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How to choose a writing sample for graduate school

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If you’re serious about pursuing a post-bachelor’s degree, it’s never too early to start gathering all the materials you’ll need. Most programs will ask you to submit one of the following: an essay response to a prompt or a writing sample. If you’re in need of guidance on the latter, keep reading for advice on how to select and prepare an impressive writing sample for your graduate school application.

We gathered expert insight from Dr. James R. Martin, an associate professor and assistant director of interdisciplinary leadership at Creighton University. Dr. Martin has reviewed hundreds of applications throughout his career, so consider his advice about what makes a great graduate school writing sample. But first, it’s important to understand the purpose of this application element.

What is a writing sample for grad school and why is it important?

Writing samples are a key part of most grad school applications. They show the admissions committee the quality of your previous work and demonstrate interest and proficiency in your chosen field.

According to Dr. Martin, reviewers are generally evaluating samples for the following criteria:

  • Solid writing skills : Is all spelling and grammar accurate? Is it free of typos?
  • Organization and clarity : Is there a logical flow to the ideas presented? Is the purpose of the sample clearly identified and accomplished?
  • Critical thinking : Does it demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic, including consideration of alternate theories or approaches? Are all claims backed by reliable research?
  • Consistent citations and references : Have sources been properly cited throughout the work? Do all citations have a corresponding reference?

How to choose a writing sample for grad school

Some schools don’t specifically state what kind of writing sample they are seeking. In that case, it’s best to err on the side of academic work. Some common writing sample examples include essays, dissertations, theses, journal articles, capstone projects or research papers. If possible, you want to submit a piece that demonstrates your proficiency in analyzing a topic in the same (or related) field as the program for which you are applying.

There are some professions and corresponding graduate school programs that accept work-related writing samples, such as white papers, policy briefs, news articles and grant applications. If you’re pursuing higher education in marketing, communications, public relations, public policy or other similar fields, these could be good writing sample ideas.

However, Dr. Martin cautions prospective students to vet their choices carefully. If you do send in materials you wrote for work, make sure you’re the only author — and write a secondary note explaining the context and authorship. After all, reviewers are evaluating you , not your team.

How long should a writing sample be?

There’s no simple answer for this question, as the target length depends on the program you’re applying for. The importance of reading and following all of the instructions carefully throughout your application cannot be overstated.

If your desired school doesn’t state specific requirements, Dr. Martin advises choosing an academic paper. Or better yet, you can take the initiative to reach out for clarification.

“Most departments have a director of graduate studies or admissions specialist who would be happy to have a conversation,” he says. “This interaction could end up working in your favor down the line.”

Components of a good graduate school writing sample

Now that you know how you will be evaluated and what kind of sample to submit, you need to make sure your work is as polished as possible. Whether you choose an academic paper or other professional work, apply these writing sample tips before submitting:

  • Have someone you trust read it and provide feedback that you can choose whether or not to implement. 
  • Run the entire paper through a spelling and grammar check multiple times. You could also consider using a free tool like the one available at Grammarly.com .
  • Make sure there are no typos, formatting discrepancies, comments or tracked changes, run-on sentences, repeated paragraphs, etc., in the final version.
  • Rename your document to include important information that will make it easier for busy admissions staff to find. (Try using the following example: Writing sample_Name of applicant_Title of paper or project.)
  • •Make sure your citation style is consistent and correct throughout the entire document.

Your writing sample format will vary depending on the type of sample you choose. But if you are submitting an academic paper, make sure it contains all of the following sections, at minimum:

  • Introduction
  • List of references

Craft a solid grad school application

With the tips stated above, you should have everything you need to begin choosing and refining your writing sample for graduate school. If you’re still not feeling confident, take the following advice to heart:

“Remember that the writing sample is just one piece of your application, and we evaluate it as a whole,” Dr. Martin shares. “As a Jesuit school we strive to meet people where they are. We want to help them succeed.” Now that you have some writing sample examples and advice, you can focus on other important elements of your application. Check out our article “ How to Secure the Best Letters of Recommendation for Grad School .”

If you’re looking for a high-quality and best value graduate school program, review the requirements for Creighton University by visiting our How to Apply page .

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Graduate Writing Overview

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Here we present four vidcasts that offer a broad introductory overview of graduate writing. In this context, it is helpful to think about writing as a conversation , a process , a social endeavor , and a disciplinary undertaking . Stay tuned as we continue to publish these vidcasts!

Writing at the graduate level is quite different from writing at the undergraduate level. As emerging scholars, graduate writers will need to become well-versed in the scholarly conversations taking place in the journals and at the conferences within their field. Where undergraduate writers may find themselves primarily writing for their professor as audience and to show mastery of subject matter as a purpose, graduate writers’ audience will be their colleagues in the field, and their purpose will be to engage in conversation with and to disseminate new research to those colleagues. A graduate writer’s identity as scholar requires a concurrent identity as writer.

Materials in this section cover a range of topics relevant to graduate-level writing and to the process of becoming a scholarly writer within a particular field. Two sets of vidcasts fall in the category of Intensive Writing Experience (IWE). An IWE is a concentrated program aimed at a particular group of graduate students (e.g., those new to graduate writing or those writing theses and dissertations). These programs ask writers to learn about and engage with information about and strategies to apply to writing that they can then use in their own work. The Introduction to Graduate Writing vidcast series explores how writing is a conversation, a process, a social endeavor, and discipline specific. The IWE for Thesis and Dissertation writers offers material on how to set goals for and remain motivated during a long-term project. It covers topics relevant to drafting and revising documents, such as reverse outlining, sentence concision, and flow in scholarly writing.

In addition to the vidcasts, this section of the OWL houses a number of handouts specific to graduate writing on topics such as style or organization and on genres such as literature reviews and conference proposals. These materials offer explanations and samples of the particular topic or genre being covered in the handout.

graduate program writing sample

How to Pick a Grad School Writing Sample

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If you’re looking to take your academic career to the next level, no doubt you know that a key factor in getting into grad school is showcasing your writing abilities. Writing samples are arguably the most important part of showing off just how talented and capable you really are – but knowing how to choose the best sample for those applications can feel like an impossible task!

Don’t worry; this guide will walk you through every step necessary so that when it comes time to send in those applications, you’ll have confidence knowing that each sample you put forward is your absolute best work.

What is the point of the grad school writing sample and why does it matter?

An integral factor of your graduate school application is often the writing samples you provide; they give evidence to the admissions committee of your potential and enthusiasm for your target field. This reflects not only on your academic aptitude but also on how well-versed you are in that particular subject matter.

A writing sample is also a great way for admissions committees to get an idea of how you can contribute to the graduate program. It demonstrates your capacity to engage with innovative concepts, present your research clearly and concisely, build upon current trends within the field, and articulate compelling arguments or theories. By assessing your academic writing and critical thinking proficiency, the faculty seeks to select candidates who possess the necessary abilities to thrive academically. Moreover, they want assurance that you can be properly mentored throughout your educational journey.

When assessing samples, reviewers usually consider the following criteria:

  • Structure and clarity : Is the essay’s structure sensible and cohesive? Does it clearly articulate its purpose and successfully achieve it?
  • Critical outlook : Does the work display in-depth insight into the subject, including analysis of other theories or methods? Are all assertions supported with reliable evidence and research?
  • Methodological apparatus: Have all sources been accurately cited throughout the paper? Are there corresponding references attached to each citation?
  • Writing skills : Is every single word spelled correctly and are all the sentences grammatically flawless? Are there any oversights when it comes to typos or missed words?

(If you are wondering if you have selected the right graduate program for you? Watch this quick video where I break down mistakes to avoid.)

graduate program writing sample

How to pick the right grad school writing sample

Despite applying to several graduate programs within the same domain, various universities require different lengths when it comes to writing samples. Some may ask for as many as ten pages while others permit up to twenty. Before fine-tuning your writing samples and refining them, be sure that you have already carefully considered the places where you would like to apply. In certain cases, more than one sample may even be asked for. Put in the effort beforehand so you can save yourself time later! Taking the time to ensure you understand all of the expectations for your writing sample up front will save you loads of time down the line!

No need to write something new!

A writing sample for your application is usually taken from a paper or thesis you wrote and was evaluated by college professors, whether it be at the undergraduate or graduate level. Whether it is an excerpt from a master’s thesis or a senior capstone class, any publication that reflects thoughtful consideration of key concepts in the field and meets the maximum length requirement can make you stand out. If you earned a top grade for your paper, it is already in excellent shape and can be submitted as-is. However, to make the paper even better, you may want to incorporate feedback from your grader into its structure or answer any questions that were left unanswered. You should also take this opportunity to add new citations if necessary – just don’t go overboard with modifying the project!

Creating an entirely new writing sample specifically for your application can be a burden if you don’t have the luxury of getting feedback from a professor, or even worse – take away precious time that could otherwise be spent preparing other parts of your application like the statement of purpose. Therefore, it is best to avoid creating something from scratch unless absolutely necessary. As long as your paper is well-written (and graded accordingly), you can submit a piece from a different discipline or one with an out-of-date subject/conclusion. The selection committee’s primary focus is on evaluating your writing, research, and analytical capabilities rather than the topic of your upcoming degree program. Therefore, if your best paper fits this bill even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you’ll be studying – go ahead and send it in.

graduate program writing sample

Pick a grad school writing sample that reflects the writing you will be required to do in your program

When a school fails to give clear instructions (and they often do!), it is advisable to present an academic writing sample such as an essay, dissertation, journal article, or research paper. The focus of your submission should be in line with the major you are applying for. Doing so will highlight your aptitude for analyzing and exploring ideas within that particular field.

If you want to be considered for a research-based graduate program, such as a Ph.D. or Master of Science, your writing sample should illustrate your aptitude for producing research papers. If you are applying for any program other than creative writing or journalism, you should demonstrate your academic abilities and engagement in ideas by submitting an appropriate piece of written work. Choose a paper that was assigned to you as part of coursework rather than essays, memoirs, blog posts, or newspaper articles. Consider the research you have done and your accomplishments in your field, then select an example that reveals how adeptly you can analyze a great deal of information as well as introduce innovative concepts.

Your writing sample should not simply reiterate the already established research. Instead, showcase your own ideas and arguments while maintaining awareness of where they fit in an existing conversation within your field. Provide sufficient context to show that you understand how academics can guide you as a researcher, writer, and scholar – but also demonstrate why you have what it takes to be an influential member of the research community.

For professional programs like an MBA or MPA degree , an ideal paper would demonstrate skills like crafting business case studies and policy analysis respectively. When submitting your application for a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, make sure to include the best creative writing sample you have. For those applying to Journalism programs, it would be most beneficial to send along a long-form journalistic article that accurately reflects the type of work expected during graduate studies; don’t submit anything that isn’t reflective of what will be taught and is required!

If you are seeking to obtain a graduate school degree in marketing, communications, public relations, public policy, or other related areas of study and have work-related writing samples such as white papers, policy briefs, news articles, and grant applications submitted then this could be an excellent option for you. However, exercise caution when creating your portfolio. If you choose to include content that was written for work purposes, ensure it is solely authored by you and accompany the piece with a separate explanation regarding its origin and authorship. Keep in mind that reviewers are judging and assessing you as an individual!

graduate program writing sample

How long should my grad school writing sample be?

There’s no simple answer to the question, as the target length depends on the program you’re applying for. The importance of reading and following all of the instructions carefully throughout your application cannot be overstated.

If your institution doesn’t provide specific instructions, opt for a scholarly essay. Even better, get in touch with the department to ensure you’re on track! Most departments have experienced directors of graduate studies and admissions specialists who are more than willing to help guide you through this process. Moreover, this experience could prove an invaluable asset when you apply for the program later on.

Don’t exceed the maximum word limit

When submitting a writing sample as part of your graduate school application, it is important to respect the word limit specified by the institution. This is because admissions officers often have hundreds or even thousands of applications to read and evaluate. Sticking to the word limit demonstrates that you can follow instructions, work within constraints, and present yourself clearly and concisely – all important skills for success as a graduate student. Furthermore, if you go over the word count, this could make it difficult for someone who has limited time to review your entire piece. By respecting the word limit given and crafting a concise yet meaningful piece of writing, you are more likely to stand out in the minds of admissions committee members!

Which part of your honors thesis or master’s thesis should you send as a sample if you have a word limit?

When selecting a sample from a long piece of writing, such as a thesis, to send for graduate school admissions, it is important to carefully consider the kind of content you are sending. Your sample should reflect your writing abilities, research interests, and expertise in a specific field. Choose a section of your writing that you are particularly proud of and that demonstrates both your knowledge and writing skills in a meaningful way. It is also beneficial to include a short introduction that outlines the focus, purpose, and aims of your writing to help the admissions team gain a better understanding of the context and scope of your writing.

Depending on the program, you may want to select a part of your thesis that specifically pertains to the focus of the graduate school. For example, if you are applying to a program in literature, you may want to submit an analysis of a text or a comparison between two texts. When selecting the content, be sure to pick something that demonstrates your knowledge of the subject and your ability to think critically about it.

graduate program writing sample

Tips Before Sending

Before submitting your work, whether it be an academic paper or other form of professional sample, make sure that you put in the necessary effort to ensure that your final result is as polished and perfected as possible. To do this effectively, follow these steps:

  • Invite a person you trust to review your work and offer their thoughts, which you can then choose whether or not to incorporate.
  • Thoroughly proofread your paper several times to ensure all spelling and grammar are correct.
  • To ensure your writing is flawless, check for any typos, formatting errors, comments or tracked changes, run-on sentences and duplicated paragraphs.
  • Optimize your document by renaming it with essential details that make it easier for busy admissions personnel to locate. For instance, you can use a format such as: Writing Sample_Name of applicant_Title of paper/project.
  • Ensure that you utilize a consistent and accurate citation style throughout your document for optimal results.

Ensure your academic paper is comprehensive by including all of the following sections as a minimum: an introduction that set the topic, a cohesive body, a clear conclusion, and references.

After taking the time to find the best grad school writing sample for grad school, you are now ready to take your next step and apply with confidence. You should feel incredibly proud of yourself for reaching this milestone. This process takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to evolve and improve your writing. As you continue through this journey, remember that you are always capable of infinite growth– and often there is great comfort in seeking guidance from an expert who can provide valuable insight and direction. If you’re looking for supportive advice or a professional opinion on any part of the application process, consider signing up for a free consultation today. It’s never too late to take steps toward realizing your dreams; congratulations on embarking on this amazing journey!

With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Dr. Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab . As a tenure-track professor, Dr. Barr spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Dr. Barr has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master’s and Ph.D. programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs all over the world .

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for tips and tricks on navigating the grad school application process and weekly live Q&A sessions!

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Writing Samples

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Whether you are applying for a job, internship, or to graduate schools, you may be asked to provide a writing sample. Writing samples allow an employer or graduate program to judge your ability to convey a written message and should be taken seriously.

When choosing a sample, consider the writing style that you will be using at your job, internship, or graduate program. Writing samples can come from your coursework and/or work experiences. Typical samples include:

  • Academic papers
  • Policy briefs or memos
  • Published articles
  • Blog posts or web content
  • Press releases

The purpose of a writing sample is to demonstrate your ability to write professionally and clearly. When selecting your sample, try to find one that is relevant to the position or program for which you're applying. Where possible, your sample should reflect the organization's style and tone. Don’t hesitate to revise your writing sample as needed.

Many employers will specify the desired length of your writing sample. If no desired length is given, choose a writing sample that is two to five pages long. If you'd like to highlight a section of a longer paper, be sure to include your best two to five page selection. To provide context to the reader, you should start the sample with a brief paragraph about the topic of the paper and the course for which it was written.

Spelling and Grammar

There are no excuses for spelling or grammatical errors in a writing sample. Be sure to proofread the entire piece and have a trusted friend, colleague, or reliable software check your work.

  • If you don’t provide a writing sample when required, your application may be considered incomplete and discarded.
  • Select your best writings or revise those that have good potential (e.g., your “B”- graded papers).
  • Make sure your writing sample is appropriate and relevant to your reader (your targeted employer, or targeted grad program). If you don’t have one, create a new piece.
  • Do not use your high school writings, not even award-winning ones.
  • Provide your own work. If you have relevant writing prepared as group/team projects, select only those excerpts that you authored. Describe the context of the sample in a brief note prefacing the writing sample.
  • If you cited works in the sample, include the bibliography.
  •  Make sure that your sample has a clear title. Don’t forget to put your name on the byline.

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The following programs require writing samples submitted as part of their application for admission. To learn more about these samples click on the name of the program you are interested in.

  • Art History (MA and PhD)
  • Childhood Foreign Language Education (MA)
  • Criminology (MA and PhD) *Writing samples are strongly encouraged for admission to this program.
  • English (MA and PhD)
  • Fashion Studies (MS)
  • MA in Languages, Literatures and Cultures
  • MA in Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Pedagogy (MA-LLCP)
  • History (MA and PhD)
  • Linguistics and Cognitive Science (MA and PhD)
  • Nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Preservation Studies (PhD)
  • Political Science and International Relations (MA and PhD) *Writing samples are strongly encouraged for admission to this program.
  • Sociology (MA and PhD) *Writing samples are strongly encouraged for admission to this program.
  • Winterthur Program in American Material Culture (MA)

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Writing Your Personal Statements

Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.

The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.

Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.

1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.

  • Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
  • Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?

Vannessa Velez's portrait

My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.

The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.

— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History

Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects

  • Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
  • Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset  or grit  and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
  • Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
  • Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
  • Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved  GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
  • Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.

2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.

  • Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
  • Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.

Jaime Fine's portrait

I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.

— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature

Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects

  • Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
  • With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
  • Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
  • Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
  • Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
  • You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
  • Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose | Example

Published on February 13, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 1, 2023.

When you apply for graduate programs or scholarships, the admissions committee is looking for more than just a list of grades. The statement of purpose (also known as a statement of intent or motivation letter) is your chance to stand out from the crowd and showcase your motivation, skills and potential. It should:

  • Outline your academic or professional interests and goals
  • Discuss relevant skills, experience and achievements
  • Demonstrate why you’d be a good fit for the program

Table of contents

Successful statement of purpose example, requirements and prompts, personal introduction, experience and achievements, goals and motivations, fit with the program, tips for an effective statement of purpose, other interesting articles.

The torment of the Founding Fathers is responsible for my interest in Classics. My desire to learn Latin stemmed from reading American Revolutionary-era history during junior high and high school, and particularly from the countless Latin quotations I found in John Adams’ writings. Always eager for a challenge, I was intrigued by the American founders’ accounts of the torture of learning such a difficult language. In my first semester at university, I started learning Latin and thoroughly loved it. As I learned more and more about classical civilization through the language, I realized that I was passionately interested in many aspects of the field of Classics. I have since taken courses on mythology, art and archaeology, and religion, on ancient history, and on the classical tradition. I have also learned Greek, of course, starting with an intensive two-semester course at the university’s summer school. My experience studying abroad in Florence and traveling through Italy and Greece intensified my zeal for the field and, in particular, fueled my ambition to specialize in classical archaeology.

My personal philosophy of life is that everything is connected, and this conviction drives my desire to study Classics. The most rewarding moments for me are discovering and investigating connections – both broad ones, between fields and disciplines, and more specific ones, like the relationship between a piece of literature and an object of material culture. My liberal arts education has equipped me with a broad base of knowledge in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts, and in the honors program I pursued independent projects exploring academic and personal connections, including a paper on ancient Mayan astronomy, a self-observation study on the effects of nutrition and hydration on exercise performance, and a paper on the influence of political context on the changing artistic representations of John Adams. By seeking out connections between seemingly unrelated areas of academia, I have acquired a well-rounded outlook which helps me approach new ideas with both a range of prior experiences and a mind always open to different interpretations.

In accordance with my personal philosophy, I have also continued to explore connections within Classics and between Classics and other fields. In 2007, I published an article in my university’s undergraduate humanities journal; inspired by my studies in Florence, I compared representations of the birth of Venus in ancient and Renaissance literature and art. My major academic achievement to date, however, has been my senior honor thesis on John Adams’ connection to the Classics. Funded by a Hilldale Research Fellowship, I conducted research in the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society and in John Adams’ personal library at the Boston Public Library on the influence of the classical tradition on Adams’ worldview and how he consciously modeled himself on classical ideals. It was particularly fulfilling to connect historical and classical research in writing about the figure most responsible for instigating my study of the Classics.

As well as my research skills, I have demonstrated proficiency in the classical languages, winning prizes for both Latin and Greek translation from the Classics Department, as well as receiving an enthusiastic nomination from the department for the Pearson Fellowship from the American Philological Association. I am also the president of the undergraduate Classics Society, which allows me to share my enthusiasm for Classics with other students and the larger community.

One of the most appealing aspects of studying Classics is the vast range of topics encompassed by the field. Because my interests are broad and I value an interdisciplinary approach, I would like to pursue graduate study ultimately leading to a PhD in Classical Archaeology. Archaeology in itself is, of course, a multi-faceted field, requiring knowledge of history, language, anthropology, and various scientific and technological methods. I have already started building my skills in this area: I participated in a microartifact analysis from the excavation of a Maya site in Belize as part of an honors project, and this summer I will take part in two archaeological projects in Turkey after working as a research assistant on related material in the spring semester. This PhD program includes many other opportunities I am eager to explore, such as palaeography and papyrology courses, and especially the variety of fieldwork and museum experiences available. I believe that my strong background in the classical languages and wide range of courses on classical civilization and archaeological methods have prepared me well for this program, and I am convinced that, guided by my philosophy of interconnectedness, I will flourish in this program.

The first step is to read the application instructions. These should include the length of the document (usually 1-2 pages), any formatting requirements, and often a question or prompt that indicates what you should focus on.

In some cases, you might also be asked to submit a personal statement . Similar advice applies to both of these documents—both should give a sense of who you are, what you’ve done and what you want to do. But a statement of purpose is often more formal, tightly focused on your academic background and your suitability for the program.

If you are working on multiple applications, don’t try to write a one-size-fits-all text—tailor your statement of purpose to each program. Make sure to respond to the prompt and include all the information you’re asked for. A typical statement of purpose prompt looks like this:

Your focus will be slightly different depending on whether you’re applying for research-based academic programs (such as a PhD ) or professional qualifications (such as an MBA). But all statements of purpose should contain the following elements.

This is your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and let them hear your voice. The statement of purpose shouldn’t tell your life story, but it should give a glimpse into who you are.

Academic and personal background

Give an overview of your academic background, and show what drives your interest in this field or profession. You might want to include some personal background too—your family history, social circumstances, personal relationships and life experiences have all shaped your trajectory and perspective. What unique insights will you bring with you?

Characteristics and personality

Think about aspects of your character that make you well-suited for graduate school. Don’t just list generic adjectives—give examples that demonstrate your strengths and show why they’re relevant.

  • Are you organized enough to handle a high-pressure workload?
  • Do you have the creativity needed to develop original ideas, or a systematic mindset perfect for problem-solving?
  • Do you have strong leadership skills, or are you great at working collaboratively?

Avoid including irrelevant autobiographical detail in the statement of purpose. Everything you include should be aimed at showing why you’d be a strong candidate for the program.

Your experience shows that you have the necessary skills to succeed in graduate school. Don’t just summarize everything you’ve done—pick out some highlights to build a clear picture of your strengths and priorities, illustrating how you’ve learned and developed along the way.

Academic experience

If you’re applying for a research-focused program, such as a PhD, show your knowledge of the field and outline your research experience. This might include:

  • A brief summary of your thesis or final project
  • Courses that you found particularly valuable
  • Projects you contributed to
  • Publications
  • Presentations
  • Extracurriculars that gave you relevant skills or experience

Professional experience

If you’re applying for a professional program, such as an MBA, outline your experience so far and show how it relates to your career plans. This might include:

  • Past or current job roles
  • Projects you led or participated in
  • Internships
  • Voluntary work
  • Training courses

In all cases, give specific examples with details of what you worked on, what you achieved, and what you got out of the experience.

As well as showing that you’re prepared for the program, explain what you expect to get out of it. What are your motivations for applying? How do you plan to make the most of its opportunities, and how will it help you achieve your goals?

Academic motivations

For academic programs, indicate your research interests, showing how they follow from and build upon what you have studied so far. This might include:

  • A subfield that you want to strengthen your expertise in
  • A specific problem or question that you’d like to address
  • An initial idea for a research project
  • A theoretical or methodological approach that you want to develop

This isn’t the place for an in-depth research plan, but it’s a chance to show your enthusiasm and knowledge of your field.

Professional motivations

For professional programs, outline your career aspirations and show how your experience informs your goals. This might include:

  • The next step you want to take in your career. What position are you aiming for and how will the program help you achieve it?
  • Your motivations for a career change. Can you make a link between your previous experience and your new direction?
  • Your long-term goals. Where do you want to be in five or ten years, and how do you see yourself getting there?

The admissions committee wants to know that you’re genuinely motivated to complete the program, and the clearer your plans, the more convincing your commitment.

It’s important to show not only why you want to study this subject, but also why you want to do it in this particular institution and department.

  • Do your research, and mention particular classes, specialisms or faculty that attracted you.
  • Show why you’re a good fit. Do your priorities align with the values and culture of the institution? What will you contribute to the department?
  • Discuss the specific skills, knowledge and experience you expect to get from the program.

The statement of purpose isn’t only about selling yourself—it’s about illustrating an ideal match between you and the program.

Once you’ve made sure to cover all the key elements, you can work on strengthening and polishing the text. Follow these tips to make your application the best it can be.

Stay focused

It can be tempting to try to cram in everything you’ve done, but a good statement of purpose requires careful selection to craft a focused narrative. One way to do this is by building your text around a central theme—for example, a character trait, an intellectual interest, or a career goal.

This strategy helps structure your text and puts your priorities centre stage. Link each paragraph back to the central idea, making it clear how everything fits together.

Think about your structure

The structure of a statement of purpose is somewhat flexible, as long as you include all the relevant information in an order that makes sense.

For example, you might start with a chronological story of where your interests began, or you might open with your goals and then select a series of examples that show your capacity to achieve them. If you’re desperate to study in this specific program, you could lead with a summary of why it’s your ideal choice, and then elaborate on each aspect to show why you’re a perfect fit.

The important thing is that the text showcases your strengths and motivations in a compelling, coherent way. As in any other piece of academic writing, make sure each paragraph communicates one main idea, and that each sentence flows smoothly and logically from the last. Use transition words and topic sentences to move between paragraphs.

Add meaning to your resume

The bare facts of your achievements—grades, prizes, work experience—are already included in your graduate school resume and transcripts. Use the statement of purpose not to repeat yourself, but to add personal meaning and texture to these facts.

If you got top marks for your thesis, describe the research process and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the topic. If you completed an internship or participated in a project, explain what new skills you learned and which aspects you found most valuable. If you already have lots of experience in the field, show how each step developed your skills and shaped your current plans.

Revise, edit, proofread

Your statement of purpose isn’t only about the content—it’s also a chance to show that you can express yourself fluently, confidently and coherently in writing. Spend plenty of time revising, editing and proofreading your text before you submit.

Make sure you stay within the recommended length, and check if there are any specific formatting requirements. If not, use a standard 12pt font, 1-inch margins and 1.5 line spacing.

When you have a final draft, our professional statement of purpose proofreading service can offer an extra pair of eyes to make sure every sentence is perfect.

Proofread my statement of purpose

Checklist: Statement of purpose

My statement of purpose clearly responds to the prompt.

I have introduced my academic, professional and/or personal background.

I have described any relevant experience and shown my development over time.

I have highlighted key achievements that demonstrate my talents.

There is a clear connection between my previous experience and my future plans.

I have explained how the program will help me achieve my goals.

I have mentioned specific aspects of the program, department and institution that appeal to me.

Every paragraph focuses on one central idea.

The paragraphs are organized in a logical order and tell a clear, coherent story.

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Literary Arts

Admission is highly selective, and is based primarily on the quality of the applicant’s literary writing.

Your writing sample, therefore, is the most important part of your application . In putting your sample together, you should emphasize quality rather than length. Your writing sample should be in a single genre.

Writing Sample

Suggested length.

Writing samples may comprise a single work; an excerpt (or multiple excerpts) from a longer work; or multiple short works; or some other combination.

30 – 40 pages (double-spaced is typical; you may use an alternative format if integral to the work.)

15 – 20 pages (any format)

One or two electronic projects.

30 – 50 pages (any format)

Applying for Multiple Tracks

If you want to be considered in more than one track, you must complete two separate applications, including two separate application fees and two separate writing samples. Owing to the design of the online application system, you must use a different electronic mail address for each application (so if you only have one electronic mail account, you'll need to create a second account in order to submit the second application).

Applicants submit a writing sample in plain-text format (preferably as a PDF document) less than 5 megabytes in size as part of the online application. If your work cannot easily be sent in this format (i.e., it has sculptural elements that you do not feel you can document in any but three-dimensional models), send it by regular mail to: Graduate School, Brown University, Box 1867, Providence, RI 02912. You may also include web address links for works that are best read online.

Applicants’ writing samples are reviewed for admission by at least two members of the faculty. Because the Literary Arts Department receives a large number of applications, faculty members cannot provide critiques of individual samples. The Department does not grant interviews to prospective students.

Additional information

Application requirements, campus visits, international applicants.

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Writing Samples for Graduate Schools

Most graduate schools will ask for at least 5-10 pages of writing samples. Writing samples show what kinds of documents you can produce and the strength of your writing.

If a graduate school asks for a specific kind of writing (such as analytical) or a specific kind of document (web content, journal articles, instruction set, etc.) make sure to include those kinds of documents within your writing samples. Many schools will ask you to submit writing that demonstrates your analytical or critical thinking skills.

You can also include other writing samples that relate to your field of interest or demonstrate your strongest skills. Include at least three documents so the graduate school can get an idea of the kinds of documents you can produce. Include a variety of documents rather than three of the same kind of document. If you have an online portfolio, it never hurts to include the link.

Writing samples can come from a number of different places and contexts. Documents you’ve created in class are perfectly acceptable to submit. If you have documents from a job or professional setting that you feel adequately show your strengths related to the graduate program, don’t hesitate to use them. You can also use documents you’ve created for clubs or organizations you’re involved in. Writing samples can come from any experience you’ve had, but make sure they relate to the program or show your writing skills and strengths.

Writing Sample Documents

  • Analytical reports
  • Website content
  • Journal articles
  • Published works
  • Instruction sets
  • Posters/flyers
  • Press releases
  • Campaign proposals

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MA & PhD Application

We admit students to the MA and PhD programs in rhetoric and scientific & technical communication (RSTC) only for the fall semester of each year. You must have completed a bachelor's degree before you can begin our MA program. A master's in a related discipline such as rhetoric, technical and professional communication, English, or communication studies is required to enter the PhD program. MA students making satisfactory progress have the opportunity to continue on to the PhD and transfer in most of their master's credits.

In reflection of our commitment to an equitable and inclusive admissions process, we neither require nor consider GRE scores. Nor is there a minimum required GPA. Instead, your grades are considered holistically along with your portfolio materials, experiences, and research interests to determine if you are a good match for our programs.

We welcome inquiries from prospective students who desire additional information about our admission process (email [email protected]  with questions). Admissions and applications consultations are also available to prospective students through the Graduate School Diversity Office (email [email protected] to schedule).

Application Information

All application materials should be submitted electronically via the online admissions system  by 11:59 pm CT on  January 5. 

To help you prepare to apply, we invite you to:

  • read our admissions FAQ ; and
  • register for one of our upcoming information sessions

The University of Minnesota Graduate School must receive all of the following materials by the deadline before your application will be considered for fall semester admission. Please work closely with your recommenders and advise them on deadlines to ensure their letters are submitted before the application deadline.

 To ensure that the application review process is consistent and fair, we only review the materials listed below. Any unsolicited or extra materials will be redacted from the application packet reviewed by faculty.

Our admissions committee performs an equity-based holistic review of all completed applications. Reviewers look for strengths in the following areas:

  • Academic preparation
  • Scholarly and professional potential
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion statements and commitments
  • Alignment with the program
  • Potential for growth  

Questions or Access Requests

Please contact Allie Cooperman, Graduate Programs Coordinator, at [email protected] if you have any questions or access requests.

Applying to Philosophy Graduate Programs

  • Why Apply for Graduate School?
  • Graduate Programs

Introduction

Application form, writing sample, statement of purpose, graduate record examinations (gre) scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, application fee, curriculum vitae (cv), test of english as a foreign language (toefl) scores.

graduate program writing sample

Although individual programs vary in terms of what they require from applicants, there are common materials that many programs solicit. These include:

  • TOEFL Scores

Most programs require filling out a basic form as a part of your application package. This is usually submitted online through either the department or graduate website, and is mostly information for the school's administration (e.g. contact information, demographic information).

Applications are generally due in early January , although some departments have deadlines as early as November and some as late as February. Be sure to check deadlines for programs you are considering, and start gathering the required materials well in advance!

When selecting a piece for your writing sample, there are a few things to consider:

  • Consult your advisor or the professor for whom you wrote your paper. Do they feel the work represents your abilities as a writer and thinker? Do you?
  • Check the requirements page of the program to which you intend to apply. Many programs will specify a word/page length minimum, maximum, or range for acceptable submissions. Be sure to follow these guidelines! Some programs automatically toss out applications with writing samples that do not match the required criteria.
  • ~15 pages is a common acceptable length for a writing sample. Consider having two or three versions of the paper of varying lengths to submit to programs with different requirements
  • Especially if your writing sample was written for a specific class, it may rely on terms, ideas, authors, etc. that your reader may not be familiar with. Your paper should be readable and understandable by anyone with a general background in philosophy, not just an expert in that field.

Writing your statement of purpose can be more difficult than you might think. It should capture some sense of who you are, what philosophical areas you work on, and why you work on those areas. Although you can take a "list" approach ("I am this person, I work on these things, I work on them because...") a more impactful and memorable statement will have a more narrative character, that is, will tell the reader how and why philosophy is something you wish to pursue at the graduate level.

The American Philosophical Association (APA) has some advice on what to consider when writing your statement.

About the Test

The Graduate Record Examinations  General Test "features question types that closely reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in graduate or business school."

According to the GRE website , these are:

  • analyze and draw conclusions from discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify author's assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author's intent
  • select important points; distinguish major from minor or irrelevant points; summarize text; understand the structure of a text
  • understand the meaning of individual words, sentences and entire texts; understand relationships among words and among concepts
  • understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information
  • solve problems using mathematical models
  • apply basic skills and elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis
  • articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
  • support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
  • examine claims and accompanying evidence
  • sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
  • control the elements of standard written English

The GRE website notes that you may retake the test as many times as you like and send only your highest scores to the program to which you are applying.

GRE Practice Materials

There are official practice materials for the GRE offered on their website .

Emory University also has multiple resources to assist with test preparation, several of which are available online through the Emory catalog. The titles below are a sampling of these:

Cover Art

Taking the Test

Once you feel you are ready to take the test, you can find the nearest location to take it on the GRE website .

Be sure to consult the official list of policies and procedures so you are prepared for the test on test day. Make sure especially that you bring a valid form of ID .

Sending Your Scores

Once you have taken the test, your scores will be posted online on the ETS website .

In addition to the option of filling out a form at the test itself, you may send additional scores via the GRE website. See this page for more details.

There are two types of school transcripts you may need to send as part of your application package, unofficial and official. Click here to find out more about ordering transcripts at Emory .

If you are an alumnus of Emory University from 2000 to the present, or a current student, you can request transcripts through OPUS . Note that if you have attended other institutions of higher education other than Emory, you may have to send transcripts from those institutions as well.

It is common to have two to three letters of recommendation written by individuals familiar with your work as part of your application package. You may want to discuss with your letter-writer what kind of academic profile you are putting forth for yourself.

Some individuals you could consider soliciting letter from include:

  • Thesis Directors

Note that many if not most departments will require letter to be submitted digitally, either through an application portal or by email.

Applying for graduate schools can get expensive, especially if you are applying at a large number of departments. In addition to whatever costs you may accrue from test-related expenses and/or sending transcripts (note that Emory University does not charge for sending transcripts unless FedEx service is requested), application fees are quite common and can range from $10 to $100.

Fortunately, there are ways to offset some of the cost of application fees. Some universities may offer application fee waivers if you meet certain conditions (e.g. for certain programs or submitting your application early). Such waivers may be listed on the school's website, but others require getting in contact with the department itself.

Although as an undergraduate student you may not yet have much to list on your academic CV, you may still have relevant experience and skills to show off. Consider adding the following to your CV:

  • Publications
  • Thesis work, especially if it is in philosophy
  • Honors program participation
  • Presentations given at student/school events
  • Grants, scholarships, or other forms of funding received
  • Academic accolades
  • Membership in profession organizations, fraternities/sororities
  • Language skills, translations
  • Volunteering
  • Job experiences (especially in relevant areas, e.g. teaching or tutoring)

Emory Library also has a number of resources to help you write your CV. A sampling is given below:

Cover Art

If you are an international student, you may need to submit TOEFL scores in addition to the above materials.

Click here for general information about the test.

Click here to register for the test.

Be sure to check what program requirements there are (if any) regarding TOEFL scores; many departments will list a minimum/recommended score for applicants.

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COMMENTS

  1. PDF Graduate School Writing Samples

    July 10, 2022 1 The Goal of the Writing Sample A writing sample for graduate school primarily serves an evidential function: its purpose is to give evidence of your qualifications to enter graduate school at the program you're applying to.

  2. Writing Samples for Grad School

    Nov 10, 2023 5 min Read Creighton University Staff If you're serious about pursuing a post-bachelor's degree, it's never too early to start gathering all the materials you'll need. Most programs will ask you to submit one of the following: an essay response to a prompt or a writing sample.

  3. Writing Sample

    Prepare Your Application Writing Sample Some degree programs require uploading a writing sample with the admission application in the space provided. Please be sure to review the document before uploading and submitting the application. Writing samples should be written in English unless otherwise noted.

  4. How to Choose a Writing Sample for Your Graduate School ...

    #1 Choose a writing sample that reflects the type of writing you will do in your graduate program Some graduate programs are research-based, while others are professional or creative in nature. Your writing sample should be representative of the kind of writing, analysis, research or publications you hope to achieve as a graduate student.

  5. Writing Samples

    Choose a Relevant Piece Select a writing sample that aligns with the program's expectations. It should showcase your academic and analytical abilities, as well as your expertise in the field. If the program specifies a particular topic, ensure your sample addresses it. Tailor Your Sample

  6. Graduate School Applications

    The graduate school application section contains resources to help you through the process of applying to graduate school. This section contains an overview of applying to graduate school, words of advice on writing graduate school profiles to help with your decision making, drafting a graduate school personal statement, and the etiquette of requesting references.

  7. Writing Program Application Requirements

    About Your Writing Samples. The most important part of an application is the Writing Sample, which should be the applicant's best attempt at creative writing or journalism in the concentration of interest. The samples should total about 15 typewritten, double-spaced pages, or about 3,500 to 4,500 words, in the concentration of interest.

  8. English

    Graduate Writing Sample Since the writing sample is a very important part of the graduate English application, you need to choose it with certain considerations in mind. Ideally, you should select a 1500 to 3000-word essay that demonstrates your facility with academic research and argumentation, including the use of secondary sources.

  9. How to Write a Grad School Application Essay

    Lonnie Woods III Updated on March 20, 2023 Learn more about our editorial process Writing a graduate school admission essay can seem daunting. However, students can make the process easier by taking time to develop and organize their ideas before writing their personal statement.

  10. Graduate Writing Overview

    An IWE is a concentrated program aimed at a particular group of graduate students (e.g., those new to graduate writing or those writing theses and dissertations). These programs ask writers to learn about and engage with information about and strategies to apply to writing that they can then use in their own work.

  11. How to Pick a Grad School Writing Sample

    A writing sample is also a great way for admissions committees to get an idea of how you can contribute to the graduate program. It demonstrates your capacity to engage with innovative concepts, present your research clearly and concisely, build upon current trends within the field, and articulate compelling arguments or theories.

  12. Writing Sample Guide

    A writing sample is a supplementary document for an application often requested for positions and programs that require frequent writing or research. It is used to gauge a candidate's writing skills.

  13. Writing Samples

    Writing samples allow an employer or graduate program to judge your ability to convey a written message and should be taken seriously. Types When choosing a sample, consider the writing style that you will be using at your job, internship, or graduate program. Writing samples can come from your coursework and/or work experiences.

  14. Statement of Purpose for Grad School I Stanford Online

    Review your program's recommendations and, if available, consider reading sample SOPs from successful applicants to gather inspiration and insights. In Summary. Writing a compelling statement of purpose for graduate school requires thoughtful reflection, careful planning, and clear communication.

  15. Writing Samples

    The following programs require writing samples submitted as part of their application for admission. To learn more about these samples click on the name of the program you are interested in. Art History (MA and PhD) Childhood Foreign Language Education (MA) Criminology (MA and PhD)

  16. Writing Your Personal Statements

    Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment. 1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many ...

  17. How to Write a Statement of Purpose

    How to Write a Statement of Purpose | Example Published on February 13, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 1, 2023. When you apply for graduate programs or scholarships, the admissions committee is looking for more than just a list of grades.

  18. How to Prepare a Creative Writing Sample for Graduate Programs

    By Luisa Banchoff. If you've ever applied to an academic program before, you're probably familiar with the long checklist of items comprising the application: CV, personal statement, references, and a number of technical forms to fill out.Those of us applying to graduate programs in the arts will also be familiar with an additional requirement: the creative writing sample.

  19. Admission

    Admission. Admission is highly selective, and is based primarily on the quality of the applicant's literary writing. Your writing sample, therefore, is the most important part of your application. In putting your sample together, you should emphasize quality rather than length. Your writing sample should be in a single genre.

  20. Writing Samples for Graduate Schools

    Writing Samples for Graduate Schools Most graduate schools will ask for at least 5-10 pages of writing samples. Writing samples show what kinds of documents you can produce and the strength of your writing.

  21. MA & PhD Application

    MA & PhD Application We admit students to the MA and PhD programs in rhetoric and scientific & technical communication (RSTC) only for the fall semester of each year. You must have completed a bachelor's degree before you can begin our MA program.

  22. Required Materials

    Many programs will specify a word/page length minimum, maximum, or range for acceptable submissions. Be sure to follow these guidelines! Some programs automatically toss out applications with writing samples that do not match the required criteria. ~15 pages is a common acceptable length for a writing sample.