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How to choose a writing sample for graduate school

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 .

Considering grad school?

Regardless of where you are in your journey, our admissions advisors are ready to help you take the next step.

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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.

The writing sample is not a paper written specifically for your application but a written work submitted for either a grade or publication. The preferred paper to submit is one closely related to the field of study you wish to pursue in the Division. Departments prefer single-author papers, and should you submit an item with a collaborative work, all writers’ names should be included with your name highlighted, along with a memo explaining your contribution to the work.

PhD programs strongly prefer a singular writing sample. MA programs also prefer a singular, cohesive work; however, they will accept two shorter argumentative papers.

The writing sample must be in English. Multiple writing samples must be combined into a single pdf before upload.

The writing sample should be 20 to 30 pages for PhD programs, or 15 to 20 pages for MA programs, excluding bibliography or appendices. Writing samples longer than 30 pages are read only at the discretion of the departmental review committee. Applicants who would like to submit longer samples such as an M.A. thesis are strongly encouraged to provide an excerpt shorter than 30 pages, and which includes a one-page coversheet contextualizing the excerpt within the larger body of work.

We do not set a requirement for formatting or font; however, applicants are encouraged to use one of the common academic formatting styles in their field (APA, Chicago Manual of Style, MLA, etc.).

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The Writing Sample for Graduate School

Applying to graduate school and choosing academic writing that showcases your academic excellence can be challenging. Don’t worry! Although your writing sample is crucial, it doesn’t need to be perfect. It should effectively communicate, demonstrate your potential for advanced academic work, and importantly, show your ability to specialize in a program’s field of interest. We offer tips to help you select the best writing sample for your graduate school.

Use an Appropriate Professional Style Guide

Your writing sample should show topical expertise, but also an understanding of professional research. Find the standard style guide for your chosen field, and make sure it’s applied consistently–not just citations, but also any formatting for cover pages, pages numbers, and bibliographies.

Keep it Relevant

Select a sample that closely reflects your areas of potential interest. This means the sample with the highest grade may not be the best. It may be worthwhile to revise a B+ paper and use it a writing sample if it’s more relevant to the field you want to study than that A paper from a different academic area.

Take your time!

If there’s no obvious pick that’s OK. Don’t rush when selecting a writing sample. Instead, take some time to review your options–pick something that will make an impression on the admissions committee, and don’t be afraid to revise. You may be tempted to write something new for submission – this is almost always a bad idea. Remember that previous work has been written for a reason and has likely seen feedback from trusted advisors.

Make Sure it is Free of Errors

As already hinted, you may need to edit the sample you choose. Remember you want to express your professional readiness for advanced studies with your writing sample, so triple check for typographical and other errors before submitting it with your application package.

Follow the Instructions!

ay close attention to any requirements set out for you application materials, and make sure you meet the required length. Typically, you don’t want to exceed them either–more is not always better. Remember that graduate applications are also about showing that you can follow directions.

Structure and Organization Matter!

Academic writing should be a well written with a concise beginning, clear middle and an effective end. Make sure that each part of your essay is clear, compelling, and, well, present in your writing sample. Even the most brilliant ideas and research get lost in a poorly structured essay.

Showcase Your Research Skills!

This can take different forms depending on your field. If you’re applying to an experiment-driven program in physics or sociology you may need to demonstrate your grasp of research best practices in field. In a scholarly program such as history or literature you may need to demonstrate a meaningful grasp of research with primary documents, or applying specific methodologies in analysis.

Demonstrate Your Critical Thinking

A strong writing sample showcases your critical thinking skills, which means evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a prevailing view and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Your writing should engage with existing work in the field. In the writing sample, you show the reader what you already know and what questions you want to explore.

Reveal Yourself as an Effective Communicator

Finally, choosing a well-written academic paper for your application involves communicating complex ideas effectively, whether your own or others’ (with proper attribution). The best samples balance engaging with existing ideas and introducing your own. This balance is crucial for grad school success, offering a chance to showcase this skill and engage your reader through your writing sample .

Graduate Admissions Support

In conclusion, we know that applying for graduate school can be a stressful process. We’re here to help you navigate the ups and downs. Check out more helpful tips and articles demystifying graduate school admissions on our blog . Looking for help with your application essays? We have samples of real Personal Statements that got people accepted to graduate programs – with our expert feedback to help you write your essays.

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Q: What is the prompt for the Statement of Academic Purpose for PhD/Master’s applicants?

A statement of academic purpose is required of all applicants. The statement of purpose prompt for the 2023-2024 application is as follows:

• All applicants (except those applying to Biological and Biomedical Sciences or Political Science): Please upload a statement of 500-1000 words explaining why you are applying to Yale for graduate study. Describe your research interests and preparation for your intended field(s) of study, including prior research and other relevant experiences. Explain how the faculty, research, and resources at Yale would contribute to your future goals.
• Applicants to Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) only: Your statement of purpose will aid the admissions committee in evaluating your application. Succinctly respond in 500-1000 words. Please discuss your motivation for conducting research, provide a detailed summary of your research experience and how it prepares you for doctoral study, and include how you have taken initiative on a research project, academic endeavor, or employment responsibility. Finally, please describe your career aspirations.
• Applicants to Political Science only: In a succinct statement of no more than 1000 words, please (1) discuss your motivation for conducting research; (2) provide a detailed summary of your research experience and training and how it prepares you for doctoral study in your proposed program (the standalone PhD in Political Science); (3) the topic(s) you plan to study in graduate school and how you would approach those questions; and (4) why Yale is a good fit given your interests.

Q: Writing Sample — is one required for my program of study?

There are two ways to determine if a writing sample is required for the program to which you are applying:

• The first is through the program’s website.  
• The second is from within the online application. Once you have selected your program of study, if a writing sample is required, you will not be able to submit your application until one has been uploaded to your application. 

Q: I need to revise my statement of purpose, resume, or supplemental materials but have already submitted my application. What should I do?

You may upload a revised statement of purpose, resume, or supplemental materials via your Status Portal. 

Q: What's the difference between a combined degree and a joint degree?

Some departments and programs offer a joint degree between the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and one of Yale’s professional schools. If you apply for a joint degree you must submit an application to both the professional school and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

A combined degree is between two departments or programs, both within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

• Applicants submit one application to the Graduate School and indicate that they wish to be considered for both programs. 
• Certain programs (African American Studies; Film and Media Studies; and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) are mandatory combined degrees and applicants must indicate on their application with which department/program at the Graduate School they wish to be combined. 
• Other departments/programs at the Graduate School can be combined but do not have to be. Additionally, some departments and programs may not be combined. 
• Refer to the Programs of Study listing for complete information.

Q: Can I apply to more than one program at the Graduate School?

No. An application may be made to only one department or program at the Graduate School per term.

There are, however, a number of programs that permit you to apply as a combined degree applicant using a single application:

• An application to African American Studies; Film and Media Studies; or Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies requires you to apply as a combined degree applicant.
• Select your program and look for combined PhD programs affiliated with that program. 

Q: How do I check on the status of my application to see if my letters of recommendation and/or standardized test scores have been received by your office?

Before You Submit Your Application: You will see the status of these materials within the “Test Scores” or “Recommendations” tab of your application. You do not need to delay submitting your application because of pending letters of recommendation or pending official test scores. It is acceptable for letters of recommendation and official test scores to arrive after you submit your application and up to a few days after the application deadline.

After You Submit Your Application: Upon submitting your application and after paying your application fee, you will use your Application Status Portal to check for the receipt of official test scores or letters of recommendation.

Q: Can I submit supplemental materials before I submit my application?

All materials in support of your application must be uploaded to your application prior to submission.  If you have materials such as books, manuscripts, CDs, or sheet music that you consider essential in support of your application, you should extract a sample and upload that sample to your online application. Do not mail any materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions or to your designated program, as any such materials will be discarded. 

Q: The field of study, subfield, track, or concentration for my proposed program is not available in the online application. What should I do?

Some programs and departments at the Graduate School offer specific fields of study; however, not all of them require you to choose one when you submit your application.

If you are applying to a program that does not require subfields, you may wish to indicate your interest in a specific field of study in your statement of purpose.

Q: Where should I send the supplemental materials that could not be uploaded to my application?

All materials for your application must be uploaded to your application. Do not mail anything to us, as it will not be included in your application for review by faculty. 

Q: Fall term grades are now available. How can I report them to you?

Fall term grades, or a copy of your updated transcript, may be uploaded via your Application Status Portal after you submit your application.  Do not mail any materials to us. 

Q: I am reapplying. What do I need to do?

You should submit a new application, including all required materials, new letters of recommendation, and payment of the application fee. If you previously sent official test scores to the Graduate School, you do not need to send them again.  Please note that applicants who have been previously denied admission to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences three times may not apply again.

Q: Can I withdraw my application?

Yes. You may withdraw your application prior to receiving an admissions decision; however, please note that application fees are non-refundable. To withdraw your application, please email us at [email protected] .

Q: Can GRE/TOEFL scores arrive after the deadline?

Yes, but you should make every effort to have your standardized test scores released to us as soon as possible.

Please bear in mind that faculty can begin reviewing applications following the deadline of your program. While they may have self-reported scores (that you entered in your application), no formal decision can be made until official scores are received.

Official score records received after the deadline will still be provided to the program.

Q: I submitted my application to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, but I intended to submit it to a different Yale school. What should I do?

Please notify us of the mistake by emailing us at [email protected] and we will withdraw your application to the Graduate School. You will need to submit a new application to the Yale school to which you wish to apply. Unfortunately, we are unable to transfer any application materials, such as writing samples, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc. If an application was submitted to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences when intended for another school of the university and you have already submitted an application to that school, we can refund your Graduate School application fee (as long as an admissions decision has not been released yet by the Graduate School). 

Q: I am unable to access or load the application website. What can I do?

If you have tried a different browser already, you might then try using VPN, a different network, a different computer, or a smart phone to access the website. In some isolated cases, local networks appear to be blocking access to the application website, but using a different network or phone should resolve the issue.

Q: I am having difficulty uploading supplemental materials. What should I do?

Documents uploaded to your application may not exceed 16MB max. Reduce the size of your document and try uploading it again. 

Q: I need technical support with the application.

If you are experiencing a technical issue with the application, we suggest trying a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox.

If you continue to experience issues, please email Graduate Admissions . 

Q: I have created a duplicate application/account. How can I delete it?

A duplicate application occurs when you have previously created an application account and then mistakenly create another using modified credentials.

Duplicate applications are not permitted and we will systematically consolidate duplicate accounts. 

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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.

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Writing samples for PhD applications

People often ask me what I did to get into my graduate program and assume that I must have scored very well on the GRE and probably worked with a GRE tutor.  What they don’t know, and what every potential PhD applicant in the humanities should know, is that top GRE scores are not usually the most important component of a successful application.

In philosophy (and I’ve been told the same goes for the other disciplines in the humanities), the two most important parts of one’s graduate school application are the writing sample and faculty recommendations. I’ll focus on the former today and I’ll speak from my own experience in philosophy with the understanding that analogous points hold for the other humanities. 

Performance on standardized exams is not always the most reliable guide to whether one can excel at philosophy.

Thankfully, good graduate programs know this. Even getting a perfect score on the writing portion of the GRE is neither enough, nor even necessary, for a successful philosophy application. Far more indicative of one’s philosophical abilities is an extended piece of writing on a philosophical topic, and every good graduate program requires one in their applications. An excellent piece of philosophical writing is the sine qua non for a competitive application.

The earlier that aspiring philosophy PhD students understand this, the better.

But this is not because, say, sophomore philosophy majors ought to immediately begin crafting an essay specifically for an application and then spend the rest of their undergraduate lives perfecting it. That strategy is more likely to make one miserable than to improve one’s chances of being accepted to the program one dreams of.  Rather, one should become aware of the importance of good philosophical writing in the life of academic philosophy and begin to orient oneself toward general development of one’s philosophical writing abilities. But how does one do that?

To begin, one obviously needs to take one’s writing assignments in philosophy classes very seriously.  But not only those. For while there are standards and conventions peculiar to philosophical writing, there are ones common to most disciplines as well. Take every writing assignment in every class as an opportunity to improve.

A great way to improve your PhD admissions chances would be to spend time during a summer improving your best philosophical paper to date. 

For this is exactly what developing your writing sample will turn into, and it is best for it not to be the first time you have gone through the process.  Every paper that has ever been written could be improved.  So don’t rest on the A that you received on the final paper in your upper division meta-ethics course as a sophomore, thinking it is a sure sign of acceptance to your favored program.  Bug your professor to give you more advice on how it can be improved. Stretch yourself to edit it for mistakes and to ponder ways it could be made better. Spend some time over the summer trying to make it the best paper you can. Finally, see if your professor will look at the improved version again in the fall and give you yet more feedback.

What you read is nearly as important as what you write. 

While practicing writing is the most important part of developing your writing, the proper kind of reading is of enormous importance as well.  One learns to write like a philosopher through being exposed to lots and lots of philosophical writing. This means that you need to read philosophical works not only for their philosophical content, but also for their writing style.  You need to ask yourself questions about how a paper is written. Why is the overall structure as it is? Why did the author put this particular point this way? What are common stylistic themes across the different papers I read? Another good exercise that one of my undergraduate professors recommended to me is to actually copy out extended passages from famous works and arguments in the philosophical canon.  Among other things, when done with proper focus, this can force you to confront and answer the above questions for the best writing available.

An important caveat applies to the above, though. Reading Plato’s dialogues or Descartes’ meditations (classic examples of excellent philosophical writing) over and over will not be sufficient to help you write a good sample essay. Your writing sample needs to show that you have the ability to write the kind of essays that get published in academic journals today, and that is a very different style from some of the great works of history.  So you need to read a lot of contemporary journal articles, ask for some guidance from professors, and, for some of the best ones, look beyond what they assign in class. However, this does not mean that, even here, there is nothing to learn from the masters of the past.  It just means you need a well-balanced meal of classic and contemporary philosophical writing.

So the most important thing is not only to be  aware of the importance of your writing sample, but to start doing the kinds of things that will make you well prepared for developing it.   Writing samples are almost always extended improvements on a final class paper or a piece of one’s senior thesis.  

Finally, in order to produce the best sample you can, you need to develop the kind of relationship with one of your professors such that he or she can help you select your most promising work, and then work with you to help you whip it into application-ready shape. 

Developing such a relationship goes hand in hand with improving your prospects for the other most important part of the application—faculty recommendations—but that's a topic for another post.

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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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Comparative Literature

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Harvard’s Department of Comparative Literature is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the country. Its impressive faculty has included such scholars as Harry Levine, Claudio Guillén, and Barbara Johnson. You will study literatures from a wide range of historical periods and cultures while learning to conduct cutting-edge research through an exhilarating scope of methods and approaches.

Your dissertation research is well supported by Harvard’s unparalleled library system, the largest university collection in the world, comprising 70 libraries with combined holdings of over 16 million items.

Recent student dissertations include “Imagined Mothers: The Construction of Italy, Ancient Greece, and Anglo-American Hegemony,” “The Untimely Avant-Garde: Literature, Politics and Transculturation in the Sinosphere (1909-2020),” and “Artificial Humanities: A Literary Perspective on Creating and Enhancing Humans from Pygmalion to Cyborgs.”

In addition to securing faculty positions at academic institutions such as Princeton University, Emory University, and Tufts University, graduates have gone on to careers in contiguous fields including the visual arts, music, anthropology, philosophy, and medicine.  Others have chosen alternative careers in film production, administration, journalism, and law.

 Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Comparative Literature and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Comparative Literature .

Writing Sample

The writing sample is supposed to demonstrate your ability to engage in literary criticism and/or theory. It can be a paper written for a course or a section of a senior thesis or essay. It is usually between 10 and 20 pages. Do not send longer papers with instructions to read an excerpt; you should edit the sample so that it is not more than 20 pages. Writing samples should be in English, although candidates are permitted to submit an additional writing sample written in a different language.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should give the admissions committee a clear sense of your individual interests and strengths. Applicants are not required to indicate a precise field of specialization, but it is helpful to tell us about your aspirations and how the Department of Comparative Literature might help in attaining these goals. The statement of purpose should be one to four pages in length.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Comparative Literature

See list of Comparative Literature faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Phd Essay Examples

Get Inspired With These Exceptional PhD Essay Examples

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Are you a Ph.D. student struggling to write a standout essay for your application?

Well, the competition for Ph.D. admissions can be intense, and your essay can set you apart from other applicants. But where do you start?

One effective way to get started is by examining successful Ph.D. essay examples. By studying strong examples, you can gain insights into what makes a great Ph.D. essay.

In this blog, we'll provide you with various Ph.D. essay examples. By examining these essays, you'll see how to present your research interests and goals. You will also learn how to apply those techniques to your own writing.

So let’s start with the blog!

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Ph.D. Essays Examples by Experts

Examples provide valuable insight into the writing process. To give you an idea of what successful Ph.D. essays look like, here are some examples written by experts.

PhD Admission Essay Examples

PhD Application Essay Examples

PhD Personal Statement Sample Pdf

Md Phd Essay Examples

If you're applying to an MD-PhD program, you'll want to put your best foot forward in your essay. These examples can give you an idea of what to strive for. Check out!

Md Phd Essay Example

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MD Ph.D. Research Essay Example

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Want to learn more about MD/Ph.D. essay writing? Check out this video!

Graduate School Essay Examples

To help you get a better sense of what is a graduate school essay, and how it may differ from master's and Ph.D. essays, here are some examples:

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Common Ph.D. Essay Prompts And Their Examples 

When applying to a Ph.D. program, it can be challenging to impress the admissions committee. To help you craft a successful application, we have compiled some sample prompts below.

Why Do You Want to Pursue A Ph.D.?

What Are Your Research Interests?

What Are Your Long-Term Career Goals?

How Has Your Academic Background Prepared You For Doctoral Studies?

What Makes You A Good Fit For This Ph.D. Program?

How To Write a Ph.D. Essay?

Crafting a successful Ph.D. essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Here are some steps to guide you through the process and help you create a strong essay.

Step# 1 Understand The Prompt 

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the essay prompt and any specific requirements or guidelines provided.

Step# 2 Conduct Research 

Do your literature search on the topic to develop a deep understanding of the subject matter and identify key areas of interest.

Step# 3 Develop an Outline 

Organize your thoughts and research into a clear and structured outline. Your outline should include an introduction, main body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Step# 4 Write The Essay 

Use your outline as a guide and begin writing your essay. Be sure to maintain a clear writing style, use appropriate terminology, and support your arguments with evidence.

Step# 5 Edit and Proofread 

Once you have finished writing, carefully edit and proofread your essay. It will help you ensure that it is well-written, free of errors, and effectively conveys your message.

Step# 6 Get Feedback 

Consider sharing your essay with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends to get feedback and constructive criticism. Use their suggestions to further refine and improve your essay.

Step# 7 Finalize and Submit 

Once you are satisfied with your essay, make any final edits and submit your application on time, ensuring that all necessary materials have been included.

Ph.D. Essay Outline

Here is a sample outline for a Ph.D. essay:

Note: This is just a sample outline and the specific sections may vary depending on the requirements of the Ph.D. program and the topic of research.

Ph.D. Essay Format

Here are some general guidelines to follow while writing a Ph.D. essay:

• Font: Use a clear and legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size.
• Margins: Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Spacing: Double-space the text throughout the essay, including between paragraphs.
• Title Page: Include a title page with the title of your essay, your name, and the name of your program or institution.
• Table of Contents: If your essay is longer, consider including a table of contents to help the reader navigate through the essay.
• Sections and Headings: Organize your essay into clear sections and use headings to guide the reader. Follow any specific guidelines provided by your program for section headings.
• Citations and References: Use a consistent citation style such as APA or MLA, and include a list of cited sources and references.

It's important to follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your institution to ensure that your Ph.D. essay is professional-looking.

Tips For Writing a Successful Ph.D. Essay

Here are some tips for writing a successful Ph.D. essay that will improve your chances of being accepted into the program:

• Focus on original research: Emphasize your unique research goals and objectives, and explain why they are important to the field.
• Demonstrate familiarity with relevant literature: Showcase your knowledge of the current research in your field. Discuss how your work will build upon existing knowledge.
• Avoid common mistakes: Be sure to avoid mistakes such as overusing jargon , neglecting to define key terms, and failing to make a clear argument.
• Proofread and edit: Always proofread and edit your essay for grammar and syntax errors, as well as for clarity and coherence.
• Stay organized: Make sure your essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion that effectively convey your message.

The Bottom Line!

We hope that these PhD essay examples have given you some inspiration for your own essay. Pursuing a PhD is a significant academic endeavor, and your essay is an opportunity to showcase your expertise, which will impact your future career.

Use these examples as a starting point to craft a unique essay that highlights your strengths and contributions to your field of study.

However, if you're still unsure where to start, don't hesitate to try our AI essay writing tools .

Our PhD essay writing service has a team of experienced writers. They can help you create an impressive essay that meets the requirements of your program. 

Visit our website, and just ask write my college essay , and we'll handle the rest! 

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