questioning
New member
Posts: 25
|
 |
« on: August 21, 2006, 12:53:15 PM » |
|
What's appropriate to send as a writing sample when applying to PhD programs?
At the moment, I'm considering the following options:
1. A literature review I wrote the first year of my MA program
2. An analytical paper I wrote during my MA program, only tangentially related to the subject matter I intend to pursue as a doctoral student
3. My Master's thesis [in its entirety, or parts thereof].
I'm hesitant about sending #3 because it's a) really long and b) not really the best writing I've done recently. However, it is the most 'on topic' in terms of my research interests.
#1 fits my research interests, but I've heard literature reviews are not recommended as writing samples because they don't show analytical abilities.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
crazybatlady
|
|
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2006, 12:58:08 PM » |
|
What is your field?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
As always, CBL rules! All hail the CBL!
|
|
|
questioning
New member
Posts: 25
|
|
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2006, 02:04:40 PM » |
|
I am looking at PhD programs in two fields at the moment:
1. Educational foundations [social and cultural foundations of education]
2. Sociology programs
My interest is in the impact of education on peace-building activities.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
crazybatlady
|
|
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2006, 02:10:01 PM » |
|
I say send your best work--the clearest, most articulate argument--even if it's not directly related to your field. But I could be wrong.
But at least now folks in your field can chime in! :-)
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
As always, CBL rules! All hail the CBL!
|
|
|
|
shamu
|
|
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2006, 02:36:33 PM » |
|
Best work. Also, if that is not your current focus, explain it to them.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
seniorscholar
|
|
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2006, 03:29:53 PM » |
|
Ditto to "your best work -- if not your current focus, explain this clearly"
In my department, all grad applications are read by two people: (1)the person most likely to direct the dissertation if the applicant is accepted and (2) a person in the field covered by the writing sample OR a second person who might be on the dissertation committee if the writing sample is in the potential dissertation field. The second reader (if not in the potential dissertation field) is reading to find out if it's a good argument, well-written, and decently cites and represents the current state of scholarship in the field. The first reader is reading while thinking "would I like to be responsible for getting a good dissertation out of this person?"
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
shakie
New member
Posts: 47
|
|
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2006, 09:35:20 AM » |
|
Check out the section of FAQ's on Brown University's Theatre program website... some really good information on writing samples that I think applies to many situations.
Think about your audience... you want to send strong research that shows you can think critically and have ideas of your own. The thesis is probably too long unless their is one chapter that you could send....
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"How quick bright things come to confusion."
- A Midsummer Nights Dream
|
|
|
userly
New member
Posts: 7
|
|
« Reply #7 on: August 22, 2006, 10:42:12 PM » |
|
Sorry to jump in on a thread with a question, but I have something that's sort of related. For writing samples, is it better to completely chop off a section of longer paper or to edit/shorten the paper to the desired length? Or does it depend? Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
