ADMISSIONS

ADMISSION TO THE MFA PROGRAM is based on a faculty committee's evaluation. Applicants are accepted only for admission in the Fall semester.

DECEMBER 15 is the deadline for submission of the online application to the Graduate School and is the postmark deadline for submission of the manuscript to the MFA Program. Accompanying materials (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendations, GRE scores) will continue to be accepted through January 6.

All applicants are considered for MFA fellowships and for nomination for Graduate School Fellowships. Applicants may self-nominate for the MFA Diversity Fellowship (see below).

The GRE is not required for admission to the MFA Program. However, it is recommended should you hope to be competitive for Graduate School Fellowships.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered, an applicant must submit separate materials to both the Graduate School and the MFA Program. See below for details.

APPLICATION MATERIALS TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

1. Applicants must submit an online application found at the Graduate School's website. Deadline: December 15. All transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, GRE scores (if taken) and application fee go directly to the Graduate School. All questions about this process should be addressed directly to the Graduate School Admissions Office.

530 Goodell Building
University of Massachusetts Amherst
140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9333

Phone: (413) 545-0722 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM M-F)
Fax: (413) 577-0010
Email: gradadm@grad.umass.edu

APPLICATION MATERIALS TO THE MFA PROGRAM

1. Original Manuscript. Applicants must submit an original manuscript and completed cover sheet. This is mandatory in order to be considered for admission.

For poetry, submit up to 10 pages of poetry.

For fiction, submit up to 20 pages of fiction, which may be short stories, a section of a novel or both.

2. University Writing Program (UMP) Teaching Associate Application (optional)
If you hope to have funding (tuition waiver and stipend) during your time in the MFA Program, you are strongly encouraged to apply to teach in the University Writing Program (See TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS). We recommend you submit these materials along with your Original Manuscript and Cover Sheet postmarked by December 15. However, you may submit them under separate cover postmarked by February 1 (postmarked).

3. Diversity Fellowship (optional)
Through the generous support of the Graduate School, the MFA Program is sometimes able to award a fellowships to support an incoming candidate of diverse background or experience. Fellowships provide a stipend and a waiver of tuition and fees during the candidate’s first and third years in the program. (The recipient will work with the MFA Program to secure a funded teaching or research appointment during his/her second year.)

All applicants are welcome to apply. The fellowship especially seeks to support women; persons with disabilities; or individuals from cultural, ethnic, linguistic, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds that otherwise would not be adequately represented in the program. If you wish to be considered for this fellowship please include with your cover sheet and original manuscript a brief (1-2 page) explanation of how you meet the fellowship’s criteria (above) and why the fellowship would meaningfully support your pursuit of an MFA degree in the Program for Poets and Writers. Deadline: December 15.

4. Self-addressed stamped postcard (optional) If a self-addressed stamped postcard is included, we will send it to confirm receipt of your manuscript.