Writing Samples

[snooze]

Hi everyone,

I just recently met with one of my advisers and am having a bit of a panic attack. I'm applying to a slew of competitive programs this semester, but my writing samples are less than stellar. They are well written and creative, but the longest one is 8 pages... I know some schools just say "send us what you have"... but what if what I have is not good enough?

My options now are: beef up my 8 page paper, write a new research paper in a month, or take a year off (which I really don't want to do).

So what have you all heard about writing samples? Maybe I can submit two great shorter papers?

Help.

[Medievalmaniac]

Hi everyone,

I just recently met with one of my advisers and am having a bit of a panic attack. I'm applying to a slew of competitive programs this semester, but my writing samples are less than stellar. They are well written and creative, but the longest one is 8 pages... I know some schools just say "send us what you have"... but what if what I have is not good enough?

My options now are: beef up my 8 page paper, write a new research paper in a month, or take a year off (which I really don't want to do).

So what have you all heard about writing samples? Maybe I can submit two great shorter papers?

Help.

Don't just go by what is listed on the graduate admissions websites. Double check with the specific departments to which you are applying as to their expectations for the writing sample(s). Some departments want one, 25 (give-or-take) page sample. One of the departments I am applying to requires two critical samples, not to exceed 25 pages in length including works cited. A quick email to the graduate admissions secretary can get you an answer to this question. From there, you may well need to just bite the bullet and either expand your current paper, or write a new one that meets the page requirements.

Hope that helps!

[Ramblr]

definitely write or call to ask. i was in a similar situation until i found a decent solution, but it required more work. not ideal!

a know at least one program told me i could submit two papers...

good luck!!!