Shelley Tanaka is the author of more than twenty non-fiction books for children and young adults, including seven titles in the award-winning I Was There series (On Board the...
MFA Writing for Children & Young Adults
Admissions Requirements
Application Deadlines
The following are semester application priority deadlines:
- For Summer 2012 - February 15, 2012
- For Winter 2013 - September 1, 2012
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:
- 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). Each manuscript should be typewritten, single-sided, double-spaced, numbered in the lower right-hand corner, and in Times Roman 12-point font.
- An essay (2-3 typed, double-spaced pages) in which you address the following questions:
• How long have you been writing seriously?
• What previous study have you done in writing and children’s literature?
• Is there any additional experience that seems particularly relevant to your
application?
• Are you prepared to use direct criticism of your work?
• What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of your writing?
• Do you foresee anything that might prevent you from devoting 25 hours per
week to your study or from corresponding regularly with your faculty
advisor?
More than transcripts or letters of recommendation, the essay gives us some
understanding of your experience with writing and criticism, your goals for
work in the program, your readiness to work in the low-residency format,
and the appropriateness of your admission.
- A writing sample (3-4 pages, double-spaced) that demonstrates your abilities as a reader and critical thinker. This sample may be something formal that you have written previously for a class or you may write a short essay on a literary work you’ve read recently. If possible, please submit a piece on children’s literature. The essay should in some way engage questions dealing with the writer’s craft, central ideas, and/or the relation of the writer’s work to your own. For more information, please reference the Critical Essay Resource page.
- 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).
Faculty Profiles
Points of View
MFAV Alumnus
"This program has directed my practice profoundly. It has added a conceptual approach, expanded my possibilities beyond the material and integrated research into my practice."
Points of Interest
MFA in Writing Alumna Laura Burkhart's Book
MFA in Writing Alumna Shaindel Beers' Book
© Vermont College of Fine Arts :: 2012