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.

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 only original work that demonstrates your talents and interests as a creative writer. It should not include collaborative assignments, journalism written with an editor, or scholarly work / term papers. 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—e.g., the subjects or themes you're drawn to, writers or movements you've found influential, your strengths as a writer, aspects you want to improve on, or anything else that can give us a sense of what kind of student you’ll be. Explain how your writing sample gives evidence of your interests and aims as a writer. Please be sure to discuss your plan as an MFA student, why you’re interested in the MFA program at USF, and your goals in entering into a communal learning environment. If there are circumstances in your life that have made navigating writing communities or academic spaces a challenge, we’re interested to learn more. The statement should be double-spaced and set in 12 pt. type.

Letters of Recommendation

Academic and/or professional letters are required from two individuals who can attest to your ability to contribute positively to a graduate writing classroom. Follow the instructions in the online application to provide the contact information for your recommenders. You may submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters.

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.

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.

Bachelor's Degree

A Bachelor's degree in any field is required.

Notification of Admission Decision

Application review starts after the January 15 priority deadline, with initial admission offers made before March. Applications submitted after the priority date are reviewed within 3–4 weeks.

International Applicants

There are additional items and instructions for international applicants.

Visit International Student Admission