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A scene from 2008 College Television Award winner The Wall

A scene from 2008 College Television Award winner The Wall

Florida State /  Film School / Apply to FSU Film / MFA in Writing

MFA in Writing

On-line MFA Application and Supporting Documentation

All applications for the MFA in Writing must be submitted on line. Applications will be accepted from August 3 - December 1, 2011 for consideration of admission for Fall 2012. Below is detailed information concerning specific application requirements. We recommend that you print this page and use it as a reference when you complete the on-line application.
Click here when you are ready to apply: Florida State University Graduate Application

Select Major Name: Motion Picture Arts - Writing
Degree Level: Masters

Applicants must upload the following to the on-line application:

  • Unofficial Transcript(s): A scanned copy of your most recent transcript(s) indicating all college-level work. In addition, complete and upload the self-reported undergraduate GPA computation worksheet.  The link to that worksheet may be found in the on-line application. If you are an international applicant or have a non-traditional GPA, please contact Emma Boyd Elliott at eboyd@film.fsu.edu.
  • Resumé: The resume should be 1-3 pages long and list degrees, employment and/or previous creative endeavors.
  • Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose should describe your artistic experiences, creative influences, personal objectives and future career goals, as well as any other personal information you believe relevant to consideration for the program. The statement of purpose should be 500 to 1,000 words in length. 
  • Letters of Recommendation: The 3 required letters are to be submitted on line via the Florida State University Graduate Application. They may be a combination of academic and professional in nature.  Personal recommendations will not be accepted.
  • Writing Sample 1:. A two-page non-dialogue scene about a person trying to kill a spider in his/her home. The scene should be considered the opening for a screenplay or theatrical work. Writing samples should be typed in 12-point Courier in standard play or screenplay format. The length indicated is the maximum allowed. Include a cover page with your name and the writing sample number.
  • Writing Sample 2: A three-page dialogue scene about a person trying to return an item to a store. The scene should be considered the opening for a screenplay or theatrical work. Writing samples should be typed in 12-point Courier in standard play or screenplay format. The length indicated is the maximum allowed. Include a cover page with your name and the writing sample number.
  • Writing Sample 3: A sample of original creative work, such as a short story, short play or screenplay. The first five pages only. Writing samples should be typed in 12-point Courier and, when applicable, in standard play or screenplay format. The length indicated is the maximum allowed. Include a cover page with your name and the writing sample number.

Official GRE scores: Scores should be reported directly to Florida State University from the Educational Testing Service. A minimum score of 1,000 total on the GRE general test is a university requirement.

Additional items required of all applicants:

  • Nonrefundable application fee of $30.00: FSU's Office of Admissions will send an email request for this fee after application submission.
  • One official transcript from all schools attended. Send directly to:
     
    • Florida State University
      Office of Graduate Admissions
      PO Box 3062400
      Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400
  • Residency: Please complete University Residency form here.
  • English Proficiency Requirements: Please click here for more information.
  • International Applicants: A completed Certification of Financial Responsibility, indicating that the applicant is able to fund his or her educational and living expenses while attending Florida State University.

Cost of Graduate Programs

There are many factors that determine the cost of the Film School programs, including residency, Academic Common Market status, assistantships and scholarships. Click here for information.

Graduate Financial Assistance

An overview of the types of financial assistance available to graduate students in the College of Motion Picture Arts, including links and information on how to apply.