Writing Samples

[Deadwing0608]

Hi All,

 

Just curious what others applying for Fall 2015 have selected for their writing samples, and how you decided. I think I am going with a condensed version of the historiography for my MA thesis and then an excerpt from (what I think is) my best chapter.

 

I have had the most trouble deciding how much of the sample would be historiography vs. primary source research and at this point I'm going with a 50/50 split with a coversheet painting the bigger picture. I have another primary source paper with a much shorter historiography that I've thought of sending, but it isn't my most sophisticated argument, and it's a bit off-topic so far as my proposed dissertation research goes.

 

Also, would love to hear from applicants from past cycles.

Edited November 16, 2014 by Deadwing0608

[ashiepoo72]

I'm using a research paper based heavily on primary sources, but it also includes a short section on historiography and secondary literature throughout the paper.

 

I think the best advice I've read on this board is to send your best paper that shows you know how to think and write historically.

[kyjin]

I used a section of my MA where I translated a primary source. I then added a section to the essay talking about how I would be using my source in my in-process MA thesis. 

[TMP]

Aim for more primary source- they'd like to see how you engage with primary source research.

[Sigaba]

I agree with TMP unless one is especially good at painting historiographical thumbnails. Even then, a 50/50 split is unbalanced IMO.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Sigaba