Writing sample examples?

[socratesfan]

I have been working on getting my writing sample up to standard to apply to grad programs in the next month. I am hoping some folks would be willing to share their writing samples. I am wondering what quality of essay is typically expected. 

 

Edited November 15, 2021 by socratesfan

[you'll_never_get_to_heaven]

http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1011404/28477892/1635443782310/Tips+for+applying+to+PhD+Programs+in+Philosophy2.pdf?token=DbN71X3m2lBFlti4y2w3rbeCk6o%3D&fbclid=IwAR1XICCU1jbqZFY9QU0DrPI4ixn1liTvIA30esfD-V-fvglX16H46rlsHIs

Two of my profs said that most of what is said here is true.

Personally, I can't share my writing sample. One, because I'm still working on it. Two, because I'd like to work on presenting it and trying to publish it and I don't want my draft circulating. Or, frankly, given how the internet and PhD applications can go - I don't want someone stealing my work! (No offense).

What I can say is that my first writing sample for M.A. and PhD applications didn't do me too well, because it was an attempt to excerpt a sample out of a massive honors thesis. So, don't do that. The writing sample should be more than just a good term paper. But, of course, you could develop a term paper, become more familiar with the topic it is on, etc. It also never hurts to email the person whose chairing admissions for this year.