybody. I figured that it would probably be fine, but wanted to make sure I wasn't committing some sort of application faux pas.