Anyone use an undergrad capstone as research experience?

The grad programs I am interested in are fairly competitive, as I'm seeking funding. I believe I will be a good candidate in every way, except I lack relevant research experience. I have the option of doing a capstone research project/paper and I have, what I think is a good idea/theory I'd like to research.

Has anyone been successful getting accepted into a traditional, funded PhD program using something like that as their sole research experience?

 

That's an interesting question. My capstone totaled out at 33 pages and over 8500 words and I received an A on it. It would be nice to put it to good use for entry into a program. I'm really not sure if I've ever seen this question asked before.

I imagine your best bet would be to contact the school and see if they would be willing to use the capstone for your writing sample. Good luck!

 

Any type of research done looks good on an application for a PhD program, especially if you published your results somewhere.

I was accepted into a traditional PhD program with zero research experience, and I was fully funded.

The key is finding a faculty member who would want to work with you. Look at department websites and read the faculty bios. Find someone who is doing research in your area of interest, and contact them directly. Let them know your strong interest in the subject. Funding ultimately comes from them, not the department.

 

Thank you for the input, Edowave, that is hopeful. I hadn't seen the question either so I figured I'd throw it out there.