How to Apply to the MFA Program
Students applying to the University of Oregon for an MFA in Creative Writing are required to submit two packets of materials:
- one to the Office of Admissions and
- one to the Creative Writing Program
Important Note: We cannot consider files lacking any of the materials required.
| Submission to the OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS |
Application for Admission to the Graduate School at the University of Oregon is through an online application.
* Under "Special area:" of the online application, please specify a genre
selection of either "FICTION" or "POETRY." (FAQ)
-
Application Fee
A $50.00 application fee must accompany your online application to the Office Admissions using VISA or MasterCard.
-
Official Transcripts
Submit by mail official transcripts from all institutions from which you have earned a degree.
| Office of Admissions 1217 University of Oregon Eugene OR 97403-1217 |
| Submission to the CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM |
- UO Graduate Admission Application
It is not necessary to send a copy of the application to the Creative Writing Program; a copy is automatically forwarded to the Creative Writing Program office where it is matched with the materials you send.
- Personal Statement
The personal statement should begin with a well-written intellectual autobiography, covering your personal background, life experiences, and literary apprenticeship. In addressing your influences, distinguish what you like from what you’ve learned—it’s the latter we’re most interested in. What has exemplified your commitment to the act of writing? You should avoid the obvious—instead, assume every applicant is dedicated to learning how to write, has received some praise, and thinks the Northwest is attractive. Tell us what has been the personal journey that has led you to pursue an MFA. Your statement should then demonstrate that you have an informed wish to study in the Oregon MFA Program and with our specific faculty. Finally, it should also show you have plans for your future in the art. What critical or creative issues do you plan to pursue after your MFA? How? It must be double-spaced and be no longer than three pages.
- Writing Sample (FAQ)
Submit one copy of the creative writing sample.
For poetry, the sample should consist of 10 poems or up to 14 pages of poetry (single-spaced).
For fiction, send two short stories, or a chapter of a novel, or a substantial portion of a sustained work, up to 25 pages in length (double-spaced).
- Official Transcripts
Submit official copies of transcripts from ALL institutions you have attended. (Note: This is different from the Office of Admissions requirement.)
- Letters of Recommendation (FAQ)
Submit three confidential letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your writing, intellectual ability, academic record, and who can provide an estimation of your success as a teacher if applying for a Graduate Teaching Fellowship.
Provide each recommender with a copy of the Graduate Evaluation Form after completing and signing the first page. The recommender may choose to give you the letter to include with your application packet or send his or her letter directly to the Creative Writing Program. Either way, each letter should be in a sealed envelope with the recommender's signature across the seal. We recommend that you request these letters well in advance (2-3 months) to assure letters are submitted by the January 15 deadline.
- Application for Graduate Teaching Fellowship (FAQ)
If you wish to be considered for a teaching fellowship, you must complete and submit the Application for Graduate Teaching Fellowship.
| MFA Application Creative Writing Program 5243 University of Oregon Eugene OR 97403-5243 |
POSTMARK DEADLINE January 15, 2010
All application materials become the property of the University of Oregon
and will not be returned.
Additional Notes
- You need not have been an English major as an undergraduate, but you should be familiar enough with English and American literature to satisfactorily complete graduate literature courses.
- Genre Selection—Applicants may apply to both genres. Although only one online application and fee is required, two complete and separate packets must be submitted to the Creative Writing Program for consideration.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores—NOT required.
- Foreign language requirement—None.
- International students—International students applying for graduate admission at the University of Oregon are required to complete a Supplementary Application and Financial Statement for International Students. Upon verification of the student's financial ability to pay for the educational and living experiences, the UO will issue a Certificate of Eligibility, which is required in order for a student to apply for a visa. Send the Supplementary Application and Financial Statement to Office of Admissions, 240 Oregon Hall, 1217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1217.
Application Status
To minimize lost documents and incomplete applications, we use a self-managed application process. Upon receipt of your Graduate Admission Application form by the Creative Writing Program, the department will issue you an I.D. and password. You can then view the status of your application by accessing our online admission status web site. The website is updated daily (Monday through Friday), and allows you to ensure that we have received all of your application materials, including letters of recommendation and transcripts. You, the applicant, are responsible for gathering all documents required to complete your application and submitting by the postmark deadline of January 15.
Admission Decisions
Admission decisions will be made by mid-March. All notifications will be sent by mail. We will not discuss admission results via e-mail or phone, so please do not contact the Creative Writing Program.