How to Apply
Apply to the Graduate School online at http://www.grads.vt.edu/admissions/applying/index.html. Please remember to select MFA as your option. Applications for the fall semester must be submitted by February 1st. Please note the new deadline.
In addition to the Graduate School application, send the following materials to the English Department:
MFA Application Form
Download the form here: MFA Application Form
Creative Writing Portfolio
Applicants in fiction: a 20 - 25 page portfolio of original fiction (stories or novel excerpts)
Applicants in poetry: a 10 - 15 page portfolio of original poems
Personal Statement
A personal statement explaining why you want to pursue an MFA
Resume or Vita (Optional)
Publications, awards, professional record
Academic Records
A copy of your academic transcript
Three letters of recommendation
Preferably from former teachers and professors, or from creative writers familiar with your work. Send your recommenders the required reference form (available here and on the Graduate School site) and ask them to send their letters directly to the English Department.
Send the creative writing portfolio, the personal statement, and the optional resume or vita as a PDF, Word, or RTF file. Title the file “YourlastnameMFA.PDF" (or .doc /.rtf, as appropriate), and attach it to an email with the subject line “Yourlastname MFA Poetry/Fiction Portfolio.” Attach the MFA Application Form, retitled as "Yourlastname_VT_MFA_APP.doc," to the same email, and include your contact information in the body of the email. Send to: MFA-portfolio@vt.edu.
If you prefer, you may send a paper copy of these materials to the English Department using the address below.
Academic transcript and letters of recommendation should be sent to the English Department:
MFA Program, Department of English
attn: Ashley Hilton
323 Shanks Hall, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0112
All materials must be sent by February 1st.