Application Deadlines

 The following are semester application priority deadlines: 

• For Winter 2011 - October 1, 2010
• For Summer 2011 - March 1, 2011

The MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults Program reviews applications as they are received, so you may submit your application whenever it is ready. Please allow 4–6 weeks for your application to be reviewed. 

Admissions Criteria

Admission to the program is based primarily on the quality of original work submitted by you and the judgment by the faculty committee that your goals are compatible with the program’s design and ideals. You must also hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates without undergraduate experience in literature or writing may be considered for acceptance into the program on a case-by-case basis.

Application Materials

You may request an application form sent by mail, or access the application form online. To be considered for admission, you must submit the following:

• the application form — online application or download version (pdf)
  
   
• 20–25 pages of middle grade prose, 20–25 pages of young adult prose, or 2–3 picture book stories (you may apply in one or more genres)
  
   
• a 2–3-page essay that addresses your background in writing, your goals, writing strengths and weaknesses, etc. (as outlined on the application form)
  
   
• a 3–4 page critical essay that demonstrates your abilities as a reader and a critical thinker; the essay should in some way engage questions dealing with writer's craft, central ideas, and/or the relation of the writer's work to you own
  
   
• two letters of recommendation and an official copy of your BA transcript sent to the program office directly

• A $75 non-refundable application fee (payable to Vermont College of Fine Arts).
   

Transfer Student Information

The program will accept up to two semesters’ worth of credits from a student transferring from another MFA in Writing program, provided (a) the student applies for admission to the program and is accepted and (b) the Faculty Chair or his/her appointed representative from the Faculty Advisory Committee deems the student’s writing to be at least equivalent in quality to that of VCFA students at a corresponding stage in their progress toward the MFA degree.   In addition to creative and critical writing samples and letters of recommendation, applicants for transfer credit should submit (a) BA and MFA transcripts and (b) a personal essay describing their previous plan of study, evaluating their work at the previous MFA program, and explaining their reasons for wishing to transfer. 

Tuition and Fees

For information about tuition and fees, please click here.