Graduate Admissions - Creative Writing Programs
The most important part of your application is a sample of your creative work. Low-residency programs base admissions decisions primarily on a written sample of the prospective student’s creative work, submitted in the genre that the student intends to study (Fiction, Nonfiction, or Poetry).
Supporting materials that accompany an application, including transcripts, two recommendation forms, and a personal statement identifying the student’s reasons for pursuing graduate study, are used to help consider the other positive attributes a student might contribute to the university and program communities. The recommendation form that we use is designed for the recommender to answer questions about the student’s skill set and character, not the student’s knowledge of the subject area. Therefore, there is no need to include actual recommendation letters; however, we do accept them if a student would like to include them with their application.
Admission Process
Admission to Saint Leo's Master of Arts in Creative Writing program is a simple, straightforward process. We accept applications on a rolling basis with a 2024 deadline of June 15th.
All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4-point scale; students not meeting this standard may be admitted on a probationary basis at the discretion of the director.
- Fill out the online application or download, complete, and return the application for graduate admission. You should select that you are completing your M.A. Degree as part of a COHORT.
- Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit their Saint Leo University transcripts. A United States equivalency evaluation must accompany international transcripts from foreign institutions, which must be certified by an approved evaluation service. Transcripts can be sent electronically to grad.admissions@saintleo.edu or mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions (address listed below).
- A 10-25 page sample of the applicant’s original creative work, in the genre in which the student wishes to specialize (Fiction, Nonfiction, or Poetry). This document should have 1-inch margins on all four sides of the page. All manuscripts should be in a serif font, in 12-point type. Some good examples are Times New Roman, Garamond, and Cochin. Prose manuscripts must be double-spaced, and poetry manuscripts must begin a new poem on a new page.
- Two recommendation forms that should address the ability of the prospective student to succeed in graduate study. Recommendations must be completed on forms provided by Saint Leo. Download Professional Recommendation Form.
- A personal statement detailing the candidate’s reasons for pursuing graduate study in creative writing, and their goals for obtaining the degree. The essay should address the following questions:
- What are your professional goals, and how will a Creative Writing degree from Saint Leo University assist you in reaching those goals?
- Based on your previous collegiate, professional, and life experience, why do you think now is the right time for you to enroll in the Creative Writing program?
- How do you think you will be able to handle the academic rigor of a graduate program that requires students to maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA?
- Determine how you plan to pay for the program. If using Financial Aid, complete the FAFSA online. It is in your best interest to complete the financial aid process as early as possible.
Completed applications will remain active for two years. Conditional admission as non-degree-seeking students may be granted only for up to six semester hours of graduate work.
Applications, reference forms and letters, and transcripts can also be sent to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Saint Leo University
33701 County Road 52
PO Box 6665, MC 2248
Saint Leo, FL 33574
Office of Graduate Admissions
University Campus
Phone: (352) 588-7404
Toll Free: (800) 707-8846
Fax: (352) 588-7873
Email: grad.admissions@saintleo.edu
World Wide – Online Learning and Education Centers
Phone: (855) 523-2472
Toll Free: (800) 707-8846
Fax: (352) 588-7873
Email: grad.admissions@saintleo.edu
Office of Graduate Admissions
Mailing Address:
Saint Leo University
33701 County Road 52
PO Box 6665, MC 2248
Saint Leo, FL 33574
Admissions Office Hours
Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays