<p>Hello, I just returned from an admissions talk and the lady said that you needed to submit a graded writing sample for the admissions process. However, I have never heard about this before and I couldn't find anywhere on the app where it asked for that. anyone care to shed some light on the matter?</p>
<p>Basically, the admissions office wants to see a graded essay/writing sample written from in your junior or senior year with your teacher's comments on them. Essays from your english or history class may work well with this.</p>
<p>But it is required. I, for example, I'm sending in an analytical paper on "My Antonia."</p>
<p>I think the admissions office wants to see not only a personal essay, but also an analytical one.</p>
<p>so will my ISP (6 paged research paper) work??</p>
<p>what's ISP stand for?</p>
<p>I'll assume it's a science based research paper. Yes, I believe that would work fine, but I think having an english paper would be better.</p>
<p>Whatever the case, you want to convey YOU. If you would feel your application would be better with your ISP paper, then go for it!</p>
<p>Is the graded essay really still required? When we went for a tour in September, we asked an admissions officer, because I couldn't find anything about it on the application this year, and he said they weren't requiring it any more. So now I'm confused.</p>
<p>yeah, i am really confused too because I can't find it anywhere on the application, so I almost didn't submit anything...</p>
<p>ISP= Independent study paper</p>
<p>I went to an info session this week and was told 2 recommendations required, a third is optional but NO MORE than 3. The admissions person also said that the graded paper has been eliminated. It was required last year thus the confusion. I would call admissions if you still want to be certain.</p>
<p>i called and they said you do not need a writing sample</p>
<p>Well, what if one of my best pieces was a satire that attacked the elites who live extravagant lifestyles?</p>
<p>Think it would be too critical for admissions to like. It is funny in all its seriousness, but it is also brutal in its criticisms.</p>
<p>BIGTWIX,</p>
<p>Here's some advice: Have several objective adults (NOT your parents) read your satire before submitting it with any application for any college. There is often a HUGE gap between the senses of humor of high school students and adults in their 30s or 40s. Also remember, someone reading your satire could be a target of your satire.</p>
<p>I had adults read it (not parents)
Yeah, i think ill hold off on it. It could be pretty offensive.</p>
<p>BIGTWIX . . . agreed with Professor X in the having someone else read it. But I'd send it. Most admissions readers are not in their 30-40's they're in their mid 20's and I actually can't imagine ANYTHING being "too radical" or biting for a Vassar admissions officer (unless maybe . . you're declaring yourself a neo-nazi in which case you'd be an idiot . . . and we can probably safely assume that's not what's going on here).</p>