Sample Paper in AOS

[UndergradDad]

Does your sample paper (especially one written in an MA program) lock you into that AOS once you enter a Phd program? Is it considered a “breach of etiquette” so to speak to change interests once you are in the program?

[Marcus_Aurelius]

No, programs expect people to change their interests, and anything is fair game. In my experience, no one remembers one's statement of purpose much, and goes both ways on the sample. 

[maxhgns]

Not at all. People decide to pursue something else all the time!

(Ideally, your sample paper will reflect what you currently think your interests are. But you aren't locked in to those interests at all--except insofar as you might get stuck in a program that can't adequately support your new interest, anyway.)

[UndergradDad]

Great, good to hear that! Thank you both!