_DesignHistory

Bronte1985's is spot on. Only, I would echo the need to reconnect with recommenders - if you are still near them, there is a chance they might have an opportunity for you to participate in a project, which would build your CV. Likewise, I would look at volunteer opportunities at a local museum or school. Again, as Bronte notes, this is not going to be a determining factor in your acceptance, unlike a strong SOP and WS, but joining in the community in such a way would provide you with "real life" environments (although, don't bank on getting paid) and showcase your enthusiasm in contributing to the community in which your field is apart of.

@Banzailizard Have you considered the length requirements the program gives for the writing sample? Although I could be applying for a doctorate in a completely different field, most programs that I have considered require samples to be no longer than 25 pages. In my research on the stylistic preferences regarding writing samples, I have found one thing is for certain: do not go over the page limit. Otherwise, its important to remember that a writing sample should primarily showcase your writing and research capabilities & (most likely) you are not expected to reinvent the wheel. As long as there are a healthy mix of sources & an articulated thesis you should be fine. Additionally, it's important to frame the paper in such a way that it engages with current discourses. That way it doesn't appear as if it is in a vacuum. If this was a paper in response to a class assignment, the readers have no idea of this, so to help them better understand your intent, you might as well state what the paper was a response to. If the lack of primary sources is still of concern, I would voice in your SOP your desire to engage with primary sources more intimately. (Just a thought! Best of luck!)

I would refer to this text: https://geraldgraff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/CluelessinAcademe_compressed.pdf - the chapter "The Application Guessing Game." What the most important thing to remember is not to write the scope of the piece into a vacuum. They want to see that you know how to write, research - i.e. engage in discourse within the humanities. So, the most important thing is that it is well-written, and well researched. If it is outside of the sub-field in which you are applying to study - from what I have seen that should be fine!

So - a few questions regarding the writing sample: should I include an abstract? Currently I am using APA style, with end notes -- keep?