Your application to the MFA program in Creative Writing at UNC-Wilmington will be submitted
online to UNCW’s Graduate School. Along with your online application, you are required to
upload an electronic copy of your manuscript (the writing sample), your personal essay (also
called a statement of interest, purpose, or intent), and three letters of recommendation. In
addition to the application materials submitted online (manuscript, essay, and recommendation letters), you will need to mail to the Graduate School your transcripts.
Here is a complete list of the required application materials:
(1) An application for admission to the Graduate School (online)
(2) A typed manuscript in the applicant's writing genre (uploaded with online application—cover page identifying genre is required):
- Up to 10 pages of poetry (one poem per page; multi-page poems acceptable)
- Up to 30 pages of fiction (double-spaced); single piece or multiple pieces
- Up to 30 pages of creative nonfiction (double-spaced); single- or multiple pieces
(3) A personal essay (300-500 words), about the applicant's writing goals.
Identify in the essay for which genre—Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, or Poetry—the application is intended. (uploaded with online application)
(4) Three letters of recommendation (uploaded with online application)
(5) All official college transcripts, in sealed envelopes, or emailed directly from institution to Gradtranscripts@uncw.edu
(6) A non-refundable application fee of $60 (paid online as part of the application)
(7) If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship in teaching, publishing, or research, please include a brief (1-2 page) supplemental statement of relevant experience and interest. (uploaded with online application, in the autobiographical information section)
**We highly recommend reading our FAQs for more detailed instructions and information.**
The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for admission to our program.
There is no foreign language requirement nor interview process.
The application deadline is January 1st for enrollment in the following fall semester. We
do not admit new students mid-year (i.e., in spring semester).
Send transcripts to:
Graduate School
University of North Carolina Wilmington
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5955
or emailed directly from institution to Gradtranscripts@uncw.edu
**DO NOT send application materials to the Creative Writing Department.**
If you have questions about the application process, please see our FAQs for applicants and prospective students, or contact Lisa Bertini, MFA Program Assistant, 910.962.3070, through Tuesday, December 22nd. (Holiday break follows and the University will be closed.)
To contact the UNCW Graduate School:
Voice: 910.962.3135
Fax: 910.962.3787
