Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
How do I apply?
For comprehensive application information and the link to the online application, visit the Admissions page.
What is your rate of acceptance?
In recent years, we have received approximately 500 applications for 15 spots in fiction, approximately 120 applications for 10 spots in poetry, and approximately 70 applications for five spots in playwriting.
When will I find out if I was accepted?
Though it varies year to year, we plan to notify applicants in March and early April. We appreciate your patience.
Do you require the GRE?
No.
I'm not sure if I have the 12 credits of advanced English requested on your Admissions page. What should I do?
As per our Admissions page, "Applicants who do not meet course requirements but whose manuscripts show unusual talent are considered for admission."
May the 30-page fiction manuscript consist of multiple works?
Yes, your 30-page fiction manuscript may come in any form you wish (short stories, excerpt(s) from a novel, flash fiction, or any combination of the above, up to 30 pages). We simply recommend that you send in whatever you think is your very strongest work.
How should the 20-page poetry manuscript be formatted?
You may format your poetry as you see fit. Please do not exceed 20 pages.
What should be in the personal statement?
Your one–-to two-page personal statement should serve as a way for us to get to know you and come to understand why you want to pursue an M.F.A. at Brooklyn College.
Who should write my recommendation letters?
Your two recommendation letters should come from people familiar with your writing, such as professors, mentors, and/or employers.
How should recommendation letters be submitted?
They should be submitted online (this will be an option when you're completing the online application). For more information, refer to the Supporting Documents page.
Do I need to send in transcripts from all of the institutions where I took undergraduate classes?
We require transcripts from all colleges and universities that you attended.
What is an official transcript?
Transcripts must arrive in envelopes sealed by the institution's registrar office. Your college institution should mail transcripts to the Brooklyn College Office of Admissions.
I am an international student. Is it true that I have to have my international transcripts evaluated before my application will be complete?
Yes (though please note that students who received degrees from universities in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom are exempt from this requirement). For all other international applicants, see more information about the required international transcript evaluation.
Do international students with undergraduate degrees from U.S. universities need to take the TOEFL?
Once you have received a B.A. from a U.S. university, you no longer need to submit your TOEFL scores to apply to the M.F.A. program.
May I apply to two different genres?
No, you may only apply to one genre per year.
What are the program codes for Fiction, Playwriting, and Poetry?
- Fiction — 324
- Playwriting — 325
- Poetry — 327
Is there any way I can check my application status online?
Yes. Once you've completed your application, you may check online for status updates.
I was not accepted to your program. Can you provide feedback on my application?
Because of the large number of qualified applicants, we may not be able to accept very strong candidates, nor can we offer specific feedback on individual applications. Note that the manuscript is by far the most important element of the application. We encourage interested applicants to reapply in the future.
How do I reapply?
As per the Graduate Admissions Office website, "To reapply, you need to complete and submit a new graduate degree application online. You do not need to resubmit any supporting documents (i.e. transcripts, letters of recommendation) if you applied within the last two years." The $125 application fee is waived for re-applicants for up to one year. (If you applied for fall 2014 entry, for instance, you may reapply for fall 2015 without paying an additional fee.) You must send a new personal statement and manuscript to the Department of English each time you reapply.
Getting to Know the Program
Do you hold an Open House?
Yes. Information will be available soon.
May I speak to a current or recent student?
Yes. Please see the student and alumni lists within each program:
May I come and visit an M.F.A. class?
In most cases prospective students are permitted to visit classes once they've been accepted into the program.
Can you send me printed materials about the M.F.A. program?
Comprehensive information about our program, including the online application, is available on our website and on the more general Brooklyn College website under "Graduate Programs" and "Admissions."
May I take a class in the Brooklyn College M.F.A. program as a nonmatriculated student?
Because of the small size of our program, only students matriculated in our M.F.A. program may take our graduate creative writing classes.
Where can I obtain information pertaining to international students?
The Brooklyn College Office of International Student Services will assist you with immigration issues, financial aid, and housing.
Financial Information
What is the cost of tuition?
Up-to-date tuition information is available on the Bursar's website.
How many credits are required for the M.F.A. program?
Students typically take nine credits (three three-credit classes) each semester, for a total of 36 credits/12 classes over the course of our four-semester program.
Do you offer teaching opportunities?
Students who wish to teach while they are enrolled in the M.F.A. program, but who don't have prior composition teaching experience at the college level, are required to take English 7506, Practicum in Teaching College-Level Composition (which counts toward the M.F.A. degree requirements as an elective). The course includes a tutor-internship in an instructor's classroom. After completing 7506, students may be assigned to teach their own section of a composition course, English 1010 or English 1012, which pays roughly $3,800/semester. Students may teach for up to three years. There are also teaching opportunities at other CUNY schools.
What is the financial aid situation?
In addition to teaching undergraduate composition, our graduate students can offer their services to the Brooklyn College Learning Center, which employs a full complement of tutors who work with mostly undergraduate students. There are also some awards with money attached that are specific to the M.F.A. program, including the Himan Brown Award, the Ross Feld Award, and the Lainoff Prize, which students can apply for once they're enrolled. The Office of Financial Aid primarily helps students obtain federal loans. It is recommended that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be submitted online.
How do I apply for scholarships?
All admitted students will automatically be considered for departmental scholarships. (In the past, applicants had to fill out a separate scholarships application in order to be considered for scholarships, but this is no longer required.)
I am an international student. How would this affect my employment opportunities at the university?
International students on F-1 Student Visas are permitted to work or teach up to twenty hours per week while they are in the program, and eligible to continue doing so, full-time, for one year after graduation, if the work is in the field for which they received the degree.
Do you offer a part-time, low-residency, or online option?
No.
Do you offer a health insurance plan?
Health insurance is available via the New York State of Health Insurance Exchange, as per the Affordable Care Act, where you can search for insurance plans.
