Applications are only accepted for the fall semester and must be submitted by our POSTMARK DEADLINE of January 15 (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN DEADLINE FROM PREVIOUS YEARS).

Applicants must meet Brooklyn College requirements for admission to the Division of Graduate Studies; they must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have completed an approved undergraduate program of study--including at least 12 credits in advanced courses in English--with a minimum average of B. Applicants who do not meet course requirements but whose manuscripts show unusual talent are considered for admission.

Applicants to the creative writing program in fiction or poetry must have completed at least 12 credits in advanced courses in English as undergraduates. Those applying to the playwriting program must have completed 12 credits in advanced courses in English or theater.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 650 on the paper test, or 280 on the computer-based test, or 114 on the internet-based test.

Applicants are required to submit an online application form, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation (we strongly prefer receiving these letters via our online application system), a manuscript in the genre they intend to pursue (for fiction, about thirty pages; for poetry, about twenty pages; for playwriting, one full-length play, or two or more one-act plays), and a personal statement (1-2 pages). In addition, a personal interview may be required.

VERY IMPORTANT: Manuscripts and personal statements must be mailed to the Department of English. All other materials must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Please see detailed instructions and addresses below. Due to the high volume of applications, it is of utmost importance that you follow these instructions properly in order to ensure comprehensive consideration. Thank you.

Manuscripts and personal statements only should be sent to:

Professor James Davis
Deputy Chairperson for Graduate Studies
Department of English
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11210-2889

Manuscripts must include the following information: your name, address, telephone number, e-mail, and the program to which you are applying (fiction, playwriting, poetry)

(Please note that manuscripts will not be returned)

All other application documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation not submitted online, check) should be sent to:

Office of Admissions
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11210-2889

(Please note that applications not accompanied by an application fee will not be considered)

Students may apply online at this link.

Forms for printed letters of recommendation may be downloaded at this link (pdf).

To check the status of your application, please visit this link.

We encourage applicants to apply for FAFSA. We also encourage applicants to apply for scholarships through our Office of Scholarships. Please note that you do not have to be accepted in order to apply for scholarships (the scholarship deadline of March 14, 2013, falls before the notification deadline for MFA admissions decisions).