All advanced certificate, master’s, and PhD applicants must submit an academic or analytic writing sample. The sample must be in English and demonstrate that the applicant asks important questions, responds to them methodically and scientifically, and is familiar with the conventions of academic or analytic writing (citation, attribution, bibliography, etc.). Information applicable to specific programs is noted below.
The sample may be a term paper submitted for a previous course, an undergraduate or graduate thesis, or a published journal article. Applicants who do not have suitable examples of previous work can write an academic paper expressly for the purpose of the application. The sample must be solely the work of the applicant; co-authored works will not be accepted.
Applicants for admission to master's advanced certificate study submit a sample of 10 to 20 pages. Applicants for direct admission to PhD study should submit samples more substantial in length and sophistication. A maximum of 48 pages can be uploaded into the online system. Please consider that the time available to the Admission Committee for reading each application is limited.
Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism MA
Applicants interested in the Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism MA program may submit an academic writing sample or a substantive article(s) or blog(s) instead of a research paper.
International Affairs MA or MS
Submit an 8– to 12–page analytic writing sample in English. The sample may be a term paper submitted for a previous course, an undergraduate or graduate thesis, or a published journal article. Applicants who do not have suitable examples of such work can write an academic paper specifically for their application. The analytic writing sample must be uploaded with the application.
Public and Urban Policy MS
Applicants may submit an optional 8– to 12–page academic or professional writing sample, in English. Published or unpublished academic or analytic research papers are acceptable, as are professional reports, white papers, policy memos or creative publications, and maps or designs. Writing samples that demonstrate your written communication skills, public or urban policy interests, or creative practice are welcome
All Other Master’s and Certificate Programs
Applicants must submit an academic writing sample of 10 to 20 pages. The sample must be in English and demonstrate that the applicant asks important questions, responds to them methodically and scientifically, and is familiar with the conventions of academic writing (citation, attribution, bibliography, etc.).
The sample may be a term paper submitted for a previous course, an undergraduate or graduate thesis, or a published journal article. Applicants who do not have suitable examples of previous work can write an academic paper expressly for the purpose of the application. The sample must be solely the work of the applicant; co-authored works will not be accepted.
Public and Urban Policy PhD
Applicants must submit a sample of scholarly work of 30 to 48 pages in length in English. The submission should be written by the applicant. Co-authored writing samples may be accepted, provided the applicant’s contributions to the work are clearly noted.
All Other PhD Programs
Applicants for direct admission to PhD study should submit samples more substantial in length and sophistication. A sample of scholarly work of 30 to 48 pages can be uploaded into the online system. Please consider that the time available to the Admission Committee for reading each application is limited.