When a department doesn't mention writing samples at all, treat as if optional?

[kaputzing]

Doesn't say it's required, doesn't say it's optional, doesn't mention anything at all about writing samples.

 

Attach or don't attach a sample? My gut instinct tells me to attach one as if it is optional so they will at least have a sample to read if they want to (and they can obviously just throw it away otherwise). OTOH, I'm afraid it'll seem as if I didn't read their website. It's a little late in the process for me to be emailing profs/grad students about if a sample is recommended, so any thoughts?

[Eigen]

You don't mention your discipline, which would help a lot here. 

 

There are a number of sciences that don't usually have writing samples as part of the application, so you definitely wouldn't want to attach one there. 

[kaputzing]

Ancient Near Eastern studies (more on the philology side).

 

Three schools I've applied to require writing samples, one school strongly recommends it, and this last one says not a word about a sample.

Edited December 31, 2012 by kaputzing

[blakeblake]

Go over the program's website with a fine-tooth comb.  Most programs that do not require an item or credential that is fairly standard in your field of study will make note of the fact that they *do not* require the item.  If there is no mention of a writing sample in the list of items required for application and there is no mention of a sample on the application itself, then you are probably safe, but write the program's graduate secretary to be sure.

[steven.a14]

I applied to seven universities, and only one of them did not require a writing sample -- and they specifically said that it was not required on their website. However, I wrote to the department and asked them if I could submit one if I thought it would bolster my application, and they said that I was "more than welcome" to do so.

This was to Indiana University's Hispanic Linguistics program, in case anyone else has a specific doubt about that school and program.