How to Apply
All applicants will apply to the Creative Writing Workshop by completing UNO's Online Graduate Application. All application materials will be uploaded via this application, which can be found here:
UNO Online Graduate Application
Application Tips
Admission to the University of New Orleans Creative Writing Workshop is highly selective and is based primarily on the quality of the applicant's writing. Your writing sample, therefore, is the most important part of your application. In putting your sample together, you should emphasize quality rather than length.
Applications for Spring Semester:
Due October 1
Applications for Summer/ Fall Semesters:
Due February 1
Your Writing Sample
Your writing sample should be in a single genre, the one in which you intend to specialize, and should be uploaded with a cover sheet clearly labeled either "Fiction," "Nonfiction," or "Poetry."
Fiction applicants should send no more than two short stories or a novel excerpt. The entire sample should be no longer than 30 pages DOUBLE SPACED.
Nonfiction applicants should send up to two pieces or a book excerpt, either of which should be no longer than 30 pages DOUBLE SPACED.
Poetry applicants should send ten poems.
Your Statement of Purpose
Your Statement of Purpose should detail your reasons for applying to our M.F.A. program. Generally, statements are one to two pages DOUBLE SPACED and should give us a sense of who you are beyond what you can tell us by filling in blanks on a form. We understand you may feel desperate or intimidated, but the best approach is just to be honest. We read a LOT of these. We know you've always been a writer. We know you love to read and that stories mean everything to you. Tell us what we don't know.
Your Letters of Recommendation
We ask for 3 letters of recommendation. We are interested in hearing from people who have seen your writing in an academic or professional context. Maybe that's undergraduate teachers. Maybe that's a teacher from a workshop you took. Not your mama or your best friend, is what we're saying. And we'd like to hear from those who can speak about your academic readiness. So, for most people, letters of recommendation should come from former teachers. Even if you've been out of school for a very long time, teachers and professors know your work the best.
The wise applicant will follow all the directions above exactly.
International Students
If your education was completed outside of the U.S. or another recognized English-speaking country (e.g. Australia, Belize, Canada, Jamaica, U.K.), you'll need to provide proof of English proficiency. The following are measures of English proficiency currently accepted by the Graduate School:
- TOEFL: Internet-based test score of 79 total or Computer-based test score of 550
- IELTS: overall band score of 6.5
- PTE: Academic score of 58
- Satisfactory completion of the Intensive English Language Program at UNO