FAQ

Who can apply?
Anyone with an undergraduate degree is welcome to apply. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has a talent for and commitment to writing, and/or significant publications.  The waiver is granted at the discretion of the dean and provost’s admissions committee.

We review the applicant's creative portfolio, personal statements, letters of recommendation, résumé and transcripts. We are searching for students who take their work seriously, show promise and whom we believe would benefit from graduate-level study.

Can a writer who is not a U.S. citizen apply?
Yes. But for non-native speakers of English, TOEFEL examinations are required. Upon acceptance, international students will have their status confirmed by the admissions office so that a student visa can be applied for.

What work should I submit?
Submit your best written work. 

Is previous publication needed to apply?
No. Some applicants have published a lot, some a little. We are interested in both.

How should the manuscript be formatted?
Prose manuscripts should be double-spaced. Whenever possible it is helpful when your name appears on each page. We will not review books, CDs or any materials other than your manuscript printed on standard paper.

What academic background is required?
Good writing comes from any number of backgrounds. Admission is based on the merit of the writing.

Can I keep my full-time job while earning my M.F.A.?
We recognize that employment is a fact of life, not just for many students, but also for a majority of writers. Therefore our core classes meet in the evenings during the week. Our program seeks writers who want to give as much time as possible to their writing.

What is the application deadline?
The Priority Application submission date is March 1. Applications submitted by March 1 will be considered for the most competitive Foundry Fellowships.

Do I need to take the GRE?
No, nor do we require any other standardized test scores.

Do those recommending me need to be professors or teachers who know my writing?
Not necessarily, but perhaps some sense of your work is helpful to them in writing on your behalf.  

Can I submit a play or screenplay that I have written?
Yes and no. You are welcome to submit an excerpt from a play. We've expanded our program to include playwriting. We are unable to review screenplays. 

I write both fiction and non-fiction. Can I apply to both categories in the same year?
Yes. The application will ask you to check your preference, but feel free to submit two varied writing samples. 

How are applicants chosen for admittance?
Submissions are read by a committee of faculty whose members discuss the merits of the manuscripts and supporting materials.

If I am not selected, can I apply again?
Yes. Please do.