Attaching writing samples to applications

[Malachite]

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hey everyone,
so this is sort of very last minute, but any input would be sooo appreciated.
i am applying for clinical psychology ph.d. programs. while application forms seem to not generally ask for writing samples, what are your thoughts on attaching one anyway?
also, i was thinking of submitting an assessment report i did for a volunteer, based on a battery of personality testing. the reason i would choose this is just that it's a very comprehensive, well-written, and very recent paper.
while i would, of course, obtain written consent first, and remove all identifying info (like name, background info, etc), would this be in the danger zone of being looked at as an ethics faux pas, or, since it doesnt involve lit reviews, extensive background research, is it too narrow in subject to be a useful addition to my application (given that my research focus is not related to assessment)?
thoughts?
thanks!

 

[SourPatchKid]

I sent a writing sample to every school. If they had a place to upload it on the online application I did it that way. If not, I mailed it out to every school. I figured, even if they didn't ask for one, it was best to have one there for them. The worst thing that happens is they don't look at it.

I wouldn't submit anything more than 7-8 pages. But if you've authored an article or at thesis (abstract or first few pages), might as well submit it for their review right?

 

[hermionephd]

If you have really good writing or research samples - finished thesis, copies of posters presented, submitted journal articles, etc. - I would personally send them. I sent things to almost every department for one reason or another, so I just went ahead and threw in these things paper clipped to my vita. They can always throw it out if they don't want it!

As far as the specific example you mentioned, there are definitely programs that would think "wow, look at this clinical work, awesome!" But it seems as though those programs would have to be (1) VERY clinically oriented and (2) in agreement with the assessment methods you utilized and the way in which you interpreted those results. I'm sure you've done enough homework to know whether your programs are clinically oriented and follow a model which would be in line with the methods you used, BUT just thought I'd throw that out there as a potential warning.

That's just my opinion! Who knows! There's a thread on here that actually allows you to ask a professor, maybe they would have good advice!

 

[thirdeye99]

If you have really good writing or research samples - finished thesis, copies of posters presented, submitted journal articles, etc. - I would personally send them. I sent things to almost every department for one reason or another, so I just went ahead and threw in these things paper clipped to my vita. They can always throw it out if they don't want it!

I think that's good advice. I sent one of my published journal articles + a CV within the application packet to every program, whether they asked for it or not. You never know what might make the difference.

 

[WannaBeDrMe]

I think that's good advice. I sent one of my published journal articles + a CV within the application packet to every program, whether they asked for it or not. You never know what might make the difference.

Me too. If you want to get really dorky, like me, you can make a cute little folder. I don't want to give away all of my secrets but well-labeled, attractive packets made me feel a little less anxious about my process... both times I applied.

I even sent the CV of all of my LOR people if it was a school where I wasn't aware of connections between my people and their people.

As long as it's well organized and clearly labeled so people aren't sifting through a pile of stuff trying to pull out what they need, I personally think it's ok. I have only had good feedback about it so far (and in the past).

 

[Malachite]

Thanks everyone! It was really helpful to get your opinions about this 🙂
WannaBeDrMe, that's a very cool idea about attaching LOR CV's. Although I didn't have time to do something similar, thanks for sharing.
I did end up attaching the sample...will keep my fingers crossed!!