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International Applicants

International applicants must submit English language proficiency.

Questions?

For additional questions regarding admissions procedures or application requirements, visit the TGS applicant FAQ page. You can also contact us via email or phone.

All application materials must be submitted online through The Graduate School's Collegenet portal. The online application is the preferred method for receiving all supplemental materials, including transcripts. Portfolio materials will not be returned.

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Application Dates

For the 2026 application cycle for Fall 2026 matriculation:

  • Application Opens: The application opens on September 29th, 2025.
  • Application Deadline: The Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST on December 2nd, 2025.

Application Components

Complete and submit the follow application items to apply to the MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage program.

1. Essays

  1. Academic Statement (Required)
  2. Personal Statement (Required)

2. Writer's Statement (1-page, single-spaced)

Upload into supplemental document section 1.

Answer all 3 of the following questions:

  1. What themes, issues, or personal experiences are you interested in exploring in your work?
  2. What do you want to say through your work, and what makes your work necessary?
  3. 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)

Upload into supplemental document section 2.

A one-page Synopsis of a writing project you would like to pursue while in the program.

4. Writing Sample

Upload into the writing sample section.

A full-length, original play, screenplay, or television script. No prose, essays, or short stories, please. Co-authored works cannot be accepted; the goal is to submit a writing sample that showcases your individual voice. A full-length script is considered to be one of the following:

  1. A feature film script (75-120 pages)
  2. A full-length play (60-120 pages)
  3. A 60-page television drama script
  4. A 30-page sitcom script

Please note: If submitting a 30-page sitcom script, you are also permitted to submit an additional 30-page or 60-page script, if desired. If you plan to do so, please combine your script PDFs and submit them to the appropriate section accordingly.

5. Unofficial transcripts

Unofficial transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Official transcripts will not be accepted by the school – read more about unofficial transcripts on the TGS site.

6. Three (3) letters of recommendation

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.

7. English Language Proficiency Certification

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must certify English language proficiency.