Application Procedure & Forms

Application Forms

The Master of Fine Arts in Writing program accepts students on a rolling basis throughout the year. The two semesters begin with the January and June residencies; students may enter the program at either time.

Please note that our application deadlines have changed: For priority consideration, submit all application materials by September 15th for the semester beginning in January or March 1st for the semester beginning in June. Applications received after these dates will be considered as space allows. Applications received less than three weeks prior to a residency will be processed for the following semester. Once the application is complete, applicants can expect a decision within four to six weeks, except during January and June when decisions may take longer.

Qualified applicants should hold an undergraduate degree or be close to completing one at the time of application. Admission is based primarily on the quality of the applicant's original creative writing in one of the program areas: fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry. In addition, the Admissions Board looks for promise exhibited in the critical and personal essays. In the latter, applicants should address their ability to participate productively and supportively in a writing community and to sustain commitment through extended independent work periods during the correspondence semesters.

 

Materials the Applicant Submits

1. Application form. Please type or print in ink.

2. Creative manuscript. Submit work in the genre you wish to study. Students in the MFA program must choose one primary genre. If you are not sure which genre to choose, you may submit work in two genres and let the Admissions Board decide for you.

3. Personal essay. Maximum of three pages, addressing the following:

4. Critical analysis. Maximum of three pages, on an aspect of a literary work.

5. Two letters of reference. Fill out the top portion of the reference letter form and send to your references. They should mail the completed form to the MFA office. References should be able to assess your qualifications for graduate study in writing.

6. Transcripts. Arrange for official, sealed transcripts of your undergraduate and graduate studies to be sent to the MFA office from your previous school(s). Transcripts mailed to Pacific’s undergraduate admissions office or other departments may cause your application to be delayed.

7. Application fee. Include a nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 with your application materials, payable to Pacific University.

 

Formatting

The manuscript, personal essay, and critical analysis must be typewritten in Times, 12 point, with page numbers and your name on each poem, story, essay, or chapter. With the exception of poetry manuscripts (which should be single-spaced, one poem per page), all pages should be doubled-spaced. You should send three copies of the manuscript, personal essay, and critical analysis.

 

Priority Deadlines

For priority consideration, submit all application materials by September 15th for the semester beginning in January or March 1st for the semester beginning in June.

 

Financial Aid

If you are applying for financial aid, an early application is suggested. For more information, see the Costs and Financial aid page or contact the Financial Aid Office: financial aid@pacificu.edu. We recommend that you not wait for your financial aid letter to enroll in the MFA program. Spaces are limited and, among equally qualified candidates, are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

To Applicants Who Are Reapplying

If you are reapplying to the Pacific MFA in Writing program within one year of your previous application, submit the following: 1) a new or revised manuscript, 2) a new or revised critical essay, 3) a new or revised essay, 4) a new application form and $50.00 fee. Updated references and transcripts are optional.

 

Summary of Materials Applicant Submits

 

Additional Materials Sent Separately by the Applicant's References

and Universities

These are not required if you are applying for the writing conference (residency only). For students applying for the full program, please arrange to have the following materials sent separately to the MFA in Writing program:

 

Where To Mail All Application Materials

 

If you have questions about the application process, inquire at: mfa@pacificu.edu