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MFA in Creative Writing
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How to Apply to Our Program

Step 1. Before You Start

We offer Fall admission only.  The application deadline for the MFA program (including all supporting materials) must be received no later than February 1, 2026.    

All materials are to be uploaded to Slate, which includes the Confidential Recommendation on Applicant form to be completed and submitted by each recommender.

Also, apply for Financial Aid by the California state deadline through FAFSA.

You will need to submit material to three different places:

  1. Submit the university application online at Cal State Apply.
  2. Graduate Admissions
  3. Slate

 

Step 2. Now, Submit the Basics

Graduate Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at Cal State Apply along with the $70.00 (non-refundable) application fee.

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University 
San Diego, CA 92182-8225

Materials due to Graduate Admissions no later than February 15, 2026.

Graduate applicants are required to submit official transcripts in sealed envelopes (issued by the school) from all post-secondary schools attended. Do not send transcripts before submitting the Cal State Apply application, as this may result in processing delays. The required documents are listed below:

  1. Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  2. The GRE requirement (mandated by SDSU for graduate study) has been suspended.

For more information about the documents to be submitted to Graduate Admissions, please phone (619) 594-6336 or visit the Graduate Admission site.


Step 3. Then, We Need Supporting Material

Again, the application deadline for the MFA program Fall 2026 admission period is February 15, 2026.

Departmental Requirements – Submittal the following through Slate.

Within 72 hours of submitting your initial application to Cal State Apply, you will receive an email with a personalized link to Slate to submit your supplemental application.

Be sure to send the Confidential Recommendation on Applicant form to your recommenders.

For additional questions about materials that need to be submitted to the department, please contact Mary Garcia at [email protected].

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package and uploaded directly to Slate:

  1. A 750-1000 word statement of purpose.

  2. A sample of creative work in your genre: ​no more than 20 pages of prose.

  3. Two-three letters of recommendation. (You will enter the contact information for your letters of recommendation in the Interfolio system. Interfolio will generate a prompt to the individuals for which you have provided contact information. We prefer recommendations that use our form. Please assist us with the process by emailing the blank form for your program to the individuals you have selected to prepare your recommendation letters.)

  4. A copy of all unofficial transcripts

The GRE requirement (mandated by SDSU for graduate study) has been suspended.

Department of English and Comparative Literature
Attention: MFA Creative Writing Program - Fiction
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-6020

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package and uploaded directly to Slate:

  1. A 750-1000 word statement of purpose.

  2. A sample of creative work in your genre: 10 poems.

  3. Two-three letters of recommendation. (You will enter the contact information for your letters of recommendation in the Interfolio system. Interfolio will generate a prompt to the individuals for which you have provided contact information. We prefer recommendations that use our form. Please assist us with the process by emailing the blank form for your program to the individuals you have selected to prepare your recommendation letters.)

  4. A copy of all unofficial transcripts.

The GRE requirement (mandated by SDSU for graduate study) has been suspended.

Department of English and Comparative Literature
Attention: MFA Creative Writing Program - Poetry
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-6020


Step 4. Congratulations, You’ve Completed Everything

The status of these materials may be determined at any time by emailing Mary Garcia at [email protected].