How to Apply

NOTICE:  Although our deadline is February 1, we will accept applications until March 15 this year.  The School of Graduate Studies has March 15 posted as the deadline, so we will recognize that deadline.

You will need to apply to the graduate program online via the School of Graduate Studies.

Applications must be completed by February 1 for full consideration of admission and possible appointment as a graduate teaching assistant for the following academic year. The English Graduate Committee typically meets after the deadline to review applications and notifies applicants of admission decisions in mid- or late March.

The School of Graduate Studies defines a complete application as one that contains a statement of purpose (this is the same as the personal statement; you do not need both), three letters of recommendation, all official transcripts, and the official GRE scores (general test only). Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review unless complete. In addition, you will need to send the following information directly to the English department in support of your graduate application:

• A writing sample of 10-15 pages, written for a course or not, that represents your best work. Your writing sample should demonstrate the best of your intellectual abilities and/or creative work. We advise those students who send in a creative writing sample to also include a short analytical piece that will help us evaluate your ability to handle graduate level academic work.

• For students seeking a Graduate Teaching Assistantship: It is preferred that you complete the GTA Application form. Otherwise, please submit a short statement outlining your reasons for wanting a Graduate Teaching Assistantship and tell us about any prior teaching-related experience.