Graduate Program - List of Items Essential to Applying for the M.A. in English
Admission Requirements
We normally look for an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, a GRE Verbal Score of at least 150 (550 on the old GRE test), and a GRE writing score of at least 4.5, although strength in one measure can outweigh shortcomings in another. The quality of your writing sample(s) and letters of recommendation are important to our decisions.
An undergraduate degree in English is not required; however, applicants without much background in literature may be asked to complete a 39-credit degree. The GRE Subject Test in Literature in English is recommended for applicants who might hope to waive such additional required credits. The Subject Test is optional for others.
All applications to the M.A. program in English must include the following:
1. Three (3) letters of reference*, preferably from professors who are familiar with your work in literary criticism and/or creative writing.
2. Writing Sample(s). A critical writing sample is required of all applicants to the M.A. program, regardless of intended concentration area. The sample should preferably be a 10-20 page paper of literary analysis, but several shorter samples are acceptable. In addition, applicants to the Creative Writing Concentration are also required to submit a 20-page sample of their creative writing, such as a chapter from a book, personal essays, a series of poems or short stories, or a play.
3. If you are interested in applying for a Teaching Assistantship (TA), you will need to check the appropriate line on the graduate admission form. This will lead the Assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies to email you an exercise concerning comments on student papers. You will have two weeks to complete and return this exercise. Your response will play a central role in the admissions committee’s deliberations about awarding assistantships.
* The above items (with exception to the letters of reference) are in addition to any required by the Graduate School. We mention the letters of reference to be sure that applicants consider submitting letters from those familiar with their critical writing skills.
** All of the above items should be sent directly to the Graduate School, together with the other items required (GRE/TOEFL scores, application fee, etc.)