Harvard Writing Sample

[Jonhecht89]

Man, I've been posting a lot of questions on here lately.

So Harvard's gov't site requests that you do *not* submit a writing sample. I am a theorist and my writing sample is the strongest part of my application. There's still a place on the application for it, should I submit it anyway?

[kaykaykay]

seriously? What was your verbal GRE?

[Jonhecht89]

I'm not sure what this has to do with anything, but 740.

[kaykaykay]

Then you should have good reading comprehension skills!

[Jonhecht89]

Yet I can also read that the application has a space for a writing sample.

[Balatro]

From what I can gather from the program details from the admissions website, your Statement of Purpose is your writing sample.

I assume you're using the GSAS application? If so, I'd strongly suggest you follow their request or if it makes you feel more secure, email the program director and inquire about it. Often universities will ask for a writing sample to screen applicants at the university level and then the department will also screen the same writing sample or ask you to submit another piece only for them. This may be what they're doing - asking you not to submit a secondary writing sample. If it's the other way around, don't submit one and just hope your SOP knocks them out of the park.

If you decide to attach a writing sample anyway, all I can say is I hope your applications elsewhere will be more eventful.

[kaykaykay]

the application is generic: in some programs (history etc. ) you have to submit a writing sample. The request of the department is written in very plain English. As most applicants will undertand this (I guess 99%) I can see hardly any chance that anyone will look at your writing sample, as it would be unfair with the rest of the applicants. + if you send one anyway that may reveal some upsetting information about your reading skills and about how carefully you read their website (although there is a chance that noone will care).

Edited October 8, 2011 by kalapocska

[balderdash]

Actually, OP isn't as thick as some people are making him (?) out to be.

Last year, when I applied, I called the Dep't to ask if writing sample was required, and they said no. Then I called GSAS, and they said yes. I submitted an email inquiry, and eventually GSAS reconciled the two and confirmed to me that the department was correct, and none is required but it is optional.