forthewyn_08 Posted July 8, 2013 Posted July 8, 2013 Hello everyone, I'm an upcoming senior, and I'm interested in applying to a Health Psychology Ph.D. program (hopefully FALL 2014, if possible ).Although it is summer, I am gathering my letters of reccomendation, personal statement, and CV before school starts. I am also studying for the GRE, and plan to take it in August. I've participated in different undergrad summer research programs that required a mandatory research paper. Some of the graduate schools I'm interested in require a writing sample and a CV. I have my CV, but I am confused on which writing sample to submit. The research programs I have participated in dealt with cognitive psychology, educational psychology, and public health w/ some sort of psychology lol Should I submit a writing sample related to Health Psychology? Or can it be any other field? How long does the writing sample have to be? HELP!!!!!!
PsychGirl1 Posted July 9, 2013 Posted July 9, 2013 I'm actually not sure... why don't you contact a few of the schools that require it and ask what the guidelines and recommendations are for the writing sample?
mewtoo Posted July 9, 2013 Posted July 9, 2013 I *think* its best to send in an actual manuscript you completed for an experiment you conducted because it shows off every aspect of your skills. After that I would think whatever you think your best written paper is, regardless of what area of psych it is. You don't want to send them a paper on their subject that you wrote two years ago versus something different that is current and your more improved writing. If thats not the case then send in on their subject. Though I always worried, what if you came to some conclusion that wasn't correct/not what they believe and they are ultra critical of your sample. But thats just me being paranoid. I think manuscript length (minus measures and appendices) is okay, though I'm no authority on this. Much longer you may risk them not really reading. Angua 1
MsDarjeeling Posted July 9, 2013 Posted July 9, 2013 Do you have an undergrad advisor? If so you can ask them for their input on this. I'm going through the same process you are and am gathering most of my application stuff this summer and was also stumped on the writing sample. I was told the best choice would be a recently published/submitted work, but if that wasn't an option then a recent class paper would suffice. Apparently the topic of the writing sample is flexible (but should still be in psychology) since the focus is on your ability to write at the graduate level, not whether the subject of the paper fits your intended research goals/area of specialization. Also graduate programs want to see that you're open to other streams of thought so seeing a well written paper on another area of psychology could demonstrate that. As far as the length, I'm not sure as I haven't been given a clear answer on that either. Most of my class papers have been 10+ pages but I can't really chop them down to fit a much smaller page limit without losing quality. I'm just going to contact the programs I'm interested in, ask, and hope for the best. Worst case scenario I'll create a writing sample just to meet their specifications and have my advisor review it.
Angua Posted July 9, 2013 Posted July 9, 2013 Yes, I agree with others: submit the sample that is the strongest, regardless of what area it's in. If you aren't sure which one that is, ask around! Have different people read them -- ask professors if you can, but also ask friends and family that you trust. Ask them which one better shows off: (1) your writing skills, (2) your analysis skills, and (3) your research skills. You want your sample to show that you can write clear, correct, concise, and interesting work.
forthewyn_08 Posted July 9, 2013 Author Posted July 9, 2013 Do you have an undergrad advisor? If so you can ask them for their input on this. I'm going through the same process you are and am gathering most of my application stuff this summer and was also stumped on the writing sample. I was told the best choice would be a recently published/submitted work, but if that wasn't an option then a recent class paper would suffice. Apparently the topic of the writing sample is flexible (but should still be in psychology) since the focus is on your ability to write at the graduate level, not whether the subject of the paper fits your intended research goals/area of specialization. Also graduate programs want to see that you're open to other streams of thought so seeing a well written paper on another area of psychology could demonstrate that. As far as the length, I'm not sure as I haven't been given a clear answer on that either. Most of my class papers have been 10+ pages but I can't really chop them down to fit a much smaller page limit without losing quality. I'm just going to contact the programs I'm interested in, ask, and hope for the best. Worst case scenario I'll create a writing sample just to meet their specifications and have my advisor review it. Thanks!!! What are you interested in earning your Ph.D. in?
MsDarjeeling Posted July 10, 2013 Posted July 10, 2013 Thanks!!! What are you interested in earning your Ph.D. in? I'm applying to Clinical Psych programs. Many programs offer specializations in Health Psych too so I'm excited about the overlap and opportunity to learn more.
forthewyn_08 Posted July 10, 2013 Author Posted July 10, 2013 (edited) I'm applying to Clinical Psych programs. Many programs offer specializations in Health Psych too so I'm excited about the overlap and opportunity to learn more. Wow me too.I am applying to some Social-Health Psychology programs also Edited July 10, 2013 by forthewyn_08
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