Admission

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Eligibility for Admission

Students will normally hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. On rare occasions--for example, for a writer who partially completed a Bachelor's degree and has compiled a very strong publication record--this requirement may be waived. Most importantly, the student's portfolio of writing samples will demonstrate both achievement and potential for growth as a writer.

Applying for admission

Applications are due by April 1 for the fall semester and by October 1 for the spring semester. Applications will be accepted at any time of the year but may not be considered for the next term if they arrive later than ninety days before the beginning of that term. An application must be accompanied by a $50.00 application fee.

Send application to:

Whidbey Writers Workshop
Whidbey Island Writers Association
PO Box 1289
Langley, WA 98260

Admission Package

Submit the following (your application will be considered complete only when all elements have arrived):

• $50 application fee
• Typewritten manuscript of your original work (3 copies). Send work only in the genre in which you plan to focus (Fiction, Poetry, or Non-fiction). 20 pages maximum. Fiction candidates may send short stories or chapters; non-fiction candidates may send short pieces or chapters of longer works. Double-space prose; single-space poetry (one poem per page).
• Short essay which discusses your background in writing and literature courses, workshops, conferences, and other experiences relevant to study for the MFA Program. Also explore your own writing: themes, strengths and weaknesses, and so on. Mention any problems which might prevent you from spending at least 25 hours a week on your writing, reading, and participation in online courses. Are you a self-starter who will participate effectively in a low-residency program? Are your computer and online skills adequate for participation in the program?
• Official college transcripts from all schools attended may be sent directly to the MFA Program, Whidbey Writers Workshop.
• Three letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the MFA Program, Whidbey Writers Workshop by the recommender or placement service.

Credit for experience will not be granted. While writing experience might be relevant to our Graduate Workshops, it is our intention that our students write and study writing intensively with our instructors and program, and the granting of credit for writing experience would undercut that aim.

Contact MFA