FAQ for Prospective Graduate Students
To apply online or for general application questions please visit the GSAS Application Resource Center.
Q: Can I apply for both fiction and poetry?
A: No, you must select one genre. If you apply to the poetry program, you will be considered with other poetry applicants. If you apply for the fiction program, you will be considered with other fiction applicants. If you submit applications for both, your applications will not be considered.
Q: When must I declare that I'm going to complete the M.A. or the M.F.A.?
A: When you apply to the program, you should specify your degree choice based on your future plans and goals. For more information on the differences between the two tracks, please visit our graduate program page to find links to the Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts descriptions. Admission to the program is not affected by degree preference.
Q: What if I change my mind about the genre I'm studying?
A: It is not possible to switch from one genre to the other unless you reapply to the program. Students apply—and are admitted into—either the fiction or poetry program. Because of space limitations students are not permitted to take workshops in the alternate genre while studying here. Occasionally, with permission of the instructor and if there is sufficient room for enrollment, MFA students may have the option to take a craft course in the other genre. However, due to curricular requirements, M.A. students may not.
Q: What if I change my mind about the degree track I'm pursuing?
A: It is possible to change tracks once you're in the program. The majority of our students follow the M.F.A. track but anyone can change their mind if they find that their eventual goals have changed. Students should decide on the M.A. or the M.F.A. early on, though, to ensure they're registering for the correct and required courses. It is easier to switch from the M.A. to the M.F.A. since the M.A. degree requirements are more restrictive.
Q: How many applicants do you have each year and how many are accepted?
A: We have approximately 600-800 applicants each year (400-500 fiction applicants, 200-300 poetry applicants). Of these, approximately 20-30 fiction students and 15-20 poetry students are accepted. At any one time, there are about 90-100 students attending our graduate program.
Q: When do we find out if we were accepted?
A: While it varies year to year, we're usually able to get the bulk of the notifications out in March.
Q: Do you have a waitlist?
A: We usually maintain a waitlist. Because the length and makeup of the waitlist varies each year, we cannot provide any further information about it and do not provide information about an applicant's place on the waitlist or chances of being accepted from it. Waitlisted applicants are notified about the status of their applications as soon as possible.
Q: What is needed to reapply?
A: Those interested in reapplying to the program must resubmit the application form, a new writing sample, and pay the application fee. The Graduate School's admissions office will maintain your application and supplementary materials for one year. You may submit new letters of recommendation, resume, etc. but are not required to. Given the nature of our program, it is advised that you submit a new or updated writing sample for consideration.
Q: Can anyone take or audit your classes?
A: No, you must apply and be accepted to the Creative Writing Program to attend any of our classes. Students in other schools and programs at NYU are not permitted to enroll in our courses.
Q: Can I sit in on a class to check out the program?
A: Yes. Class visits can be arranged upon acceptance to the program.
Q: What is your ideal candidate? Are there any minimum requirements in order to be accepted?
A: There is no “ideal candidate.” Our students range greatly in cultural and educational backgrounds, ages, interests, and goals. You do not need to have studied English Literature or Writing so long as you have successfully completed a bachelor's degree. You do not need to have been previously published. While all portions of your application are reviewed and considered, there is no recommended or minimum GRE score or GPA that we require. We are looking for strong, dedicated, original writers of exceptional promise.
Q: Do I have to take the GRE?
A: Yes. Our department does not require the GRE subject test, but you must submit scores for the general GRE. Waivers are not given based on life experience, educational background, country of residence, employment status, or other factors. It is in your best interest to schedule to take the GRE as soon as possible to ensure you can obtain a test date and receive your scores before December 18th. This is especially important for those of you currently in another country as testing dates and locations may be less prevalent. Extensions are not possible, so please plan accordingly. For more information about the GRE requirements, please visit the GSAS Application Resource Center.
Q: What is your institution code for the GRE?
A: 2596 is the code for NYU's Graduate School of Arts and Science. No department code is needed.Q: What should I include in the Statement of Purpose?
A: This is your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and to state your interests and goals. Please include you reasons for applying to the program.
Q: What should be included on the resume?
A: The resume should list relevant educational and occupational experience. You may wish to include information about publications, workshops, and/or conferences you’ve attended – and anything else that may provide helpful information about your background for the admissions committee.
Q: Who should the letters of recommendation be from and how do I get them to you if the application is online only?
A: We recommend you request recommendation letters from professors, employers, mentors, and others who know you well and are able to comment on you and your work as a writer, teacher, reader, etc.. When you apply, you will have the option to register your recommenders' e-mail addresses so that they can upload the recommendation directly to your online application. If your recommender is not comfortable with this process, they may send the letters directly to the admissions office. Letters should NOT be sent directly to the creative writing program as this will delay the completion of your application. It is in your best interest to apply early to ensure that your recommender can either upload or send in their recommendation before the application deadline.
Q: How do I know if you've received my application materials?
A: Please remember that NO PART of your application should be sent to the Creative Writing Program. This will only delay the process. All materials should be submitted online or sent to the Graduate School of Arts & Science admissions office. For more information about submitting your application or to track you application materials, please visit the GSAS Application Resource Center.
Q: Do you have a low-residency program option?
A: No.
Q: I was not admitted to your program. Could you provide feedback on my application?
A: Given that we are only able to admit a small percentage of the very strong applicant pool, we are often unable to offer admission to good candidates. Aside from advising that the creative writing sample is the most important part of the application, it is a matter of department policy not to discuss the admissions decision process or offer feedback on individual applications. We encourage interested candidates to reapply to the program next year. According to Graduate School policy, applicants may apply up to three times, after which applications will be returned without review.
