Using Essays as Writing Samples
When applying for both academic programs and jobs, many applications will ask applicants to submit a sample of their writing. This provides the evaluators with a tangible piece of work to assess an individual’s writing, research, and analytical skills. One common type of writing sample submitted is an academic essay. Essays are a viable option for a writing sample, but applicants need to carefully choose which essay to submit and effectively present it. This article will explore the pros and cons of using essays as writing samples as well as tips for selecting and submitting the best possible essay.
Why Essays Can Make Good Writing Samples
There are several advantages to using an academic essay as a writing sample:
Demonstrates research and citation skills. Most academic essays require incorporating research sources and properly citing them. This shows hirers/admissions committees that applicants can find and integrate credible sources to support their arguments.
Shows analytical thinking. Strong essays analyze topics in a nuanced way, considering different perspectives and making a well-supported thesis. Evaluators can gauge critical thinking and argument building abilities.
Highlights writing mechanics. Essays require following standard writing conventions like proper formatting, grammar, spelling, transitions between paragraphs, and an introduction/conclusion structure. This allows reviewers to assess general writing proficiency.
Presents focused content. Unlike more general pieces, essays focus on a specific research question, issue, or theme. The concentrated topic means an essay can better highlight applicable writing and analytical talent within a limited space.
Many applicants have prior essays. Given academic program prerequisites, many potential applicants will already have written essays during undergraduate studies they can easily re-purpose for a writing sample. This minimizes extra work.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Essays
While essays can work well as writing samples in many cases, applicants should also be aware of some potential limitations or drawbacks:
May demonstrate “student” skills. Essays written for coursework may emphasize more straightforward research and analysis expected at the undergraduate level versus “professional” skills needed for graduate-level work or jobs.
Topics may not align. If essays focus on narrow topics outside an applicant’s intended field of study or career path, they may not accurately represent relevant talents for the target program/job.
Length constraints common. Evaluators may only have time to skim a one or two page sample. Published essays tend to be longer with more research than may fit space limits. Extensive editing can be needed.
Prior work reflects past abilities. Past essays show writing from possibly years ago that may not fully represent an applicant’s developed skills by the time of application. Growth is not demonstrated.
Grammar/citations not double checked. Essays done quickly for class without care for submission may contain small errors more noticeable in a formal review.
Selecting and Preparing the Best Essay Sample
Considering these pros and cons, how can applicants choose an optimum past essay to use and make it the best possible representation? Here are some tips:
Pick the strongest essay written in past 1-2 years that aligns with target area of study/work. More recent work showcases current capabilities.
Select an essay with a focused topic within your field that evaluators will find relevant. Include 1-2 paragraphs of context if needed.
Abstract or condense length if needed to fit 2 page limit while keeping core analysis intact. Trim introductions/conclusions first before research.
Have multiple people thoroughly proofread for grammar, style consistency, proper citations and check for understanding. Fresh eyes find more issues.
For graduate programs, consider including a brief 1 paragraph reflection on how your skills have developed further since writing the essay. This shows gained maturity.
In cover letter, briefly highlight key relevant analytical or research strengths shown specifically within sample to guide readers’ focus.
Use same formatting as required for actual program/job application for polished professional appearance (font, margins, headers, etc).
With care taken in selection, preparation and presentation, past academic essays can function well as writing samples to bolster applications and highlight qualifications for further study or career positions. Following these best practices maximizes their effectiveness in demonstrating competencies to evaluators.