Writing Samples for MFA Applications
Posted on | January 13, 2010 | No Comments
Here are two questions that come up frequently: How important are writing samples to MFA program applications? And… If you go over or under on page or word count will it hurt your application?
The answer to the first question is simple. Writing samples are the single greatest factor in getting into a Creative Writing MFA program. There are other factors, obviously, but as far as key things an admission committee will weigh, the writing sample is far and away the most important part of an application.
The second question is a little harder to answer but the best advice is to go under but do not go over if at all possible. Remember, the writing sample is supposed to reflect your best work and show that you have the potential to become an even better writer. Good MFA programs will get hundreds of applications for twenty or thirty positions and you blowing off the admission guidelines won’t gain you much ground with the admissions committee.
The best thing that you can do is put forward really good writing samples that you are proud to have read. If you can do that, then it won’t matter a whit that you have provided 20 pages when the limit was 30. Most programs guidelines set a limit for pages rather than a minimum. The admission committee is made up of writers and instructors. They know that most applicants have hundreds of pages they could submit. The program is looking for your best material, material that reflects your potential.
The bottom line: never go for quantity over quality.
In the end the choice is yours, and if you put good writing forward it will serve you well.
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