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 550, 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 include a 1-2 page Statement of Teaching
Philosophy detailing your previous experience (if any) teaching
and/or qualities that you feel are representative of effective
teachers. This statement is used by the admissions committee
to evaluate applicants for available TA positions.
* 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.)
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