Apply Online for Summer Admission! Or, Request an Application Packet.
The MFA in Writing program starts each summer (late June). The program does not admit students at any other time. Applications for summer admission must be postmarked by January 15. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application items early; late applications are not accepted. Review of applications for admission begins after January 15.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in any major from an accredited institution.
Required Application Items
- First Step: Please submit your application form and fee of $55 (payable to the University of San Francisco) to the University of San Francisco's Office of Graduate Programs, or apply online. Submit this form as early as possible in the application process, so that the Office of Graduate Programs can more easily match your other application items to your application file. You can submit your online application form then mail any remaining application items to the mailing address listed below.
- Writing Sample - The writing sample, the most heavily weighted component of the application, consists of 10-15 pages in the genre in which you are applying (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry). Please indicate the genre on the first page of the writing sample. Although students have the opportunity to take courses outside their primary genre, they are accepted into a genre. For this reason, applicants who wish to be considered in a second genre should submit a second writing sample in that genre. The writing sample demonstrates your talent, accomplishment, and serious commitment to writing. It should not include collaborative assignments, such as edited pieces for newspapers, because these might not accurately represent your own work. All writing samples should be set in 12 pt. type, and prose should be double-spaced.
- Statement of Purpose - In three pages, please tell us about yourself and let us know your reasons for pursuing the MFA degree and for choosing the writing program at the University of San Francisco. Please discuss your writing interests, goals, and influences. The statement should be double-spaced and set in 12 pt. type.
- Transcripts - An unofficial transcript from each accredited college or university attended should accompany the application. You should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7. (Accepted students will be asked to provide an official transcript before enrolling.)
- Letters of recommendation - Academic and/or professional letters are required from two individuals who can attest to your competence and ability to succeed in the writing program. Letters may be submitted by the applicant or directly to the Office of Graduate Programs by recommenders.
- Résumé - Your resume includes work and life experience, outside interests, and any writing, published or unpublished, that you would like the Admissions Committee to know about.
- Interview - Before you submit your application, an interview is recommended (but not required). The purpose of the interview is to provide you with more knowledge about the Program, to have personal contact with someone associated with the Program, and to help you articulate your goals in attending USF. Interviews by telephone can be arranged for out-of-area applicants. Contact the MFA in Writing program office at mfaw@usfca.edu.
- International applicants - The completed and signed Certification of Finance (with bank statements) and official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants to be considered for admission.
See the inside of the application for more details about each item required in the application.
Submit all application items to:
University of San Francisco
Office of Graduate Programs, Arts and Sciences
2130 Fulton Street, HR 240
San Francisco, California 94117
You can apply online or download an application (PDF file) at Apply Now.
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Tests and GPA Requirements
The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for this graduate program.
An official TOEFL score is required of international applicants. The minimum TOEFL scores required are: 79 (internet-based) or 550 (print-based). The TOEFL code for USF is 4850.
A minimum overall GPA (grade point average) of 2.7 is required.
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Application Status
After an application form is processed by USF’s College of Arts & Sciences, Office of Graduate Programs, you will receive an email giving you a temporary username and password to check your application status online. If you need technical assistance please contact USF’s IT department at itshelp@usfca.edu, or 415-422-6668. Please allow three weeks for the processing of your application once all of your supporting documents have been received by USF.
If you have questions about whether your application has been received; please contact the Office of Graduate Programs, not the MFA in Writing Program.
Notification of Admission Decision
The review of applications begins after January 15. Applicants are notified beginning in early February through late April.
Applicants are sent decision letters by mail to the addresses listed on their applications. If you have questions regarding your admission status, please do not contact the MFA office until April.
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Financial Aid Application
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a U.S. federal student loan at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
All U.S. students who have not defaulted on a previous federal student loan are eligible for $20,500 each year for graduate studies. Students can accept all or any part of this amount (students indicate amount on the "financial aid award letter") during the federal student loan application process. For more financial aid information, please visit Financial Aid/Tuition.
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Registration, Orientation, and Start of Classes
Admitted students will be contacted by the MFA in Writing Program regarding registration, orientation, and start of classes in late June of each year. The Program can be contacted at 415.422.6066 or at mfaw@usfca.edu. All new students begin their coursework together in a six-week summer intensive focused on autobiographical writing.
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International Students
International students are highly recommended to arrive at USF at least
10 days before the first day of classes in order to finalize housing
arrangements and attend a required International Student Orientation.
International
students should note that the earliest arrival in the United States
that an F-1 visa allows is 30 days before the start date on the I-20
form issued to you.
International students must contact the Office of International Student Services at isss@usfca.edu or by phone at 415.422.2654 for details about the required orientation when arriving on campus. The Office of International Student Services is a very helpful resource for concerns and questions of international students.
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