AcaGarfield

Thank you very much!

Thank you for your kindly reply. I've got one further question. Which do you think is better? (a) A research proposal which is on my interested topic and contains detailed plan of how to do it. or (b) A complete thesis that doesn't fit either my research interest or RA experience.? Does the Adcom expect to see a writing sample from applicant with a professional master degree? Thanks again!

Hi, I'm applying accounting phd for 2013 admission. Most of the schools require a "optional writing sample'. I wonder: (1) what do professors look for in someone' writing sample? academic writing ability or research interest/ potential? (2) I don't have any paper which matches my research interest, and it seems I don't have enough time to write a paper within 1 or 2 month. is it OK that I submit a research proposal? (3) I have a undergraduate thesis (unpublished). The topic is about AIS, while my intended research interest is financial accounting. Is it OK that I submit this thesis to demonstrate my general academic writing skills ? However, I do concern that it may send a misleading signal to the committee... I really frustrated about the writing sample. Will the majority of applicants submit a writing sample? I'm looking forward to any suggestions ! Many thanks!