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Apply to the MFA Program

Program Details

Interested in applying to the MFA program in Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington? Learn more about the process and application materials required.

See details about our admissions process. Additional information regarding the application process—and the MFA Program—is posted in our Frequently Asked Questions, which we update regularly. Please review them carefully before applying.

Online Application

The Fall 2024 application system is open. Applications for Fall 2024 are due January 15, 2024.

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)

In addition to the application materials submitted online, you will need to mail to the Graduate School your transcripts.

IMPORTANT: You will submit your application & fee BEFORE you upload your supplemental materials, listed below. Steps to completing your online application can be found in the Let's Get Started> tab of your application (and different from the list of required application materials, below).

Once you submit your application, you may access the Self Service Portal to upload your documents and view your recommendations.

Application Materials Required

Here is a complete list of the required application materials:

  1. An application for admission to the Graduate School (online) The MFA program in Creative Writing (separate from the UNCW MA in English) accepts online applications from September 1—January 7 for August admissions.
  2. A typed manuscript in the applicant's writing genre (uploaded as a single document—cover sheet is optional): 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), uploaded with the online application, 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.
  4. All official college transcripts, in sealed envelopes requested on or before January 15, or emailed directly from institution to gradtranscripts@uncw.edu. The UNCW Graduate School requires transcripts from every institution to which you matriculated. Your application will be considered incomplete until all transcripts have been received. Details posted in the FAQs.
    • 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 all official college transcripts, in sealed envelopes, to:

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

      Electronic password-protected transcripts may be sent directly from the institution to gradtranscripts@uncw.edu.
  5. A non-refundable application fee of $75 (paid online as part of the application). Waiver info here.
  6. If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship in the Creative Writing classroom, or in the Publishing Laboratory (or both!), please include a brief (1-2 page) supplemental statement of relevant experience and interest. (If interested in both, upload a single combined essay.) (upload with online application, in the Assistantship Essay section—separate from the Personal Essay in #3)

Additional Information

  • The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for admission to our program.
  • There is no foreign language requirement nor interview process.
  • International applicants must meet additional requirements; details posted in the FAQs, here.

All application materials (including the application fee) must be posted to the online application system no later than midnight (EST) on January 15. Late applications cannot be accepted as the system closes at 12:01 AM January 8. You may begin to apply as soon as the system allows applications for the following year (around September 1). We do not admit new students mid-year (i.e., in spring semester).

Details on the steps to completing your online application can be found in the Let's Get Started> tab of your application. You will upload your supplemental materials AFTER you submit your application.

Once you submit your application, you may access the Self Service Portal to upload your documents and view your recommendations.

For more details, see our FAQs. 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. (UNCW will be closed during winter break, generally Dec 23-Jan 1.)

You can check the status of your application, request confirmation of receipt of application materials, online as well as address missing items in your application.

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 the graduate school.

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.

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