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How to Apply

Application Opens: 

Applications for the program are typically slated to open within the first week of September.

In the 2024 application cycle for Fall 2025 matriculation, the application will open on September 10th, 2024.

Application Deadline:

The Application Package deadline for the program will typically fall within mid-January.

In the 2024 application cycle for Fall 2025 matriculation, the Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST on January 16th, 2025.

Application Prerequisite / Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) is required.

Application for Admission

All application materials must be submitted online through The Graduate School’s Collegenet portal. A complete Application for Admission consists of:

  1. Essays
    1. Required — Academic Statement and Personal Statement
    2. Optional — Additional Information
  2. Writer’s Statement (1-page, single-spaced):
    1. UPLOAD INTO SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENT SECTION 1
    2. What themes, issues, or personal experiences are you interested in exploring in your work?
    3. What do you want to say through your work, and what makes your work necessary?
    4. How do you see your writing in relation to other writers, artists, or theoretical works that have been meaningful to you?
  3. Synopsis of a Future Project (1-page, single-spaced)
    1. UPLOAD INTO SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENT SECTION 2
    2. A one-page Synopsis of a writing project you would like to pursue while in the program.
  4. Writing Sample
    1. UPLOAD INTO THE WRITING SAMPLE SECTION
    2. 10 pages of an original play, screenplay, or television script — either a complete short script or an excerpt from a longer piece (note the 10 page limit in either case). No prose, essays, or short stories, please. If advanced to further rounds within the evaluation process, you will be required to submit an original full-length play, screenplay, or television script. Co-authored works cannot be accepted; the goal is to submit a writing sample that showcases your individual voice.
  5. Unofficial transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Official transcripts will not be accepted by the school — read more about this here.
  6. Three (3) letters of recommendation. From industry professionals, teachers, mentors – ideally people who are familiar with your writing and work. These letters must be submitted by your recommenders through the CollegeNET online portal.
  7. Resume/CV

Note: The GRE is not required.

Via the online application is the preferred method for receiving all supplemental materials including transcripts. Portfolio materials will not be returned.

For International Applicants

  • The TGS school code for TOEFL is 1565.
  • Test takers may be asked by ETS to choose the “department” to which they want their scores sent; find more information here.
  • Please find additional application information tailored especially for applicants to TGS programs who are citizens of countries other than the United States here

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must certify language proficiency in one of three ways:

  • Providing acceptable Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic, or Michigan English Test (MET) test scores — Tests must be taken within two years of the intended quarter of entry.
  • Earning an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited, four-year institution or equivalent, where English is the official language of instruction.
  • Earning a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution where English is the official language of instruction.

For non-native speakers: the TOEFL, IELTS, or MET (not less than two years old). The minimum score for the TOEFL is 600 paper / 250 computer / 80 Internet, 7.0 for the IELTS, and 54 for the MET.

Non-native MFA applicants wishing to be considered for appointment as a Teaching Assistant must submit a minimum score of 26 on the TOEFL speaking section, taken no more than two years before consideration for appointment. You can find more information on this requirement here.

We cannot accept DuoLingo or TOEFL Essentials as documentation of english proficiency.

You can find more information on Test Scores and The Graduate School’s English Proficiency Requirement here.

Fee Waiver Information

For Domestic Applicants & U.S. Citizens:

The Graduate School (TGS) is able to provide a limited number of fee waivers to eligible applicants — find more information here

For International Applicants:

There may be some cases where we may not be able to grant application fee waiver requests from all eligible applicants due to the volume of requests we receive. As a result, we encourage applicants to begin their applications as soon as possible, since application fee waiver requests are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that the below details how to submit a request for a waiver and that the waiver is not guaranteed.

To request a fee waiver, you must:

  • Start an application for the MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage program and complete at least the first three pages
  • Complete the Writing for the Screen and Stage – Fee Waiver Request Form for International Applicants: [The MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage Program has reached the maximum number of fee waivers to be issued for the 24-25 Admissions Cycle]
  • And meet the following criteria:
    • Started an application for a TGS PhD or MFA program
    • International applicant 
    • A low-income individual as defined by the US Department of Education (converting international currency to U.S. currency in the review process using OANDA). 

We look forward to receiving your application!

For additional questions regarding admissions procedures or application requirements, visit the TGS applicant FAQ page.