<p>I am a mathematics major applying to graduate programs in political philosophy, and I was wondering if the adcoms actually take the time to read 10-13 page writing samples, given all the applications that come in. I have a special stake in this, because of my major in a different field.</p>
<p>Also, my GPA is a meagre 3.5, which is undoubtedly much lower than my competition with 3.9s in international relations/poly sci. Would I be optimistic to think that the adcoms would take into account the difficulty of my major (I took 4 graduate level math courses) and/or institution (Princeton)? I can't help but think it wouldn't be fair for them to do otherwise.</p>
<p>My GREs are quite good, excepting my AW score, which is a topic of a different thread altogether: 1550/1600 (780V, 770M, 2.5 AW) </p>
<p>Everything I've heard, or read, suggests that the writing sample is one of the most important aspects of the application. Then again, I'm applying in English, a field in which writing skills are super-important.</p>
<p>Maybe someone with more info about your specific field can fill you in further...in the meantime, though, I'd say that you SHOULD NOT assume that your writing sample will be skimmed. Most people (in my field, anyway) try to submit a strongly argued, heavily researched critical essay precisely because the sample often gets close attention. If you've got the time, I'd definitely suggest that you take that aspect of the application seriously and try to put together something strong.</p>
<p>Also, I don't know about your other question, but you might consider providing your rank in your major. My impression is that you shouldn't belabor that kind of thing on your SOP, but that if you can quantify it briefly somewhere on the app, it might be to your advantage.</p>
<p>Yes, yes, yes, they do where there's a lot of writing to be doing. Political philosophy would fall under their category. I applied for History PhDs last year and EVERY professor mentioned that they wish they could've seen a stronger writing sample from me. Now it's my number one priority for the next round of applications. And, 10 to 13 pages is just a slap in the face compared to the number of pages history departments read (max of 35 pages).</p>