Writing Sample

[pt10]

I've got another thread on this forum about which Theory program I should apply to, but I have a more general question that would be best suited for it's own thread.

How important is the writing sample, and what do most schools expect?

Unfortunately neither of my two projects (one over EU military integration, the other over moral justification of punishment) will be completed in time to send with my applications. Other than these two works, I only have what I would consider "petty" research for various classes. I have a couple of papers written for a theory course that are strictly analytical in nature (one over The Republic and one over The Social Contract) but neither involve research. Am I doomed?

Also, what schools are out there that do not require a writing sample?

I seem to have similar interests as many of the faculty at Boston College (which does require a "term" paper writing sample). Would my analytic works be suitable? Does anyone know the average GRE scores for that school and its reputation?

Sorry for so many questions. I am just concerned that my lack of research will greatly hurt my chances at getting into a school, much less a good one. I have a 4.0 GPA, and a decent GRE 670 V, 730 Q, 4.5 writing -ouch (but I will have good recs to back up my writing ability).

Thanks for any help you can offer!

[StudentForever]

My writing sample was none too impressive, and I got into a top-20 program with similar GRE scores (except for the writing...I got a 6). I submitted a paper from a Congress class full of qualitative research (simply because that's all I was capable of at the time).

Whatever you submit, I would just make sure it's quality writing, particularly becacuse your GRE writing score isn't fabulous. As long as the content is solid (no matter what the content is), I think you should be fine so long as the rest of your application is strong.

Good luck!