Writing samples demonstrate an applicant's academic interests and their capacity for making structured arguments. We use writing samples to evaluate academic writing skills, research ability and intellectual fit with the strengths of our program. Typically, a writing sample should be 3,000-8,000 words and is usually a research paper written for a class, or a senior thesis. If you need guidance on how to structure your writing sample, we recommend consulting Kate L. Turabian's Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.