Submitting a shorter writing sample than the required length?

[kilene]

Hi all,

 

I'm in the process of applying for MA programs in Film/media studies, and while all other programs require 10-15 page writing samples, I have ONE program that asks for 15-25. As of now, I spent all this time almost re-writing a shorter paper I wrote, and it came out to be 11 pages long (13 with works citied)

Would there be any chance of getting in with a shorter writing sample? Or do you recommend lengthening the paper out to 15 pages? To be honest, I hardly think it's possible given that the deadline is 15th... 

 

Please help! Thanks

[Loric]

While I don't know what will/wont work for the adcomm or what advice to give you in that regard..

 

I can say that if you can't crank out a 15 page paper about Unicorn Mating Habits in 8 days that is well researched, written, and considered.. then you're going to struggle in grad school. Especially a program that's paper/analysis heavy (which is most of them.)

 

You have to write less than 2 pages a day to make the deadline.

[TakeMyCoffeeBlack]

Is there any indication that it's "recommended"? There's a difference between a recommendation and a requirement. If it's simply recommended, and your 11 (13) page paper is really exceptional (in your opinion) and representative of your capabilities, then that's your best bet.