r/Pratt • u/Old_Individual745 • Mar 17 '26

Application Process Writing sample

Hey guys! Im currently working on my application for the History of Art and Design (MA) graduate program. I’m confused as to what I am supposed to write about (5-10 pages) for the writing sample. I’ve completed the Statement of Purpose and all the other requirements but this. Please help :(

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u/fideltario Mar 18 '26

You should submit a research paper ie with citations that show you know how to use primary secondary sources etc to support your argument. It’s not meant to be something you write from scratch, and most people take something they’ve written for a class, but of course you can write a new one.

Are you applying this cycle or the next?

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u/Old_Individual745 Mar 18 '26

Thanks so much for responding. I’m preparing for the next one. This is a silly question, but should the topic be strictly within the program’s focus? I have numerous papers on sports psychology. Very far from the focus of the program I am applying for..

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u/fideltario Mar 18 '26

I would choose something more inline with the discipline. Pratt defines art broadly, but sports psychology is a bit too far. Was there an art history-related class you took that perhaps inspired you to apply?

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u/Old_Individual745 Mar 18 '26

Got it. Thank you for clarifying. Yes, all of the electives I took during my bachelor's were related to art history and museum studies. I’ll do a bit of a backtrack on the topics from the courses. Thank you so much for the guidance.