Apply — MFA in Writing

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
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.

Submit 2-3 double-spaced pages addressing the following:

• How long have you been writing seriously?
• What is your previous study in writing and literature?
• Do you have additional experience relevant to your application?
• Are you prepared to use direct criticism of your work?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your writing?
• Are there any challenges that may prevent you from devoting 25 hours per week to study or corresponding regularly with your faculty advisor?

Provide 10 pages of poetry or 20-25 pages of fiction or creative nonfiction. (Applicants may apply in one or more genres.) Each manuscript should be typewritten, single sided, double spaced (except for poetry), numbered in the lower right-hand corner, and in Times New Roman 12-point font.

Applicants applying for the MFA in Literary Translation should provide 5-6 pages of poetry or prose translated into English, together with copies of the original texts, as well as a prefatory note (200-500 words) to give context to the translations.

You may also submit a list of workshops/classes you have taken and a list of awards/publications you have achieved. Publication is not required for admission, but an applicant’s publishing history is helpful information for the faculty reviewers.

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 schedule a meeting with the Associate Director of Student Services, Ryan Pontillas, to discuss their financial aid options.

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