Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Poetry)

The MFA program in Creative Writing at Syracuse has long been regarded as one of the best in the country. Each year six students are admitted in poetry and six in fiction to work closely in small workshops with an accomplished group of writers. Coursework includes a strong emphasis on the study of literature. Six semesters are usually needed to complete the M.F.A.
Applicants must upload a sample of fiction or poetry with their online application through CollegeNet no later than December 15, as well as complete the online graduate application for graduate study. Admission is based primarily on the writing sample, but also upon the academic record. Thus, letters of recommendation should address not only the student's creative work, but also his or her general preparedness for advanced graduate study. Likewise, in their personal statements on the application for graduate study, students should state their reasons for pursuing an M.F.A. in creative writing as well as describe their own backgrounds as writers.

Writing Sample
FICTION APPLICANTS: UPLOAD your DOUBLE-SPACED 20-PAGE MAXIMUM writing sample through your online application by DECEMBER 15. In addition to uploading your fiction writing sample to your online application, please mail in one hard copy as well, with a vita or resume, by December 15

Statement of Purpose (upload to online application)
Describe in about 500 words your main academic interests, why you wish to study for the degree you've chosen, why you wish to study at Syracuse University, how you expect to finance your studies, and your plans for the future after you receive your degree.

Teaching Statement (upload to online application)
In a separate statement of no more than 600 words, explain your interest in teaching at Syracuse University as part of your graduate program, and describe the skills and experiences that could make you an effective and committed teacher. How is teaching related to your intellectual interests and career goals? Have you ever been a tutor, classroom teacher, or coach? If not, what experiences have prepared you for teaching, including work, community service, or developing your own strategies of learning? Draw on these experiences to explain the skills and philosophy of learning that you would bring to teaching.

Transcript(s) from Undergraduate/Graduate Institution(s)
One (1) copy of records of all previous postsecondary institutions from which you have/will receive a Bachelor's, Master's, and/or Doctoral. You can submit your transcripts via the following methods:
Uploaded through CollegeNET ApplyWeb (preferred method).
Transcripts may also be sent electronically to grad@syr.edu.
You may have your institution(s) send the records to Graduate Admissions Processing in sealed envelope(s), signed or stamped across the seal. If records are received in an envelope with a broken seal, it may disqualify the application.

Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

GRE Test scores are NOT required. Please disregard the submission of GRE test scores portion on the online application. This is a universal graduate application and you need NOT submit GRE test score results.

If you are an international student, you are REQUIRED to take the Test of English as a Foreign Languages (TOEFL). We will accept the IELTS scores (International English Language Testing System). You can self-report them on your online application. These tests cannot be waived.