Apply to MFA
How To Apply
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 2.
GRE codes: Notre Dame is 1841; the Creative Writing Program is 2503.
All applications must be submitted online.
The Creative Writing Program asks you to include the following with your application:
- One writing sample: 25-30 pages of prose (which may be any combination of short fiction, nonfiction or a novel or manuscript excerpt) or 20 pages of poetry (which may be twenty individual short poems, or several longer poems up to the page limit). Most applicants apply in only one genre, but if you would like to be considered in both prose AND poetry, you should submit a different writing sample for each. The manuscript is the most important part of the application and is read by several faculty members. Attach your writing sample to the appropriate section of the online application.
- One 300-500 word Statement of Intent detailing graduate plans and expectations. Attach your statement to the appropriate section of the online application.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from former undergraduate or graduate teachers or from other professionals who know your writing. These must be submitted online by your recommenders.
- One copy of academic records from all postsecondary colleges and universities attended. (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application evaluation; official transcript records will be required upon acceptance.) Attach a copy to your online application.
-
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores. (The GRE Subject Test score is NOT required for the M.F.A. program. For the purposes of admission, a scanned copy of your GRE test scores may be uploaded via the Online Application. Official scores must be received from the ETS within a week, more or less, of the application deadline.)
- Official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all international applicants.
- The completed Graduate School application and fees.
Please complete your online application for the Graduate School.
More Information
For additional application information please view the Admissions website.
Many common questions are answered in our FAQ section, and additional questions may be addressed to:
Director of Creative Writing
Department of English
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
574.631.7526
Email: creativewriting@nd.edu
Fellowships and Financial Aid
All accepted students receive full tuition scholarships. Applicants are also considered for additional support, including teaching and administrative assistantships and the Nicholas Sparks Fellowships.
The Nicholas Sparks Fellowships consist of assistantships on the Notre Dame Review, our prize-winning literary journal. All applicants are considered for the Sparks Fellowships.
The Sparks Summer Fellows Program offers internships at New York publishing houses and literary agencies. All enrolled students are eligible to apply.
The Sparks Prize is a year’s time to write for a Notre Dame M.F.A. graduate. It is a competition open to our second-year students.
