How to Apply for a Creative Writing MFA
The most important aspect of your application to a creative writing MFA program is your writing sample. This is by far the most important factor, followed closely by solid letters of recommendation by people that can offer comments on your ability to develop as a writer.
In your writing sample you must be able to demonstrate your writing abilities with a few different writing samples, or one small part of a longer work, perhaps a chapter of a novel. For admission to almost any MFA program You will be required to send in a writing portfolio. Most programs will ask for samples of work in the form you are applying to work in, such as fiction or poetry. Generally fiction programs want several completed short-stories or a few chapters of a novel. None of the work you submit in a portfolio needs to have been published, but it does need to be your best work, and it has to be error free. If you do have published "clips" to send in, that will probably work in your favor. Again, make sure what you submit as samples is error free and your best material. Have a friend or mentor - preferably one who is a writer or editor - look over your proposed portfolio before you submit it. Remember, you only get one chance for that vital first impression.
When applying to an MFA program begin to get your application material together well in advance and prepare a portfolio of writing samples that you can use for several applications. Also, get at least four or five people who can speak to your potential as a writer to agree to write or fill out the required recommendation form that the program will want. It is always a good idea to apply to three or four of your "dream" programs, and to also have three or four "safety" programs that are somewhat less competative. Creative writing programs are very subjective on admissions, and you may see your application rejected not because you're not a good writer, but that the particular reviewer at that program did not like your style. In the end though, good writing will pay off and you will get accepted to the right program for you if you are determined and do your research and preparation ahead of time.
Learn more about the pros and cons of creative writing programs [http://www.creative-writing-mfa.org/] and paths to develop as a writer.
In your writing sample you must be able to demonstrate your writing abilities with a few different writing samples, or one small part of a longer work, perhaps a chapter of a novel. For admission to almost any MFA program You will be required to send in a writing portfolio. Most programs will ask for samples of work in the form you are applying to work in, such as fiction or poetry. Generally fiction programs want several completed short-stories or a few chapters of a novel. None of the work you submit in a portfolio needs to have been published, but it does need to be your best work, and it has to be error free. If you do have published "clips" to send in, that will probably work in your favor. Again, make sure what you submit as samples is error free and your best material. Have a friend or mentor - preferably one who is a writer or editor - look over your proposed portfolio before you submit it. Remember, you only get one chance for that vital first impression.
When applying to an MFA program begin to get your application material together well in advance and prepare a portfolio of writing samples that you can use for several applications. Also, get at least four or five people who can speak to your potential as a writer to agree to write or fill out the required recommendation form that the program will want. It is always a good idea to apply to three or four of your "dream" programs, and to also have three or four "safety" programs that are somewhat less competative. Creative writing programs are very subjective on admissions, and you may see your application rejected not because you're not a good writer, but that the particular reviewer at that program did not like your style. In the end though, good writing will pay off and you will get accepted to the right program for you if you are determined and do your research and preparation ahead of time.
Learn more about the pros and cons of creative writing programs [http://www.creative-writing-mfa.org/] and paths to develop as a writer.
