Writing Sample

Below you will find a description of  writing samples appropriate to each degree program. Please note that a writing sample is required of all graduate English applicants. This is one of the most important parts of your application. At least three faculty members will read this sample to determine your potential for our graduate program, so choose your sample carefully and proofread it.

M.A. English/Language and Linguistics: Ten to twenty pages of a linguistics-related essay would be acceptable, as would a piece previously submitted for a literature class.

M.A. English/Literature: The sample could emphasize an area you would like to study, i.e. a paper previously submitted for a literature course. Your paper should reflect your ability to read literature closely, to place it in a historical or theoretical context, and to use research materials responsibly. Ten to twenty pages would be acceptable.

M.F.A. Writing:

• FICTION: Please submit at least two separate pieces, i.e. two short stories, part of a novel or novella and a short story.
• NON-FICTION: At least two separate non-fiction pieces, i.e. feature articles, essays, or newspaper stories.
• POETRY: Ten to fifteen poems.

M.S.T. English: You should submit at least two different pieces of writing--one to demonstrate competence in analytical writing, i.e. a research paper, a literary analysis paper, an extended book review; the other piece should demonstrate your creative writing ability, i.e. a chapter in a novel, a short story, or a personal essay (recounting or reflecting on a personal experience). You may use a paper previously submitted for a class. The samples could total between fifteen and thirty pages.

Ph.D. English/Literature: You should submit at least one substantial paper which demonstrates your potential to do scholarly work in literature. Your paper should reflect your ability to read literature closely, to place it in a historical or theoretical context, and to use research materials responsibly. Length may vary, but a fifteen to twenty page paper is typical. You may use a paper from an earlier graduate seminar or undergraduate course.

Ph.D. English/Composition and Literature: You should submit at least one substantial paper which demonstrates your potential to do scholarly work in composition/rhetoric. Length may vary, but a fifteen to twenty page paper is typical. You may use a paper from an earlier graduate seminar or undergraduate course.

Writing samples should be returned together with the completed application to the Graduate School. If  you have more specific questions, please the English Graduate Office at 603-862-3963, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Thank you.