Apply — MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults

Start your application via the button below. The application fee is $75.

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate coursework should be sent directly from the institution either electronically via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, or email to [email protected], or they can be physically mailed to the address below:

Office of Admissions – MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults
Vermont College of Fine Arts
36 College Street
Montpelier, VT 05602

Identify two references to provide letters of recommendation describing your qualifications for master’s level study and your aptitude for independent learning. The recommendations can be submitted directly into your Slate application. Your recommenders can also email their recommendations to us and we can upload them to your file. (You do not have to wait for the recommendations to be submitted to submit your application. However, you should contact references early in the process to avoid delays in reviewing your application.)

Note: Relatives and spouses are not eligible to provide references.

The program requires a minimum commitment of 25 hours a week of work and a willingness to accept feedback. Successful applicants usually have already spent time writing and learning about the craft. They also have a good idea of what they hope to gain from pursuing a master’s degree.

We’d love to hear about you as a writer and get a feel for your voice. Every personal statement is different, but many applicants choose to address some of the following:

• Your previous study of writing and children’s literature
• The books you’re reading and admiring
• Why you want to write for young readers
• What strengths you are most proud of
• What you most want to learn
• Your readiness to commit 25 hours a week to your study

The Personal Statement should be a maximum of 650 words or 2-3 pages double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font.

Please send:

• From 15 to 20 pages of your fiction or nonfiction for young readers; OR
• Two picture book manuscripts; OR
• One picture book manuscript and 10 pages of fiction or nonfiction.

Each manuscript should be typewritten, single-sided, double-spaced, numbered in the lower right-hand corner, and in 12-point Times New Roman font. Please do not include illustrations.

This should be 3–4 pages, double spaced. At VCFA, our critical essays are meant to help students understand a narrow aspect of literary craft more deeply through the close reading of published works. This close study helps our students improve their craft. You might select a favorite book for children and young readers and pick one thing it does particularly well to write about, citing specific examples in the text.

For more information on critical essays, visit the Critical Essay Resource Page.

Domestic applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with their admissions application. The FAFSA is required for access to federal educational loans and is used for consideration of some merit- and need-based scholarships. International applicants should contact the Office of Student Services / Financial Aid at [email protected] to discuss their financial aid options.

Applicants are also asked to complete the VCFA Financial Aid form. This form provides us with important financial information that may not be captured on the FAFSA. It also helps the college identify financial need among our international students and others who are not eligible for federal financial aid.”

The VCFA Financial Aid form is available once the application for admission has been submitted.

For further information on tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, we encourage interested applicants to attend a financial aid information session.