Writing Sample Feedback

[Sol_Barber]

Hello - anybody interested in giving feedback on my writing sample? 

 

I am an international applicant and besides the worries that my word choice is odd etc. I was wondering if my writing sample is comparable to a term paper in the US regarding depth of theoretical discussion, used literature, empirical investigation and many other details - like overuse of footnotes in comparison to the US and other stuff I have overheard ... 

 

So, if anybody would be willing to clarify some things for me, it would be greatly appreciated 

 

You can PM me for the writing sample.

[Defenestration a la Mode]

I'm actually in the same boat of looking for readers to offer up some constructive criticism for my writing sample. I don't think any of my papers from college correctly reflect my ability (I spent too much time playing ultimate), so I'm trying to beef up one of my (hopefully better) papers. I can send it to an email or PM if that works better for you.

 

Sol_Barber, if you'd be interested in exchanging papers, I'd be more than happy to do that. I'm probably not the most qualified person, but I can offer up my opinions at the very least.

[NeckPocket]

PM me as well. I'll be happy to help you with your writing sample! I don't have one myself, but I'll be applying in about a year.

[cultsoc]

I would strongly caution against asking a fellow applicant to provide feedback on your SOP. It's one thing to proofread for spelling/grammar mistakes and a totally different thing to give feedback on what is arguably the most important piece of your application package. I say this for obvious reasons; if you're not a current student or have never gone through the application process, you're probably not the best person to give feedback. 

 

It probably doesn't help you that most graduate students are busy working on their final papers right now. I'd suggest politely asking your professors or the graduate students in your department (if there are any) to provide feedback on your SOP. You could also try sending a short and polite email to a graduate student in your programs of interest to see if they would volunteer to look over your SOP.  

[gilbertrollins]

I exchanged edits of my SOP with a friend last round and had wonderful admissions results.  I also got feedback from professors and current graduate students.  

[hj2012]

I would strongly caution against asking a fellow applicant to provide feedback on your SOP. It's one thing to proofread for spelling/grammar mistakes and a totally different thing to give feedback on what is arguably the most important piece of your application package. I say this for obvious reasons; if you're not a current student or have never gone through the application process, you're probably not the best person to give feedback. 

 

It probably doesn't help you that most graduate students are busy working on their final papers right now. I'd suggest politely asking your professors or the graduate students in your department (if there are any) to provide feedback on your SOP. You could also try sending a short and polite email to a graduate student in your programs of interest to see if they would volunteer to look over your SOP.  

 

I think it's good to have as many people read it as possible, since it's always possible to take their advice with a grain of salt and only use the suggestions that jive with you. Some of my most helpful feedback has been from friends who are also applying to grad school. It's not that they told me to rewrite crucial portions, but it was nice to have someone help with transitions, word choice, tone, etc. FWIW, I also had my two undergrad advisors read it...and they told me contradictory advice.  Oh well!