Transcript:
For application review purposes (only), scan and upload copies of transcripts for all institutions attended since high school graduation.* In the online application, you will be prompted to upload a PDF of your scanned documents. Please upload both the front and back sides of the transcript, even if the back side is blank. Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following: your name, the institution name, dates of attendance, grades/marks received, credits, and grading legend. If a transcript is not available, please upload a statement explaining the circumstances.
Curriculum Vitae:
Not required
Personal Statement:
The statement is very important and is given careful consideration in the selection process. It should provide information that will aid the selection committee in evaluating your potential for completing the MFA program. Think of the statement as an opportunity to discuss your work and goals in both a personal and critical context. Suggested topics:
Aesthetics
Community
Past experiences
Background in writing
What you have read that has been useful or influential to you as a writer
Experience or interest in theoretical, interdisciplinary, and/or cultural studies
What you are currently working on
Recent participation in readings, workshops, or critique groups
What you hope to get from the MFA Program in Writing
Be concise and specific. Your statement should be no longer than 2500 words. There is no minimum length.
Recommendation Letter:
You must provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who are in a position to analyze your academic ability and potential for success in a rigorous graduate program. Letters must be submitted online by your recommenders or a recognized professional dossier services such as Inferfolio. We do not accept paper letters.
Writing Sample:
A Writing Sample is required and is weighed heavily in the selection process. You may submit poetry, fiction (composed of one or several stories, a portion of a novel, or a combination), or hybrid texts, which could include forms such as the graphic novel or visual poetry.
In putting the sample together you should emphasize quality rather than length. Here are suggested page lengths (your sample can be shorter or a little bit longer):
Fiction – 30 to 40 pages (if submitting a novel excerpt, attach a brief plot synopsis)
Poetry – 15 to 20
Hybrid/Cross-Genre – 30 to 40
Combine all the pieces of your sample into one PDF document, formatted as follows:
Clearly label the cover sheet of the sample either Hybrid/Cross-Genre with an Emphasis in Fiction, or Hybrid/Cross-Genre with an Emphasis in Poetry.
Provide a table of contents on the cover sheet if the sample consists of several stories or unrelated pieces.
Include your name and the page number in the header on every page.
Double-space unless the formatting of your material requires otherwise.
Upload the Writing Sample PDF to the application. Do not mail or email your submission manuscript
Aesthetics statement:
Provide a 250-word statement of your literary aesthetics/poetics in relation to the Writing Sample you are submitting.