Writing Samples

[kaswing]

Hi!

I hope I'm not the only one here who's applying in 2015 without a supervised thesis or original research paper to submit as a writing sample. 

 

I don't believe I have the time, resources, or training to produce an original research paper before the 2015 deadlines. 

 

I'm considering writing a literature review in a field other than my areas of interest. The reason for this is that I am already personally invested in and familiar with the relatively little literature there is out there, and can offer a compelling research question which could offer treatment for a condition where none currently exists (or rule one option out). My areas of interest are more actively studied, and it would take a substantial amount more work to discover what's been asked, and when I arrive at a research question to suggest, it will be narrow and not as interesting (not to mention probably already studied or ruled out by the community, unbeknownst to me

 

How does a literature review in a different field as a writing sample strike you? What are you submitting for a writing sample? 

Thanks for your help!

[Dedi]

I don't think I have to send in a writing sample for any of my schools...

[eshaw93]

I'd suggest submitting a paper you wrote for a class that you're proud of (and did well on) 

[kaswing]

eshaw, sadly, in my case, there is no such thing. I wrote only one paper in an academic style about anything remotely research-related during my time there, and even if I could find it now, it doesn't reflect my current skills (College was a while ago for me.) 

 

Edit to add: I think you're right that that's the best option for most people though; thanks for your response!

Edited July 17, 2014 by kaswing

[Realities]

I used a research prospectus, rather than a full-length research paper.  It seemed to work just fine, as I interviewed at the two schools I was required to submit a writing sample to.

[eshaw93]

^^^ That's probably your best option then. A lit review doesn't sound like a good idea to me. Write up a research proposal (which includes a lit review anyway) to show that you're ready for indep. research 

[Saman]

I have written a research paper recently and hopefully got it published in one of the psychology journal. Since it has been published already, do I need to send it as it is or I can make the amendments if I find some flaws in the writing. Actually, this article doesn't represent my current level of writing so I was thinking to edit it before sending it to the department.

 

Please let me know your thoughts.