Application Deadline

Application Materials and Instructions

Your Letter of Intent has two parts: Part A, Letter of Intent; and Part B, Teaching Assistantship Letter, if you are applying for a teaching assistantship.

In Part A, the Letter of Intent, you have the opportunity to tell Creative Writing program faculty about yourself. Include relevant experience, both in and outside the classroom, literary influences, and goals. Prospective students are advised to research the MFA program before submitting an application. As admission is granted to select candidates whom core faculty believe will best be served by UNM’s specific program, it will be helpful for faculty to know why you’re choosing UNM’s MFA. Your letter, which should not exceed 1,000 words, should indicate how you envision yourself and your work within the strengths of the program.

In Part B, the Teaching Assistantship Letter, you should address your reasons, preparation, and objectives for teaching English courses at the college level. This letter should be well-developed, concise, and be approximately 250-500 words.

A Writing Sample must accompany your application and provides the criteria that faculty refer to most often when discussing whom to admit. Applicants should submit their writing sample according to genre:

1. a portfolio of ten to fifteen poems not to exceed 20 pages in length; or
2. one or multiple stories, or a novel excerpt, not to exceed a total of 7500 words; or
3. 15-20 pages of non-fiction prose.

In all cases, your writing sample should represent your best work to date.

A minimum of three Letters of Recommendation are required. You will be prompted in the online application screen to provide the names, email addresses, and affiliations of your three recommenders, who will then be requested electronically to provide your recommendations. Letters of Recommendation will not be accepted via any outside online service, such as Interfolio.

Creative writing program faculty pay close attention to the observations of college level teachers who are familiar with your writing and your work in the classroom. Of secondary interest are recommendations from people whom you’ve worked with or for. Of lesser interest are recommendations from friends and family members.

If you are applying for an assistantship, two of the three letters of recommendation required for your admission to an English graduate program should address your potential as a teacher. If two of your three academic recommenders cannot speak to your potential as a teacher, you may include additional professional references instead. The department will accept up to a maximum of five letters of recommendation.

Contact for Questions and Further Information

Click here to visit the program website