问题:

I am applying master of sociology and it requires writing sample. So:

(1) I wonder whether this will play big role in admissions or they just want to see my writing skills and the research content is not that important. 

(2) about the reference letter, cause I cannot gain one from some professors in American universities, will it be a big disadvantage? Thanks.

回答：

Nice to get your question and I’m really glad I’m getting the chance to answer it! Sorry for the delay – there were a lot of questions coming through last night.

Re (1):

Every point-of-contact, document, or other exposure to the program is a MULTI-FACETED opportunity to shape the school’s impression of you. Schools certainly try to apply forms of rigor to subjective impressions, with application reviewers correlating their impressions to sets of objectively-defined variables to generate a “score”. But there are major limits. As Chris Peterson (Assistant Admissions Director at MIT) says in his interesting blog “I don’t think that “Rate this applicant’s leadership from 1 to 5” is a particularly objective exercise just because we slapped a number in it.

” https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/the-difficulty-with-data/ The ‘writing sample’ is not successfully executed merely by virtue of fulfilling a narrowly-defined purpose (being a perfect piece of written, academic English for example). The ‘writing sample’ is a success if it makes the maximum possible contribution as part of a successful http://application.In short: Written style AND content: It’s all important, because it all makes an impression. And it’s exciting! Think about it: You can write about stuff you’re very interested in. Someone who is really important to your future and INTERESTED IN YOU will read it. They’ll be hoping to be impressed. They’ll be rooting for you! 

As we move through life, chances to receive attention and focus like this—focus on us, focus on what we have to say about our passions—from crucial individuals, will diminish drastically. (UNLESS of course we seize opportunities to make our mark WHEN they present themselves!!) Make the most of every piece of contact you have with the school. And enjoy it!

Re (2): 

No it will not be a big disadvantage. What’s important is that your recommenders express genuine sentiments about you based on comprehensive contact during relevant activities. They should know you well, they should have strong, positive opinions backed up by facts, and their letters should add something to your application that is not present in the other documents.I wish you all the luck in the world. If you tackle your applications energetically and thoughtfully, I have lots of faith they will be a success.