Question about University of Iowa application

[BunnyWantsaPhD]

So apparently for the writing sample we're supposed to submit a paper that is from a course that still has our professor's comments on it. I don't have anything that would work, so I called the office and they said that I can just submit something else--that those were just their ideal requirements. 

 

So, do you think if I submit an edited version of a chapter of my thesis that they are going to look at my sample as not fitting their guidelines? I mean, the DGS said it was fine, but I'm worried they are just going to throw it out or something. I know no one can really answer this, but I was wondering what others were doing who are applying to Iowa. 

[hj2012]

If the DGS said it was fine, then I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt they'd tell you to go ahead and submit, then turn around and throw your sample out. (That would be very malicious!) I'd just make a note on the cover letter that it's a thesis chapter and there wasn't a version with instructor comments available.

[Katia_chan]

My guess is more often than not they don't have instructor comments on papers--any applicant who isn't currently in school would have a harder time locating a paper like that.

 

So you're probably fine.

[BunnyWantsaPhD]

Thanks, guys. That makes me feel better! I think this process is just so paranoia-inducing! 

[Katia_chan]

There is *no* doubt about that.  I keep having images of people opening my app packets, glancing at the first page, chuckling in a pittying manner, then tossing me aside.

 

It's a process that will, inevitably, turn us all into raging lunatics.

[BunnyWantsaPhD]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feel this way! At least Thanksgiving will hopefully make us so full that we'll forget there is anything else going on in the world (if only it were more than one day!).