Writing sample for cognitive neuroscience?

[essequamvideri]

Hey there,

 

I'm applying to cognitive neuroscience programs, and most schools I'm applying to give you the option to submit a "writing sample", which is typically not required for psychology programs (but you can submit one if you wish). Is it a large disadvantage to not submit one? If I had a published journal article I'd include that, but I don't unfortunately. I could include an undergraduate essay or report, but that doesn't seem very relevant.

[isilya]

I would say submit one -- you're going to be competing against people who have submitted one, so I think it would look weird if you didn't. I don't think it matters too much if it's not directly related to what you want to do in grad school, although it should at least be somewhat related to the field. Good luck!!