Unrequested Materials

[johndiligent]

One of my schools does not require a writing sample. In fact, the only requirements are the online application, the application fee, the SOP, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a CV (no GRE scores since it's a Canadian school). Would you send a writing sample anyway or should I just be content with the SOP?

[fuzzylogician]

The best bet is to contact the department and ask if the adcom would be willing to accept a writing sample. You should probably be content with just the SOP, but if you feel that your writing sample significantly strengthens your application, go ahead and ask. I wouldn't sent it without permission though.

[JohnBom]

One of my schools does not require a writing sample. In fact, the only requirements are the online application, the application fee, the SOP, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a CV (no GRE scores since it's a Canadian school). Would you send a writing sample anyway or should I just be content with the SOP?

I am having similar thoughts about my CV. Some schools ask for it and some don't. I am thinking I might send it as well. I think that it can't work against me. I don't know about writing sample. I would ask for a permission, as fuzzy here already suggested because it is probably much longer than my cv

[kahlan_amnell]

The best bet is to contact the department and ask if the adcom would be willing to accept a writing sample. You should probably be content with just the SOP, but if you feel that your writing sample significantly strengthens your application, go ahead and ask. I wouldn't sent it without permission though.

I agree.

I do find it odd that some schools don't ask for a writing sample, even for Ph.D. applications. One school I applied to was that way, and I didn't send them a writing sample.

[kahlan_amnell]

I am having similar thoughts about my CV. Some schools ask for it and some don't. I am thinking I might send it as well. I think that it can't work against me. I don't know about writing sample. I would ask for a permission, as fuzzy here already suggested because it is probably much longer than my cv

You might even want to ask about sending a CV, unless there is a section that asks if there is anything else you would like to add. (Many applications have this, it is a good place to put an addendum if needed.)

[socialcomm]

I would ask as well. One program I'm applying to doesn't request a CV, but with 10 years of work experience, I feel like leaving out that experience (not including the CV) would hurt me. I called and asked and they indicated including the CV was fine.

[johndiligent]

Awesome advice, guys, thanks.

[rising_star]

I sent a CV to every school I applied to, whether they asked or not. Given that when I was applying to PhD programs my CV was only a page, I doubt it really annoyed anyone.

That said, I never sent a writing sample, except for the one program (out of 7) that required it. Don't think it hurt me. Just make sure the SOP is well-written.

[johndiligent]

I sent a CV to every school I applied to, whether they asked or not. Given that when I was applying to PhD programs my CV was only a page, I doubt it really annoyed anyone.

That said, I never sent a writing sample, except for the one program (out of 7) that required it. Don't think it hurt me. Just make sure the SOP is well-written.

My CV's 6 pages (archaeological excavations really fill it up), but I'd prefer to send it with every application. I'll make the token move of asking every time, but I really can't see them saying, "No, we absolutely don't want to see your CV."