D. E. Shaw creative writing samples

I recently applied for several technical positions at D. E. Shaw, and had to produce a creative writing sample as part of the application. I have virtually zero creative writing experience, so I sent them my linear algebra course notes from my TA days. They followed up with an email and requested a non-technical sample, so I responded with a GRE prep essay I wrote. I was then told the essay was too short, so I buckled down, found a prompt and wrote ~1400 words. Is this a normal part of the application process?
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