Writing Sample for MTS

[Café com Leite]

I have a few questions about religious writing samples when applying at the masters level. I know this is a hectic/scary time for many, so sorry if this comes at a bad time, but I thought it would help to get everybody's opinion while the application season was still fresh on their minds. At least maybe it will serve as a diversion for some who are anxiously awaiting good news!

Quick Background:
I have been out of school for about 4 years. I did a undergrad degree in Bible and then a masters in Family Studies in order to better equip myself for ministry in areas I felt were lacking from my undergrad studies. I'll be applying for (most likely) various MTS programs next application season to start in the fall of 2014 with the goal of doing a PhD following.

I've read and received a lot of advice about the writing sample, and to be honest, I must say it is overwhelming and at time very contradictory! So I thought I would post a few of my doubts here and see if you all could provide me some great insight (BTW, this is my first post, I've been "lurking" for months reading posts, but haven't commented yet!). Here's a couple questions:

Writing Style/Clarity vs. Original Content
The initial advice I received about a WS at the master level is that most schools are not looking for ground breaking research, but they are simply wanting to see that you can communicate in a clear and intelligible way. But recently I've heard/read from some that say schools are solely focused on original research and/or original ideas (even in their master's applications). If you're work doesn't add something to the field, then you shouldn't submit it. This seems a little onerous to me for an undergrad paper, but of course, I could be wrong. I know both are obviously important, and original content would always be a plus, but is it necessary at this stage? I was planning to submit an exegesis I did as my WS, is that too weak?

Recent Writings vs. For Assignment
   As I mentioned, I've been out of school for a few years, so all of my writing samples are a few years old. I've heard from a few people that schools are looking specifically for assignments that you completed for an undergrad class and not something you've cooked up especially for applications. But, some schools I've seen have a requirement that the writing sample be from the past two years. So in my case, should I use a paper I did in my undergrad a few years ago or should I spend some time and work up something new before applying?

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and if you have other advice about writing samples, I am all ears! Thanks, and keep calm during your wait!

[sacklunch]

Don't fret over it too much. A writing sample at the master's level is more of a formality. You do not need to worry about submitting something 'original.' The only exception, perhaps, would be one of the more competitive MTS/MAR programs, such as Yale's MARc, and maybe ND and Duke's MTS. Though as most of the folks on here will tell you: spend the most time on your personal statement(s). Ensuring a good fit should be your first priority and the SOP is the place to show that. The WS should, if possible, support your fit in the program. So if you apply to Duke to work in biblical studies, for instance, I would submit something relevant (as you mentioned, something exegetical). 

 

best

[Josh J.]

I had to submit a writing sample for the Duke MTS. Vanderbilt (and the denominational schools I also applied to) did not require one.

My writing sample was an excerpt from my senior capstone paper, which was not original research. The assignment was to explore a paradox of the human condition through three of more disciplines, one bring my major, one being a humanities discipline, and one being a scientific discipline. I submitted the history portion, which was on modern Israel, and it's struggle to be both immanent and transcendent. No original research, and not really original thought as I found a psychohistory of Israel that somewhat agreed with my thesis.

All that being said and described? I got into Duke. Don't get me wrong, my paper was quite good, but it was not groundbreaking. They want to see that you can write coherently, and cogently. Their essay questions are limited to one page in length, writing samples to five pages, I think.

[Café com Leite]

JDM and JoshJ, thanks for the replies and info, it definitely helps to know that I'm not automatically disqualified for not having revolutionized the theological world in my undergrad studies! What about the distinction between it being recent work vs. something prepared for a class? Any thoughts?

[sacklunch]

I would just ask them. I don't think most (schools) would even think to ask. But to be honest, how would they even know?? Submit the work that you think is your best which compliments your proposed area of study. 

Edited March 20, 2013 by jdmhotness