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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 2023 application cycle for Fall 2024 matriculation, the application will open on September 13th, 2023.

Application Deadline:

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

In the 2023 application cycle for Fall 2024 matriculation, the Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PST on January 16th, 2024.

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. A 10-page Writing Sample – play, screenplay, teleplay. Either a complete work or an excerpt of one or more works. Whatever gives us the best sense of your potential. No prose, essays, spec scripts or short stories please.
  3. Writer’s Statement: Applicants to respond with Writer’s Statement essay in the Supplemental Document — Section 1 of the application (1-3 pages, single-spaced).
    1. In particular, please answer:
      1. How do you see your writing in relation to other writers, artists, or theoretical works that have been meaningful to you?
    2. And other questions to consider:
      1. Are there experiences you’ve had that drive your writing?
      2. What themes are you interested in exploring in your work?
      3. What do you want to say, and what makes your work necessary?
  4. Unofficial transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Official transcripts will not be accepted by the school.
  5. 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.
  6. Resume/CV
  7. A one-page Synopsis of a writing project you would like to pursue while in the Program. Please upload under Supplemental Document — Section 2.

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.

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

  • Providing acceptable TOEFL or IELTS 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 or IELTS (not less than two years old). The minimum score for the MFA is 600 paper / 250 computer / 80 Internet based for the TOEFL and 7.0 for the IELTS.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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