voltimand

For example, do I include my name and school on the cover page? Should my last name accompany the page numbers? The cover page of my writing sample, for instance, looks like (it's all center-aligned, but not in this representation): Title of essay here (bottom of page) Word count: Presented by: me University name here Date of composition: August of 2013 The reasons I ask this is because I don't know if the writing samples are read "blindly" (i.e., if the readers are supposed to know the writer's name). I understand there's a writing sample forum elsewhere, but I don't know if things are done in a distinct way for philosophy students.

Thank you :)

Thanks very much for the replies! Really appreciated 'em. One thing I didn't anticipate until recently was just how the preparation of applications would work against my peace of mind and would really make me anxious. Knowing now that I can get over with it sooner than later has helped tremendously. Thanks!

Hi, I am applying to grad schools at the end of the year and am curious when it is most advisable to apply. Some places -- such as Chicago and Stanford -- place their application deadline in the beginning of December. (I recognize that they haven't posted their deadlines for this year, but let's assume that they are in this same time-frame for the upcoming admissions period). Some other places -- such as Oxford and Brown -- place their application deadline in the beginning of January. For me, at least, I can submit my Fall 2013 semester grades (which would mean I'd have, in my application, grades for every semester but my last) to Brown and Oxford, but not Chicago and Stanford, since I generally only receive grades for the fall semesters in early January. Now, I am interested in whether it makes a notable difference in one's application, if one has included the fall semester grades too. The problem is that for, say, Oxford, I believe I could submit an application with my Fall 2013 semester grades.... but, I'd be really pushing it. The deadline for the upcoming application period at Oxford is January 10th (you can check the website!), and while I'd have my Fall 2013 semester grades by then, I'd be really pushing it. The thing is that I would really get a lot of peace of mind from completing all my applications before Christmas, and would like to ring in the New Year's in ways other than being anxious about applications. Perhaps now you can see the concern I am having: if I opt to get some peace of mind and complete applications early (without my Fall 2013 semester grades -- for my application anywhere), do I suffer some disadvantage in my application? Note as well that Oxford is my dream school and I'd be disappointed if my decision really hurt me! Thanks a lot.

Ok, thanks a lot. That was a really good response I appreciate it. I intend on giving it my all, I just doubt my ability to write a sufficiently good sample.

Hey, guys. This is my first time posting. Sorry if I am not posting in the right area. I will be applying to grad schools next year, and I am reading through this thread to get a good grip on what I'll be going through. I am currently an undergrad in Canada. My dream is to go to Oxford. Currently, I have a 3.89 GPA and expect to keep it exactly where it is. Assuming I do so, and also assuming I produce a writing sample that is good (let's say, it isn't stand-out but it isn't deficient) -- what do you think my chances are? I am very anxious. Thanks!