Writing sample - reassurance?

[ridgey]

How important is it that the writing sample is in the same field one is applying to? I discovered an old essay for a class I wrote that is actually pretty good and will need just a few minor changes. C.F. the writing sample I used for my last few aplications ( :cry: ) that still has a long way to go. Now, I'll need to do some work on that anyway because eventually it will be a part of my thesis. My advisor wants to see this particular chapter soon, in fact. But I don't know if I can get it to where I'm happy with it before the applicaiton deadline tomorrow.

The thing is, this old essay is in no way related to what I'll be studying for my PhD if I get in anywhere. It shows that I have can get a pretty good handle on theory and apply it to the real world, but this topic is a lot less complex than what I will eventually study. On the other hand, the adcom, being from a different field, might not know that. It's also pretty short - 2500 words or 8 pages plus refs. The school gives no guidelines on length, and the writing sample is optional.

So my question: will using this other essay as a writing sample be OK?

[misterpat]

How important is it that the writing sample is in the same field one is applying to? I discovered an old essay for a class I wrote that is actually pretty good and will need just a few minor changes. C.F. the writing sample I used for my last few aplications ( :cry: ) that still has a long way to go. Now, I'll need to do some work on that anyway because eventually it will be a part of my thesis. My advisor wants to see this particular chapter soon, in fact. But I don't know if I can get it to where I'm happy with it before the applicaiton deadline tomorrow.

The thing is, this old essay is in no way related to what I'll be studying for my PhD if I get in anywhere. It shows that I have can get a pretty good handle on theory and apply it to the real world, but this topic is a lot less complex than what I will eventually study. On the other hand, the adcom, being from a different field, might not know that. It's also pretty short - 2500 words or 8 pages plus refs. The school gives no guidelines on length, and the writing sample is optional.

So my question: will using this other essay as a writing sample be OK?

First, we don't know your discipline.

Second, 8 pages is pretty short for a writing sample. But if its optional, who knows.

You can usually use a paper from a related discipline (e.g. history paper for sociology or poli sci), though a paper in your own discipline is usually best.

[lauras]

Maybe you should call the department and ask.

I know everyone is afraid to "bother" the admissions offices, but the 2 or 3 interactions I've had with schools over questions like this have been very friendly and helpful.

Or if you're really paranoid about getting a bad rep, use a fake name and disguise your voice. :idea:

[ridgey]

First, we don't know your discipline.

Second, 8 pages is pretty short for a writing sample. But if its optional, who knows.

You can usually use a paper from a related discipline (e.g. history paper for sociology or poli sci), though a paper in your own discipline is usually best.

My discipline is health policy. The essay is a critique of a particular theory in international development.

I guess my question really is: Which is better (or less bad)? A very well written (imho), somewhat short sample from the wrong discipline? Or a reasonably-though-not-brilliantly written, longer, not quite polished, sample from the same discipline?

[ridgey]

Maybe you should call the department and ask.

I know everyone is afraid to "bother" the admissions offices, but the 2 or 3 interactions I've had with schools over questions like this have been very friendly and helpful.

Or if you're really paranoid about getting a bad rep, use a fake name and disguise your voice. :idea:

I like the fake name/ fake voice idea!

I don't know that I want to call the department on the day of the deadline and ask what they require/expect. It gives the impression that I'm a disorganised person. Which is absolutely the case, but probably better if they don't know that!