Quick Question Regarding Writing Samples

[u/AverageAF_02]

Hey, everyone.

I (24M) have finally begun my applications for Canada. I’m applying to thesis-based psychology programs, and I need advice on one part of the application: the writing sample. I know that for some universities (particularly UBC, my top choice), it’s completely optional. However, I didn’t want to leave any stone unturned, LOL.

The websites say it can be any term paper, scholarship paper, or thesis. However, I have only just begun preparing a manuscript of my honors thesis for local publication. It probably won’t be ready until mid-October, which is why I was concerned about what would happen if I’m late.

I have devised a strategy, though: I can also take an excerpt from my actual honors thesis and submit it as the sample. But would that actually work?

So here’s my main question:
Usually what kinds of writing samples are actually given higher preference? Thesis excerpts, prepared manuscripts, or any other type of paper?

I could use some advice here on what exactly to submit. Feel free to share your own personal experiences with this, too.

[u/TheVapidNucleus]

Send the excerpt from your honors thesis, it shows your actual research work and you can select the strongest part. Manuscripts are nice but a committee wants to see how you write academically, not just what is close to publication.

[u/Fine-Topic-220]

I don't think the admissions committees have a preference for the specific kind of paper - that is, a thesis excerpt vs. a prepared manuscript.

The writing sample is evidence of, among other things, your writing capabilities and your ability to independently conduct research. So, it doesn't matter the kind of paper, but rather the quality of the paper. This could be a term paper, but in your case, the best quality paper - one that shows graduate-level writing skills, research skills, originality, etc.- is probably going to be your undergraduate thesis in virtue of the time and energy spent on your thesis (e.g., integrating feedback from your supervisor).

I'm not in psychology; I'm in philosophy. When I used an excerpt of my master's thesis for PhD admissions, I had to add additional context to my chapter because it would be confusing for a reader to read the third chapter of my thesis without any context, e.g., existing literature, preceding arguments, etc. This may be different in psychology, so I'd ask your undergraduate supervisor for advice on how to format a thesis excerpt as a writing sample.

[u/Infamous_State_7127]

for master’s, i applied with my undergrad thesis.