How to Apply
The deadline to apply for Fall 2013 admission to the M.F.A. English Creative Writing program is December 15, 2012.
Beginning with the Fall 2012 application, all admission materials will be processed electronically. The ApplyTexas application needs to be completed and submitted first. Then the application fee needs to be paid. After that, applicants will be able to upload documents through the Application Status Check. A paper application packet is no longer required and sending paper copies of documents you have uploaded will significantly delay the processing of your application. All materials will be entered online or uploaded through the Application Status Check. The major code for the M.F.A. in English Creative Writing is 639302. Please see the Graduate School's instructions and guide (pdf) when preparing to submit your application materials.
The English Department requires the following materials to submitted through the Apply Texas application for the M.F.A. application:
1. Statement of purpose (also called a personal statement)
A short essay discussing your specific areas of interest and professional goals.
2. Writing sample
A maximum of either 15 pages of poetry or 25 pages (double-spaced) of prose.
3. Letters of recommendation
We suggest three letters from individuals familiar with your academic work and your writing. When you complete the “References” portion of the online application for admission, you will provide the names and email addresses of those individuals which you have asked to provide a recommendation. Be sure that the email addresses are current and accurate. Upon submission of the completed application and its receipt at the University, an e-mail message will be sent to the addresses you provide and your recommenders will be asked to visit a web site where they can complete a questionnaire. Your recommender will be informed if you have not waived your right to view his/her letter of recommendation.
We do accept recommendation letters from Interfolio and other credential services. The service would send a link for the recommendation letters to our admissions coordinator, Amy Stewart (amy.d.stewart@austin.utexas.edu).
4. Transcripts
Please see the Graduate School's instructions for uploading and submitting transcripts. You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States institution or proof of equivalent training at an institution outside the United States to begin graduate study at UT-Austin. If you are a college senior and have not graduated yet, please upload your current transcript. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit a final official transcript that states the bachelor's degree has been awarded by the time you enroll.
5. General GRE
The General GRE (verbal and quantitative) is a requirement for all graduate applicants at UT-Austin. All applicants must take the general GRE and submit an official score report to UT. The GRE school code for UT is 6882.
Note: GRE scores are good for 5 years from the last date taken
All application materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for Fall 2013 admission. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all of the required materials are submitted by the deadline. Because of the volume of applications, the English Office cannot confirm the receipt of individual items. Applicants are normally notified of the Program's decision by early April.
