Writing Sample: Crossroads between different types of samples.

[lisalisalisa]

Hi all, I am applying to Fordham Applied Psych. Methods Program (MS) and they require a writing sample. However, after emailing graduate admissions, as well as searching high and low, I found that no where does it state the content or length of the writing sample. I have never submitted a writing sample to any other programs and so I'm at a tie so to speak with what to put in. I have two research proposals that are about 15 pages long, and a brief research intro that spans about 3. Each paper varies on topic. Research paper 1: oppositional defiant disorder (more clinical). Research paper 2: Case study 2 kindergarten students on various assessment outcomes; Research paper 3: basically an introduction to a research issue in elderly driving and technology. 

I'm assuming I should include a writing sample on something that matches my interest more, which would be paper 2. But, I'm worried about the length...

 

Has anyone else been in the same predicament? 

Edited January 4, 2016 by lisalisalisa

[VentureIntoNothingness]

What is the method used in research paper 1? Since you are applying to an applied psych. methods program, I would hypothesize that a paper with an outstanding Methodology section would be suitable for this writing sample purpose. By "appropriate" I meant that any methods conveyed clearly should be acceptable, but quantitative methods may be more interesting to the programs than qualitative methods, and it may help if the quantitative methods are somewhat-advanced,  well-suited, and/or carefully-planned. 

Some unsolicited thoughts (that may help your decision with the writing sample length): I do think clarity and brevity would be important to some extent. That is, I think it is sensible for the committee/POI to prefer shorter essays, but this is only the case if the paper is absolutely clear. In other words, try to write as clear and thorough as you can first, then consider whether if your essay is brief enough without costing clarity.

Hope this helps!

[lisalisalisa]

Hmm, those are things that I have not taken into consideration, but I will certainly do so. 

Thanks! 

[mylifeinshambles]

Hi, I had one application that asked for a writing sample. You should probably aim to submit the best one closest to the research interests you outline in your PS. If it helps to know, I just submitted my 2 pg research proposal for something (mainly since it needed to be either 1st or sole authored and it was short). 

[lisalisalisa]

That's exactly my thought... It's 16 pages though, so now I'm wondering if I should send all of it or a sample?  Hmmmmm

[Applicant 1746]

Unless they specify a length (which it sounds like they don't), I would just send the strongest/most relevant piece of writing you have! A few of my programs requested writing samples, and if they specified a length it was around 10 - 15 pages. These were Ph.D programs, though, so the expectations may be different. In any case, I think 16 pages is fine if it's your favorite option! If your committee finds it too long, it's not like they have to read all of it lolol.  

[Applicant 1746]

Oh, another tip: if the program has an online application form, try uploading the file before the deadline. If you get an upload error because the file size is too big, that might be a clue that they were looking for a shorter piece. In that case, you'll have time to look over a shorter option before the deadline. Good luck!