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Apply to the MFA

(To learn about our admissions process, click here.)

Your application to the MFA program in Creative Writing at UNC-Wilmington will be submitted online to UNCW’s Graduate School. Along with your online application, you are required to upload an electronic copy of your manuscript (the writing sample), your personal essay (also called a statement of interest, purpose, or intent), and email addresses for three recommenders. In addition to the application materials submitted online (manuscript, essay, and recommenders' email addresses), you will need to mail to the Graduate School your transcripts.

Here is a complete list of the required application materials:

1. An application for admission to the Graduate School (online)

2. A typed manuscript in the applicant's writing genre (uploaded as a single document with online application—cover page identifying genre should be included):

• Up to 10 total pages of poetry (one poem per page; multi-page poems acceptable)
• Up to 30 total pages of fiction (double-spaced); single or multiple pieces
• Up to 30 total pages of creative nonfiction (double-spaced); single or multiple pieces

3. A personal essay (300–500 words) which focuses on goals for the development of your writing. You will want to talk about your writing style, as well as literary influences (both contemporary and historical). In what way(s) does UNCW support/meet your vision for these goals? What will you contribute to the program?

In the essay, identify the genre—Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, or Poetry—for which the application is intended. (upload with online application)

4. Three letters of recommendation (email addresses of recommenders supplied by applicant in the online application—recommenders will then upload; letters ONLY accepted via online application system)

5. All official college transcripts, in sealed envelopes (postmarked on or before January 1), or emailed directly from institution to gradtranscripts@uncw.edu.

6. A non-refundable application fee of $60 (paid online as part of the application)

7. If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship in teaching, publishing, or research, please include a brief (1–2 page) supplemental statement of relevant experience and interest. (upload with online application, in the Special Request to Graduate School section)

The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for admission to our program.

There is no foreign language requirement nor interview process.

All application materials (including the application fee) must be posted to the online application system no later than midnight (EST) on January 1. Late applications cannot be accepted as the system closes at that time. You may begin to apply as soon as the system allows applications for the following year (around September 15). We do not admit new students mid-year (i.e., in spring semester).

DO NOT SEND transcripts to the Department of Creative Writing as this will delay the Graduate School from receiving and recording your application materials.

Send transcripts to:
Graduate School
University of North Carolina Wilmington
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5955

or emailed directly from institution to Gradtranscripts@uncw.edu

For more details, see our FAQs at http://www.uncw.edu/writers/mfa/faqpros.html.

If you have questions about the application process after reviewing the FAQs for prospective students, please contact Lisa Bertini, MFA Program Assistant, at bertinil@uncw.edu or 910.962.3070, through December 19. (Holiday break follows and the university will be closed.)

To contact the UNCW Graduate School:

(Note: To check the status of your application or to request confirmation of receipt of application materials, see http://uncw.edu/gradschool/admissions/checkstatus.html. To address missing items in your application, please see the instructions at http://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/missingitems.html.) If you are having trouble with any part of the online application, please refer to the technical support options available through the application system. If you still need help resolving your issue you may contact Kimberly Goerne in the Graduate School at goernek@uncw.edu. Delays in response time should be expected, though the Graduate School will do their best to assist you with your application.

Be sure to review the Getting Started section of the Graduate School website for a step-by-step guide to applying for admission. Many of your questions will be answered there.