SOPHAS- writing sample for biostat applicant?

[faerare]

I am applying to several biostat Ph.D. programs that run their applications through SOPHAS. One of the optional sections in the SOPHAS application is the writing sample. I haven't seen any of the biostat websites explicitly mention wanting a writing sample. Should I include one, and if so, what kind of paper should it be? I have an analytical paper I wrote in an English class a few years ago that I really like, but it feels weird to include something like that in an a biostat application...

[cyberwulf]

Don't include it. It will almost surely be ignored, if it even makes it into the application material sent to programs by SOPHAS.

[faerare]

I have another question regarding LORs and SOPHAS.

 

I'm applying to three schools that use SOPHAS for their application, and 2/3 have deadlines on December 1st. I recently e-submitted the application and 2/3 LORs are now in, so hopefully they will verify my application soon.

 

My third recommendation writer made it clear when I asked him in early September that he would be more than happy to write a letter for me but probably wouldn't be able to do it until Thanksgiving break. At the time, I was unaware of all the processing details for SOPHAS and said that should be fine.

 

I am concerned that my applications won't be submitted by SOPHAS in time if my third recommender doesn't finish his form until late November. Does anyone have any insight on this? If my application is already e-submitted and has been verified by SOPHAS, will it just be mailed immediately as soon as he finishes his LOR? Or should I ask him to try to do it sooner? I am fearful that my application will be late and will basically be disregarded at these two schools.... 

 

If anyone who applied last year has experience with this, that would also be super helpful. I am getting pretty frustrated with SOPHAS.

[cyprusprior]

I think SOPHAS will send the application on to the programs as soon as they have verified all of your transcripts, and received 2 out of 3 recommendation letters. Then they just update it later with the programs when they get the third recommendation letter. You might want to check in the fine print of the instructions because my memory may be fuzzy.

[123hardasABC]

SOPHAS will send out applications with 2/3 required letters. Whether or not a school considers that as "complete," depends on the school. Some schools consider mailing by SOPHAS to be complete, while others require ALL materials to be submitted. You should check with each school.