Writing sample: does it need to relate to your proposed thesis?

[Averroes MD]

For PhD applications, I think I have a really good writing sample to use (worthy of publication, I think--but not yet published), but it's not related to my proposed PhD thesis. It's still within the general field, but it is in a wholly different time period.

So, my question is: how important is it that the writing sample corresponds to the thesis topic? Or, can the awesomeness of my writing sample overcome this?

[fides quarens intellectum]

Many, many people told me that writing samples need not be related to the specific research project you hope to do at the school.  The advice I was given is that most committees are looking for evidence of research ability, clarity of argumentation, utilization of primary and secondary sources, languages (if appropriate), etc.  Thus if you have a well-written paper that shows your strengths as a researcher and the skills you ought to possess, but it's not related to the particulars of that institution, side with the excellent writing sample rather than re-writing or writing something new, just for the application process.

I applied using one writing sample at all of the schools (7), got 2 interviews, 1 admission and a fellowship, even though ostensibly there's very little connection between my current program and my writing sample.  

Hope that helps!

[theophany]

I would also note that committees generally understand that what you write in your SOP is likely *not* what you'll write a dissertation on exactly. A lot can, should, and will change during coursework: that's part of the American PhD model. A school generally isn't going to admit a candidate who has no room to grow; they do, in fact, want to leave their own mark on you. 

As fides said, writing samples are about your ability to conduct research, make a compelling argument, write it well, and demonstrate your own voice within the context of your field, broadly understood. It is not a dissertation prospectus.

[tdwightdavis]

What the above two said. The application process for PhD work is a tightrope between "I know what I'm talking about and am ready to pursue scholarly work" and also "I have a lot of room to grow and learn." You shouldn't enter a program knowing exactly what it is you're planning to work on (general strokes and questions for sure), at least not in the American system. 

[Averroes MD]

Thank you all for the excellent feedback. Much appreciated!