How to explain a not-yet-published paper?

[lizphys]

So I've been doing research in star formation for about 2 years and we're going to publish a ~new theory~ soon...I'll be first author but I don't think the paper will be published by the time I apply to grad school(this fall gag)

How do I explain this? I've done all the work and the paper is for all intents and purposes done, but nothing official. I worked with a very well renowned theorist but I'm really nervous that not having any publications will seriously hurt my chances of getting into grad school. Any advice is VERY APPRECIATED!!!!

[TakeruK]

First, you don't have to have a paper published to get into grad school! Many people get into top programs without any papers. For more answers to your question, I wrote a response to your other post here: http://www.physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php ... 10#p198510