MFA Application Assistance

A Master of Fine Arts degree in a field of creative writing is attractive to serious writers for a variety of reasons: the chance to focus on writing for a concentrated period of time, working with talented peers and teachers, making contacts, increasing prestige, obtaining a terminal degree that makes one more employable as a teacher.

However, applying to MFA programs is a daunting process. There are hundreds of schools to choose from, with varying degrees of quality, content, financial assistance, and teaching opportunities. And then choices must be made between old and new programs, full-time or low-residency programs, local or far-off schools. And, if you wish to compete against a crowd of talented applicants, you must submit excellent writing samples and a compelling admissions essay.

Gotham does not offer MFA degrees, but we can help those who are seeking them. We have a variety of courses and individualized programs to assist with every step of the MFA application process. And we have a roster of talented teachers who have earned MFA's in a variety of fields. Indeed, quite a few Gotham students have gone on to obtain MFA's at some of the finest schools in the world.

Gotham can assist those seeking MFAs in the following types of writing: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, children's books, film, television, playwriting. (We can also help those seeking M.A. or Ph.D. degrees, or advanced degrees in journalism.)

The application process for MFA program entails these key elements:

• Creating a portfolio of writing samples in the appropriate field. (Requirements vary depending on school.)
• Writing one or two essays—a personal statement reflecting your personality and purpose, and, perhaps, a critical analysis of a specific work. (Requirements vary depending on school.)
• Compiling a list of schools to target and, eventually, selecting which school to attend.

In addition, schools require transcripts, recommendations, completed forms, and, sometimes, GRE testing.

Here's how Gotham can help:

To assist with the writing samples:

Take a Gotham class

For a specific project, including admissions essays, get one-on-one advice and feedback with our Doctoring or Mentorship programs.

Study one-on-one with a Private Session/Class.

To assist with the entire process, use our Mentorship program for this purpose.

A mentorship program provides you with a personal mentor who can assist with all aspects of the MFA application process—writing samples, admissions essay, sorting through the selection of schools, and offering insight and advice on whatever questions arise. A mentor will be supplied who has completed an MFA in the appropriate field.

Related forms of One-on-One instruction
Doctoring
Mentorship
Private Session/Class

For a free consultation, please complete the form below. If you have questions, call 212-974-8377.