Writing Sample: Need to cut or send it whole

[mutualist007]

I've seen some non-Grad and Grad school applications that ask for 5 pages or less, and some that ask for a narrative.

The ones I'm working on now do not specify a length. Can I send something that is over 20 pages long and expect it to be read?

If the writing sample is for a Master program, should I submit "original research" that I planned and executed, or is "review research" acceptable?

My original research (more forensics and primatology based) does not specifically match my new research goals.

The review research synthesizes material from bioarch, archaeology and ethnohistory, and is more attenuated to my current research goals.

All recommendations are appreciated.

[IrishScientist]

I've seen some non-Grad and Grad school applications that ask for 5 pages or less, and some that ask for a narrative.

The ones I'm working on now do not specify a length. Can I send something that is over 20 pages long and expect it to be read?

If the writing sample is for a Master program, should I submit "original research" that I planned and executed, or is "review research" acceptable?

My original research (more forensics and primatology based) does not specifically match my new research goals.

The review research synthesizes material from bioarch, archaeology and ethnohistory, and is more attenuated to my current research goals.

All recommendations are appreciated.

I sent a five thousand word essay as a writing sample. I formatted narrow margines, made the page format twin columned like an article and I used a small font. It fitted on five pages total and I didn't get any complaints. I know this is a bit pushy, but this essay was an expanded research proposal and I needed to get it to their desks...

If you want to send them your whole essay I recommend this method!!!

[space-cat]

I've seen some non-Grad and Grad school applications that ask for 5 pages or less, and some that ask for a narrative.

The ones I'm working on now do not specify a length. Can I send something that is over 20 pages long and expect it to be read?

If the writing sample is for a Master program, should I submit "original research" that I planned and executed, or is "review research" acceptable?

My original research (more forensics and primatology based) does not specifically match my new research goals.

The review research synthesizes material from bioarch, archaeology and ethnohistory, and is more attenuated to my current research goals.

All recommendations are appreciated.

If the length isn't specified, then I wouldn't send a sample longer than 25 pages (which is the most generous page limit I remember seeing). Alternatively, some schools recommend that you indicate which sections of a longer writing sample should be given the most attentive consideration, so annotating or marking up your sample in that way might be a good idea if you're worried they won't make it through the whole thing!

[mutualist007]

I sent a five thousand word essay as a writing sample. I formatted narrow margines, made the page format twin columned like an article and I used a small font. It fitted on five pages total and I didn't get any complaints. I know this is a bit pushy, but this essay was an expanded research proposal and I needed to get it to their desks...

If you want to send them your whole essay I recommend this method!!!

Do you recommend using a template for that, or do it manually? I'm using Linux w/ OpenOffice but it reads word files if links are out and about.

Thanks!

[IrishScientist]

Do you recommend using a template for that, or do it manually? I'm using Linux w/ OpenOffice but it reads word files if links are out and about.

Thanks!

I just did it manually adjusting the margins and column settings on MIcrosoft Word. I don't know about open office I'm afraid.

[mutualist007]

If the length isn't specified, then I wouldn't send a sample longer than 25 pages (which is the most generous page limit I remember seeing). Alternatively, some schools recommend that you indicate which sections of a longer writing sample should be given the most attentive consideration, so annotating or marking up your sample in that way might be a good idea if you're worried they won't make it through the whole thing!

Thanks for the reply. Nice profile pic

[mutualist007]

I sent a five thousand word essay as a writing sample. I formatted narrow margines, made the page format twin columned like an article and I used a small font. It fitted on five pages total and I didn't get any complaints. I know this is a bit pushy, but this essay was an expanded research proposal and I needed to get it to their desks...

If you want to send them your whole essay I recommend this method!!!

I don't mean to be skeptical but why do you recommend this method? Just hazarding a guess, maybe it fits into less pages, reads more like an article, and maybe look more polished?

Thanks btw

[anonthropology]

I had the same debate between original research on a past interest, or review research in-line with my new interests. I decided to go with the writing sample that reflected the project I outlined in my statement of purpose, which as it turned out was not a chapter from my MA thesis, as I'd originally planned on submitting, but a paper I wrote along the way that kind of pushed me into my new topic. I'm not sure that's always the best strategy--I certainly got my fair share of rejections--but I also got into some programs that were very closely matched to these new interests, so I'm glad I decided to use the more topically relevant writing sample. I think the primary purpose of the writing sample is to see your skills in constructing and communicating an argument--and even a piece based on previous research interests can accomplish that, but I figured that if you can ALSO show your depth of thought and interest in your current proposed topic that might be an extra edge given how heavily departments seem to weigh "fit" in their admission decisions.

Good luck!

Edited to add: I'm in cultural anthro, fyi, and I don't know if the situation differs between subfields.

I've seen some non-Grad and Grad school applications that ask for 5 pages or less, and some that ask for a narrative.

The ones I'm working on now do not specify a length. Can I send something that is over 20 pages long and expect it to be read?

If the writing sample is for a Master program, should I submit "original research" that I planned and executed, or is "review research" acceptable?

My original research (more forensics and primatology based) does not specifically match my new research goals.

The review research synthesizes material from bioarch, archaeology and ethnohistory, and is more attenuated to my current research goals.

All recommendations are appreciated.

Edited March 14, 2011 by anonthropology

[mutualist007]

I had the same debate between original research on a past interest, or review research in-line with my new interests. I decided to go with the writing sample that reflected the project I outlined in my statement of purpose, which as it turned out was not a chapter from my MA thesis, as I'd originally planned on submitting, but a paper I wrote along the way that kind of pushed me into my new topic. I'm not sure that's always the best strategy--I certainly got my fair share of rejections--but I also got into some programs that were very closely matched to these new interests, so I'm glad I decided to use the more topically relevant writing sample. I think the primary purpose of the writing sample is to see your skills in constructing and communicating an argument--and even a piece based on previous research interests can accomplish that, but I figured that if you can ALSO show your depth of thought and interest in your current proposed topic that might be an extra edge given how heavily departments seem to weigh "fit" in their admission decisions.

Good luck!

Edited to add: I'm in cultural anthro, fyi, and I don't know if the situation differs between subfields.

Thank you! Just what I was looking for! I'm down to my last hopes and terminal masters proving grounds route.