One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
Three letters of recommendation (preferably from current or former teachers).
Statement of background and goals. In the first sentence of your statement, please specify the primary genre of study (fiction, poetry, or literary nonfiction). If you were not an English major, we recommend you include a list (5-7 titles) of recently read contemporary books in the genre in which you are applying.
Resume or CV.
A portfolio of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. The portfolio must be in English and in the applicant's primary genre (up to 15 pages of poetry, 30 pages of fiction, or 30 pages of literary nonfiction). This manuscript is the most important element of a candidate's application. It will be evaluated by a committee of creative writing faculty to assess the candidate's readiness for graduate study. The committee's decision is based upon its qualitative assessment for the manuscript's competence in standard English and originality, and the author's demonstrated potential to succeed in the profession of creative writing.
At least one survey course in both English and American literature at the university level (may be taken while in graduate residence). Please request one official transcript from each college and/or university attended. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution and a GPA of 3.0 or more (on a 4.0 maximum) in all work attempted while registered as an undergraduate student OR 3.0 GPA (or equivalent) or better in all work attempted while registered as an upper division student working for a baccalaureate degree, OR
A graduate degree or professional degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution in a field related to the discipline of the program to which the student is applying. A computer-based TOEFL score of 220 or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (or equivalent score on the paper-based test) or 6.5 on the IELTS is required unless otherwise specified by the program.