The Heller Ph.D. in Social Policy

Writing Sample

The ability to communicate effectively is essential for successful completion of the Ph.D. Program. To assist the Admissions Committee in its assessment, applicants must submit an academic writing sample. The sample will be used to evaluate an applicant’s analytic skills, writing style, and ability to deal with complex material. Writing samples should not be more than 20 pages in length (ideally 10-15 pages). Jointly-authored work, grant proposals, or theses are not acceptable.

Examples of materials that might be submitted include a paper written for a course (within the last two years), a paper published in a professional journal (within the last three years), or a paper specifically prepared for the Heller application.

The writing sample may be submitted electronically (preferred).