Your application to the MFA program in Creative Writing at UNC-Wilmington will be submitted
online to UNCW’s Graduate School. Along with your online application, you are required to
upload an electronic copy of your manuscript (the writing sample), your personal essay (also
called a statement of interest, purpose, or intent), and three letters of recommendation. In
addition to the application materials submitted online (manuscript, essay, and recommendation
letters), you will need to mail to the Graduate School your application fee and transcripts.

Here is a complete list of the required application materials:

(1)  An application for admission to the Graduate School (online)

(2)  A typed manuscript in the applicant's writing genre (cover page identifying genre):

           Up to 10 pages of poetry (one poem per page; multi-page poems acceptable)

           Up to 30 pages of fiction (double-spaced); single piece or multiple pieces

           Up to 30 pages of creative nonfiction (double-spaced); single- or multiple pieces
           (uploaded with online application)

(3)  A personal essay (300-500 words), about the applicant's writing goals.
            Identify in the essay for which genre --Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, or Poetry--
            the application is intended. (uploaded with online application)
(4)  Three letters of recommendation (uploaded with online application)
(5)  All official college transcripts, in sealed envelopes
(6)  A non-refundable application fee of $45 (check made payable to UNC-Wilmington)

**We highly recommend reading our FAQs for more detailed instructions and information.**

Though your manuscript and personal essay will be uploaded with your online application, we
request that you send to the Creative Writing Department a hard copy of each. (**Note: Edited
versions will not be accepted. Please send a hard copy of the files you uploaded with your
application.)

The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for admission to our program.
There is no foreign language requirement. Mastery of English is, of course, required.

The application deadline is January 1st for enrollment in the following fall semester. We
do not admit new students mid-year (i.e., in spring semester).

Send application fee and transcripts to:

Graduate School Admissions

University of North Carolina Wilmington

601 South College Road

Wilmington, NC 28403-5955
RE: MFA/CRW APPLICATION

Send manuscript and personal essay (hard copies) to:
Creative Writing Department
University of North Carolina Wilmington
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5938
RE: MFA/CRW APPLICATION

**DO NOT send application fee, transcripts, or letters of recommendation the the Creative Writing Department.**

If you have questions about the application process, please see our FAQs for applicants and prospective students, or contact Lisa Bertini, MFA Program Assistant, 910.962.3070

To contact the UNCW Graduate School:

Voice  910.962.3135

Fax     910.962.3787