MFA Creative Writing: Admission Requirements

Create an account to begin the application process. This is where you’ll complete each step in the application and receive updates on your application status. Add your personal background and academic history.

A portfolio of current work representing your best writing and your aesthetic sensibility is required of all applicants to the MFA Creative Writing program. This portfolio must contain a creative writing sample up to 25 pages in length. Within the 25 maximum pages, you may submit any number of pieces in any number of genres. While our program welcomes hybrid, multigenre, and multimedia samples, all samples will be considered on equal terms.

All applicants must upload the writing sample in the “Written Materials” section of the online application. Additionally, any supplemental media integral to your writing practice should be submitted in the Portfolio/Audition Submission “Upload Media” section.

If you experience technical difficulties while uploading your portfolio, please email admissions@calarts.edu.
 

• Provide an artist statement that broadly addresses your writing/artistic practice, your creative/critical influences, and your reasons for applying to CalArts’ MFA Creative Writing program.  
• Upload the artist statement into the “Written Materials” section of the online application.

Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your work, such as an art teacher.

All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it’s important that you contact your recommenders months before. We request that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when we receive your requested letters.

If this is not possible, you may download the Letter of Recommendation Form (pdf) and have your recommender send their letters by mail to the Office of Admissions. Please choose only one method - either through the online application (preferred) or by mail - per recommender. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted via credentialing services such as Parchment or Naviance.

Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:

CalArts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
United States of America

All letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.