History writing sample advice?

[historygeek]

I'm writing an honors thesis next year, which I was hoping to use as a writing sample when I apply to graduate schools. However, I'm unsure if I can produce a super polished piece of work by the December 1st deadlines. I've thought about writing a piece during the summer that relates to my field, or the piece I'm writing for my internship which is in my field, but I'm unsure. Help?

[narple]

I assume you will be applying for F19. If you can start it over the summer do that or build upon a current piece of work. It will be hard to start a research project from scratch in September and finish in December. You may need to go find or wait to access your primary sources. It’s possible, but I would want to have more cushion room for edits or unexpected conclusions.

When schools say polished it means two things: polished in terms of grammar and writing style yes, but perhaps more importantly, polished in the sense that it is a well rounded piece of historical work. The biggest things are situating your primary sources  at the center of your analysis and showcasing whatever languages you have/will need for your field. 

[Green Machine]

I agree with narple about polished.  If you write your undergrad honors thesis with the intention of walking with the highest honors, you'll be in a position to use it for a grad school application.  Your thesis advisor will be your best resource.  Regarding your original question, write both and choose the best one!  

On 12/27/2017 at 6:10 PM, historygeek said:

I've thought about writing a piece during the summer that relates to my field, or the piece I'm writing for my internship which is in my field, but I'm unsure. Help?

 

[historygeek]

Thanks everyone! I’ve tentatively decided on a piece in case my thesis doesn’t work out. It’s a relatively original topic, well-written (I think, at least), and uses a variety of primary sources.