I find myself pondering a writing sample for graduate school applications (which are a long way off, but hey, I like to get ahead). I think I’ve hit upon a topic, but I’m left with a conundrum…
See, I want to write about the tendency for the first response to a blog entry or forum post to have significant impact on the shape of conversation. But it’s a big topic. I could write 20,000 words on it pretty easily, I’m thinking. I could also write something a lot shorter. What should I be aiming for? Is this one of those “it depends” or “there’s no set of guidelines” things?
I’m ignorant and need your help!
Thomas
Often it depends on the program. A writing sample for a degree in Composition is different than one in Physics.
What’s your focus again?
(In general I was told that 5 to 10 pages is a good length — but my writing sample for my grad programs in English was a 20,000 word essay, so….)
My focus is… weirdly interdisciplinary? I want to do work with the design of computer interfaces for mediating online communities. So, the interface design of LiveJournal has significant impact on the sorts of interactions that take place within it. I want to study and design those interfaces with an eye toward developing systems optimized for various purposes (social safe spaces, educational emphasis, other stuff).
Thomas
So who is going to be evaluating your writing sample?
That’s the question, really. My current list consists of:
Georgia Tech’s Human-Computer Interaction program.
MIT’s Comparative Media Studies program.
UC Berkeley’s Education program.
NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.
(possibly) Wisconsin – Madison’s Virtual Worlds program.
Others as I can identify potentially good matches.
The thing is that it seems like this is going to a different department with each and every school I locate…
Thomas
I was told 5 pages, actually.
I’m seeing lots of sci based groups, so I’d keep it under 10 and centering around 5. Hit that shit and get out, don’t linger to muse.
10 pages is what I used, and I was accepted to most of the programs you mentioned. :)
Seriously – 10 pages is a good length for demonstrating you can write, without having the reader tune out if they’re not in love with your particular topic. If you have to go 12-15 that’s probably ok, but I wouldn’t go beyond 15 unless a program specifically requests a longer writing sample.
And, hey, I’d be happy to take a look over it, if you’d like, having a little experience in the applying-to-grad-school department in much the same field!