Writing sample question - write new paper?

[CageFree]

Have any of you considered writing an entirely new paper for the writing sample?

I wrote a thesis on Late Antiquity back in 2000. I think I've grown as a writer and thinker since then, and I don't think that thesis represents what I am capable of doing now.

I am switching to an entirely new field in which I have no coursework (and therefore no papers), even though I have a lot of knowledge. I also have been completely out of practice since then.

Would it be best to just really polish my old thesis (which is longer than most samples anyway), or to write a new research paper (not a thesis, something I would have done for a class, maybe) in my new field? The sample is very important in my situation.

Thanks!

[goldielocks]

My gut instinct is to go with polishing up a piece of the thesis, because new projects are always much more work than we think, and you'll have enough other application details to worry about.

[sandyvanb]

I agree with Goldielocks, plus it has already been vetted by your committee. I would spend time polishing/rewriting a chapter.

[theregalrenegade]

I thought about this as well when I was applying for my MA. It had been 10 years since I'd finished my BA and I could only find a few decent papers that I had saved (I never thought I'd go to grad school back then!). I knew I had grown as a writer (even if my experience consisted of mostly fiction writing and blogging) and wanted to showcase my skill and maturity. I ended up taking a paper from a junior level medieval course about Joinville's historical account of King Louis and reworking it. I did more research, added some works to the bibliography, and just made it into something more substantial than it had previously been. I'm glad I started with something I'd already done because it provided a base structure. Starting from scratch, as the other posters mentioned, would have been too time consuming at an already stressful time. Since the field/topic is different than where you're interests lie (mine was too), just try to showcase your writing, analysis, and critical thinking skills. You'll have a great sample in no time!

[Henry Hudson]

I agree with the others.

you'll be more solid polishing and adding onto a chapter already vetted than starting anew.

[oryantin]

I'd support the opposite of what other posts were talking about. I also did not trust my previous papers and started writing a new one instead of polishing the old ones. Like you, I too thought that I have grown academically. I am about to finish this one and will have much time to polish it. Think well!

[runonsentence]

I also think you should work on revising (even rewriting) an old paper, rather than write anew. However, if you do decide to write a new paper, I think it's key that you have someone (a professor) read through the new paper and give you feedback for revision.

[PastHistory]

I agree that it would be better to polish the old paper. Read through it with a (very) critical eye and identify where you think you can strengthen the research. Try to find new information to fill the gaps and then work on adjusting the writing style. You will save yourself infinite headaches by focusing on a topic you already know and improving your existing thesis rather than attempting to create a new sample from nothing.

[CageFree]

I agree that it would be better to polish the old paper. Read through it with a (very) critical eye and identify where you think you can strengthen the research. Try to find new information to fill the gaps and then work on adjusting the writing style. You will save yourself infinite headaches by focusing on a topic you already know and improving your existing thesis rather than attempting to create a new sample from nothing.

I have been completely out of the loop for 11 years, and have since then taught other (unrelated) subjects. Let's just say that in rereading the thesis, some things I do remember but a lot is... practically new information. I don't feel very comfortable with the topic anymore.

I did look through my old essays and found two, a book review and comparison to a textbook, and an analysis of a primary source, that look very strong. Together, the samples are about 13 pages. I got an A and an A+ on each.. 12 years ago. Those would be easier to fix I think because they are shorter, and I have feedback specifically from the professors on each one. Would that be a better thing to send, since I'm more confident in those two?

[Sigaba]

Have any of you considered writing an entirely new paper for the writing sample?

I wrote a thesis on Late Antiquity back in 2000. I think I've grown as a writer and thinker since then, and I don't think that thesis represents what I am capable of doing now.

I am switching to an entirely new field in which I have no coursework (and therefore no papers), even though I have a lot of knowledge. I also have been completely out of practice since then.

Would it be best to just really polish my old thesis (which is longer than most samples anyway), or to write a new research paper (not a thesis, something I would have done for a class, maybe) in my new field? The sample is very important in my situation.

Thanks!

T4PHD--

Consider your intended audience as you figure out your answer. As you are changing your field of study from late antiquity to Latin America, you need to balance the advantages of revising your existing writing sample with the disadvantage of that work being read by a Latin Americanist who may not have the background nor the interest to appreciate the sample's historiographical validity. On the other hand, if you write a new sample and place it in the historiography of your intended field, you may need the touch that only can be provided by more experienced hands.

I have two recommendations to help you make a decision. First, do some research on the historians you would work with most closely at your preferred institutions. Find out how connected or disconnected they are to the broader issues confronting academic historians today. If they are disconnected from these issues and are narrowly focused on Latin American history, you may be better off writing a new essay. If they are connected to the broader issues, you may be better off revising your essay in which it touches on those broader issues.

Second, start the process of finding experienced hands who can give you good feedback if you write a new sample. You could ask Latin Americanists at universities in your area and/or you can find graduate students who are preparing dissertations in the field. As you perform this search, figure out how to answer the question "Why should I help you?" in case you are asked.

HTH

[CageFree]

Sigaba-

That's exactly where I am stuck. The readers will have no knowledge of the historiography of my old field, and I want to show that I have at least some knowledge of this new field. I have a month to put something together... no one says it has to be a brilliant thesis, just a solid paper that shows that I have background in the field, know how to do research, and can write. My thesis is not at all broad - it is VERY narrow, a case study on hagiography for a specific saint, though placed in the context of the relationship between religion and secular authority during the time period. It's about as far removed from my current interests as I can think of.

One advantage I do have is that I have a history PhD who works in my department at school and teaches History of the Americas - he already told me he would be willing to read and help me out.

Perhaps I could send two documents (smaller than the total sample). One that showcases my knowledge in my own field, and one that more accurately reflects what I'm interested now.

It's a very tough decision. I don't know how else I can show that I do have background in my new field, even if I don't have the coursework for it.