Working on Writing Sample

[Infinite Zest]

I think I've reached a weird point: I've been working on my writing sample for a year now, and I don't see anything left to change. Neither does my adviser. Should I call it quits? I'm sure there are problems with the paper, but I just don't know who else to ask, especially since I'm not close to many other professors who are familiar with the topic.

 

I guess this isn't a bad position to be in.

[Nastasya_Filippovna]

haha, the timing of your post is ironic- I just emailed my former thesis advisor today (I'm using sections from my thesis for my sample, and he's guided me through what sections to use for my sample). I said to him- so, I feel uncomfortable, that's it? I feel I should just keep going back and gut the entire thing over and over again but I am pretty confident it's in great condition and he believes I should leave it as is. I never feel at ease with a paper, but I don't want to get to the point where I end up making it worse, like a woman who starts overapplying her makeup. I don't have any other professors to seek assistance from at this point either! I just feel very strange with the concept of not editing further- it's counterintuitive to me!

[NathanKellen]

I think I've reached a weird point: I've been working on my writing sample for a year now, and I don't see anything left to change. Neither does my adviser. Should I call it quits? I'm sure there are problems with the paper, but I just don't know who else to ask, especially since I'm not close to many other professors who are familiar with the topic.

 

I guess this isn't a bad position to be in.

How many people have seen it? Try to get as many eyes on it as possible.

 

What I often do is let something sit for a couple weeks, then come back to it. You'll feel like a stranger to the paper, and it's often easier to see what can be fixed, cut, etc.

[Infinite Zest]

Yeah, I've sent it out to a few trustworthy readers, so I'll see what comes back. I can't imagine changing anything more than a sentence or two. I think there's a certain point where it's not worth changing anything--I guess I'd rather be done now than later!

 

Now onto personal statements!

[NathanKellen]

Yup it sounds like you're in a good place. If you have the extra time, try to personalise your statements for each school.

 

Good luck!

[Establishment]

Yeah, I've sent it out to a few trustworthy readers, so I'll see what comes back. I can't imagine changing anything more than a sentence or two. I think there's a certain point where it's not worth changing anything--I guess I'd rather be done now than later!

 

Now onto personal statements!

 

If you'd like, send your writing sample my way and I'll use it as my writing sample for my own applications. I'll let you know the sort of feedback I get based on where all I get in.