Writing Sample

A writing sample is required for all programs. Some programs may have specific requirements when submitting a sample; please check the department’s website for further information.

General Guidance

The writing sample is not a paper written specifically for your application but a written work on which you have received feedback from faculty or instructors. Potential examples of writing samples include:

  • A master’s or bachelor’s thesis
  • A research paper written for a course
  • A paper submitted for publication

Ideally, a writing sample is closely related to the field of study you wish to pursue. Departments and programs prefer single-author papers, but if you wish to submit a collaborative work, all writers’ names should be included with your name highlighted and a memo explaining your contribution to the work should be included at the beginning of the document. 

Formatting

We do not set specific requirements regarding formatting or font; however, we make the following suggestions:

  • Citations should be provided in one of the common academic formatting styles for the field of study (e.g., APA, Chicago Manual of Style, MLA, etc.).
  • Double-spacing is preferred, as most samples are read on a computer or tablet.
  • Font should be easily read on a computer or tablet.
  • Files should be saved and uploaded as a PDF to ensure any formatting is not unintentionally modified in the upload process.

Multiple writing samples must be combined into a single pdf before upload. When providing multiple writing samples, we recommend ensuring the most important sample is first.

Additional Guidance for PhD Applicants

PhD programs strongly prefer a singular writing sample. Unless otherwise stated in the application or department website, the sample should be at least 20 pages (double-spaced), exclusive of bibliography or citations. 

It is at the discretion of the admissions committee whether writing samples longer than 30 pages will be read in full. For writings samples longer than 30 pages, we recommend applicants do one of the following:

  • Provide the sample as an excerpt, with a memo contextualizing the submitted work within the larger argument.
  • Provide the sample in full, with an introductory memo indicating which 20-30 pages should be read.

Additional Guidance for MA Applicants

MA programs prefer a singular, cohesive argumentative paper of at least 15 pages (double-spaced), exclusive of bibliography or citations.  The writing sample should be a single-authored piece of original academic research that demonstrates your ability to frame a clear, focused research question, construct a persuasive argument, and support that argument using evidence, theory, and/or method. Two shorter argumentative papers are also acceptable if a single paper is not available.

Writing samples longer than 30 pages should be submitted as an excerpt, with a cover sheet contextualizing the work within the larger argument.

For applicants who have no academic work from the last five years, a piece from professional experience may be acceptable for some programs. Work submitted from a professional context should demonstrate academic rigor comparable to an academic course paper. A cover sheet should be included which gives a brief explanation of the context and purpose of the piece. 

Writing Samples in Languages Other Than English

All writing samples must be provided in English. Works translated from a language other than English are acceptable; however, the translation must be entirely the work of the applicant (e.g., without the use of AI or a translation service). If the work was originally submitted to faculty or instructors in a language other than English, please note this in a cover sheet.