How to Apply

The application process is entirely online. Please complete and/or upload all of the items listed below to your application account.

At USF College of Arts and Science, your graduate application is reviewed by faculty and staff from the program to which you are applying. We review applications holistically, and the best way for us to understand your background and your academic and professional goals is for your supporting documents to reflect your own writing, not AI-generated content. Please refrain from using AI-generated content in your application materials.

Bachelor's Degree

A Bachelor's degree in any field is required.

Test Requirements

• The GRE is not required.
• For international applicants, an English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required.

Transcript (Academic Record)

Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Transcripts from any transfer schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since Bachelor's Degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad courses with grades. If still enrolled in your Bachelor's program, submit a copy of your transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.

Writing Sample

The writing sample, the most heavily weighted component of the application, should comprise no more than 20 pages of writing in the genre in which you are applying (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry). Please indicate the genre on the first page of the writing sample. The writing sample should include original work that demonstrates your talents and interests as a writer. It should not include collaborative assignments, such as edited pieces for newspapers, because these might not accurately represent your own work. Prose should be double-spaced, and all writing samples should be set in 12 pt. type.

Statement of Purpose

 In no more than three pages, tell us about your writing—the kinds of subjects or themes you're drawn to, writers or movements you've found influential, your strengths and weaknesses, or anything else that might give us a sense of your work. Explain how your writing sample gives evidence of your interests and aims as a writer. Please discuss your goals for your writing during your time as an MFA student, and tell us why you are interested in the MFA program at the University of San Francisco. In addition, please let us know if there's any particular characteristics about living your life as a writer that we should know about. The statement should be double-spaced and set in 12 pt. type.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required to complete your application. Additional letters are accepted, but they are not required. At least one must be from an academic reference (e.g. professors or research advisors). Acceptable recommenders are those who have worked with you on writing projects (e.g. critique partners, editors or writing program instructors). Personal letters from a spouse, relatives, friends, etc. are not acceptable. We are interested in hearing how you respond to feedback, as well as your work ethic and commitment to the craft of writing.

To request a letter, enter your recommender's contact information in the online application. This will trigger an email with upload instructions sent directly to them. You do not need to wait for your recommender to submit their letter before submitting your application.

Notification of Admission Decision

The application review starts after the January 31 priority date. Applications submitted after the priority date are reviewed within 2–3 weeks. Admission decision notification begins in March and continues through April.

International Applicants

There are additional items and instructions for international applicants.

Visit International Student Admission