Master of Fine Arts in Writing: Admissions Requirements

An online application is required for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing program. You will need a valid credit card and current email address in order to complete the form. Please review the following requirements carefully before submitting your application:

• Applications must be submitted by January 15.
• There is an $80 nonrefundable application fee ($100 for international applications).
• You must upload a 500- to 700-word statement of purpose that describes your writing or research. Discuss how you came to focus on writing at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and finally describe how the Writing program is suited to your professional goals.Upload your statement of purpose via your ePortfolio.
• In addition to your application, you must submit an ePortfolio with a deadline of January 16. Your portfolio should include recent writing in the form of eight to 10 poems, two short stories or excerpts from a novel, or two short works of nonfiction or nonfiction excerpts. Applicants whose work incorporates other media—images, video, sound, or performance—are encouraged to submit video, audio recordings, or digital files to supplement writing samples.

You also must submit an official college transcript and two letters of reference for admission into the program. You can ask your references to upload their letter to your online application or mail them directly to the school.

The Department of Writing may contact some candidates for an interview after all applications have been reviewed. For more information on the application and admissions process, visit the graduate admissions website.

Ready to apply? Complete your online application now.