Writing Sample: Paper or Proposal?

[Janacek]

I wanted to have the first chapter of my undergraduate honors thesis in good enough condition to be sent out with my application but that doesn't seem to be the case. However, I have a thesis proposal that meets writing sample length requirements (15-20 pages) and has been thoroughly edited and reviewed by my faculty advisor. Would a thesis proposal be an acceptable example of a writing sample? It relates to my intended field of study and contains a literature review, methodology, and chapter outlines. The graduate admissions website (University of Washington) isn't terribly specific about what *type* of writing the writing sample should illustrate.

 

Assuming a thesis proposal is an unacceptable example of my writing, I'll probably have to sit out applying for admission to schools with earlier deadlines. I'm already annoyed with myself for not having a chapter of my thesis in good enough condition to be included in my packet and as a result I've already considered skipping my first deadline (Jan. 2). I'd have to pay for my materials to be overnighted which would be incredibly expensive not to mention one of my letter writers STILL hasn't uploaded her letter of recommendation to my Interfolio despite my nagging her all month.

 

I know a lot of you out there are really stressed out but hey, at least you're not in my dismal position (and if you are, then good luck to you)!

Edited December 28, 2012 by Janacek

[pinkrobot]

I'm so sorry, but I really don't think the proposal will fit the bill. If you don't have a chapter that can stand alone yet, perhaps you have a seminar paper? Despite having had an undergraduate thesis as well, I wrote a new standalone paper for my applications and had good luck with that approach. I'm not trying to suggest writing something from scratch at this point--my situation was also a little different, as I graduated college a few years before applying and my interests had shifted away from what I wrote about in my thesis--but rather I want to suggest that just because you have a large project, that doesn't necessarily mean that your best possible writing sample must come from it, you know?

Also, my apologies if this is out of line, but I just thought I'd ask ... is there any way you might be willing or able to wait one year? It sounds like you're in a bind this year, and although waiting a year may feel awful, it might be beneficial in the long run. For example, waiting a year might give you more solid footing with your writing sample (maybe you could even end up taking it from the thesis-in-progress!) and you wouldn't have to miss out on any schools. From personal experience as well as the experience of others I know in both my program and other programs, I can assure you that having a non-academic year after your BA will not be frowned upon.

Edited December 29, 2012 by pinkrobot

[comp12]

Pinkrobot's advice is good. I think they really do expect either finished seminar papers or almost finished or developed thesis papers. Proposals won't cut it, since the sample is not just used to gauge length or plain writing ability (otherwise your proposal would be fine) but also your ability to develop an argument or research. Therefore, a proposal wouldnt be as good as a completed paper.