Yet another question about the writing sample

[SamajChinta]

Hi all,

 

I have been lurking around this forum for the last couple of months, finally joined as a member today, and am really looking forward to your advice as I start the application process (I would like to apply to PhD programs starting in 2014).

At the moment I have only one single- authored paper (my master's thesis) that could be submitted as a writing sample. However it does not quite reflect my current research as well as methodological interests (my thesis was qualitative, but I am keener on quantitative methods. And I do not have a sociology background)

 

I would have liked to have come up with a single-authored quantitative writing sample, but I am very busy at the moment, working on a number of potentially publishable papers (quantitative) with multiple authors.  

 

Since there is really no clear consensus on the importance given to the writing sample by adcoms, I am quite worried about my paper. Will the writing sample be considered just as proof of my ability to write a well-articulated research paper, or will it be used as an indicator of my research/methodological interests as well? Or should I have a quantitative paper ready, just in case?

 

 

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!!!!

[Darth.Vegan]

People apply cross-discipline so I doubt methodology would be a determining factor of anything. I really think the most important factor is that it is well written, sociological and provides an in-depth critical analysis of the findings. 

Edited April 10, 2013 by xdarthveganx

[amlobo]

I think your sample will be fine.  I don't have a sociology background and used a sample that was not a "sociology" paper.  It was related to my research interests as far as general topic, but it was basically a policy analysis.  I know that faculty read it because multiple people brought it up to me at visits, but always in a positive "that's interesting!" kind of way.  So, I don't think the fact that it wasn't a sociological paper, or related to my methodological interests, had any bearing on its reception.  I do think it helped me, coming from a non-sociological background, to be able to show that I at least had experience dealing with the subject matter, but I would say the SOP is much more of an indicator of your research interests.  The sample could supplement that, but I don't think they care if your sample isn't "related" to your interests.

[Tahoma]

I wouldn't worry that your writing sample doesn't precisely match up with your interests--IMO the the point of the sample is just to prove that you're comfortable writing academically and know how to develop a compelling argument. Be advised, though: maximum page limits for the sample can vary widely from program to program (I've seen as low as 15 pages), but I doubt anybody's going to accept an entire MA thesis (60+ pages, I assume?). You'll probably have to condense your thesis down into something more manageable.

[La_Di_Da]

The writing sample does not have to align with your current research interests, but it should suggest an ability to conduct research and clearly demonstrate an ability think critically about a topic, construct a cogent argument, write well, etc. You don't necessarily need to retool your thesis; a chapter or two, depending on length requirements, will suffice. Along with your submission, you can provide a brief explanation regarding the submission (I suggest no more than half a page), with reading suggestions or helpful background information. Some people submit their entire thesis, but direct the committee to a specific section/chapter. As for length, when in doubt, contact the director of graduate studies.

 

Good luck with your applications! It's an exciting, albeit taxing and sometimes frustrating, process.

[gilbertrollins]

My writing sample was used to evaluate departmental and disciplinary fit.  I don't agree that it's merely a demonstration of writing and critical thinking ability.  Though in cases where the sample clearly cannot serve to evaluate fit and affinity for sociology, it may reduce to a matter of writing and critical thinking where fit considerations are just taken out  of the equation without reducing impact.