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Randolph College > Academics > Graduate > MFA Creative Writing > Apply

How to Apply

Application to the MFA program requires the completion of an application form with all of the required supporting materials (see below).

The program accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling basis, so please feel free to apply at any time.

We begin accepting and filling each cohort on the following dates:

  • March 1 for Summer Residency
  • September 1 for Winter Residency

The best chance to be admitted into the program is to apply by the deadlines; however, if you have arrived at the site after the deadline and are still interested in applying, reach out to us and let us know.

We’re excited that you’re here, and we will work with you to make sure your application is read as soon as possible.

Requirements

THE APPLICATION FORM: your application begins here.

To apply for the MFA program, applicants must fill out an application form.

CLICK HERE: The MFA Application Form

In order to complete this form, applicants need to have available all of the listed materials on this page.

COVER LETTER/STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: your journey shared with us.

This 2-3 page letter indicates the applicant’s purpose in applying to the program, including short-term and long-term writing goals.

The letter may include the student’s related experience (writing, publishing, and studying creative writing), self-perceived strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and any other reflection that may be relevant to one’s development as a literary artist.

This document is a way for us to get to know our applicants: it helps us begin to see how your journey might include the Randolph MFA

WRITING SAMPLE: your creative writing.

This is the most important piece of your application.

Students primarily study one genre and should submit a writing sample in the genre in which they would like to be considered for admittance*:

Fiction sample: 12-20 pages in length (Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced), comprising one or more short stories or a book excerpt.

Poetry sample: 8-10 pages in length (Times New Roman, 12-point font, single-spaced or spaced as style suggests), comprising one or more poems.

Nonfiction sample: 12-20 pages in length (Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced), comprising one or more short essays or a book excerpt.

*If applying in multiple genres, please submit one document with two or three samples

CONTACT INFO FOR TWO REFERENCES: your best advocates.

On the application form, you will be asked to provide the email address for two references who will be contacted to submit a recommendation letter on your behalf.

You may choose anyone who you think can best speak to your ability to be successful in our program.

UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: your academic history.

For an unofficial transcript, please upload an electronic version of your transcript. Please ensure that your name and the institution’s name are legible.

Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance into the program.

RESUME OR C.V. (optional): your experience.

This document is optional. You are welcome to include it if you believe it will help us better evaluate you.

TOEFL or IELTS Scores (international students only): your language proficiency.

For international students: TOEFL or IELTS scores are required to establish English proficiency only if your home language is not English and if your primary language of instruction has not been English for at least five years.

Please upload your unofficial TOEFL or IELTS test scores.

Official scores will be requested upon acceptance into the program.

APPLICATION FEE: none

We do not require an application fee.

FAFSA: the first step for financial aid

To be considered for any grants or scholarships that are provided by the MFA program, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at studentaid.gov.

Please use the Randolph College federal code number when submitting FAFSA: 003734.