Yes, I am late to the party, yes PhD application season is over, but next year PhD hopefuls will be very ahead of the game! 

If you are interested in understanding what a PhD in Creative Writing is and why anyone would want to pursue one, please feel free to go back and read that here.

Disclaimer: These tips and explanations are only from my experience. I did indeed get into a Creative Writing PhD program. It was not fully funded, but ranks in the top 20 in the U.S. If you are looking for magic advice to get yourself into a fully funded top 10 school, you may want to look elsewhere. 

Admissions committees generally are looking for a myriad of different elements in an applicant. Many people who are going for the most competitive programs will be far out of their MFA, already a budding professional in the writing world. With this being said, before applying look at what different programs offer. There are about 35 PhD Creative Writing programs in the U.S. They vary from being fully funded/ partially funded to unfunded. Sometimes they are designated as a PhD in Literary Arts, PhD in Creative Writing and Literature, etc. Like MFA programs, I would apply to multiple. I myself applied to 6. 

When considering where to apply to, it is important to understand where you are in your writing career. Are you ready to specialize in a niche area of creative writing and literature? Are you confident in what kind of writer you want to be? Already having an MFA is imperative if not required for admission, some even have a minimum GPA or GRE exam requirements. This also means having a few creative writing specializations under your belt is essential when applying. Furthermore, these applications should reflect that specialization including your writing portfolio, letter of intent etc. Consider location, curriculum, program rankings/ funding, and the overall fit. 

The first thing I can tell you about the PhD application process is that it was lightly similar to an MFA application in its contents. The major difference is the intent and overall execution you give to the more complicated “why” of wanting to attend a PhD. It is a much bigger commitment than a masters. 

How the MFA Application is Like the PhD Application Process

• The creative portfolio is the most important aspect of an application (same.)
• Your personal statement/letter of intent is also right up there- exemplify your why of being a writer who wants to attend an MFA, (the PhD version is more elaborate, but same type of idea.)
• Your academic CV – celebrate your successes! 
• Letters of recommendation (usually 3 required.)

How the PhD Application Process is Unlike the MFA

• Your personal statement for a PhD program is less about your potential as a writer but more about your ability to thrive as a PhD student within your specialized field of study.
• Demonstrate you are a professional in the field and show that you have built a foundation to succeed. The why of the PhD should show in what ways the program will work for you and give you what you need. 

Tips on the Writing Sample

• Demonstrate your best work in your writing sample- what do you want to show to the committee? The content should be based on the genre/ subject that you want to focus on. Edit it like crazy.

Tips on Letter of Intent/Personal Statement 

• Always have a hook to keep your audience reading. Use a personal touch- let the committee get to know you a bit.
• Mention your academic background and why are you pursuing a PhD in creative writing specifically? (something other than wanting a tenure track position.)
• What are your career goals for the PhD academically and personally?
• If you know what faculty you want to work with then great, but if not, then it’s better to not pretend you would like to work with someone. 
• Make it personal and professional.
• Express what you want to specialize in.

Tips for CV

• Look up a template for an academic CV and update it with any relevant information- new jobs, publications, teaching, literary journals etc. Anything that will make you stand out.

Tips for Letters of Recommendation

• Find professors who know you best for these letters- this is similar for your MFA recommendations.

Tips for the Critical Writing Sample

• Any well received/ graded essay that will demonstrate your ability to write in an academic way.

Last Thoughts

• Start your applications early. I began in the summer months for Dec 1st-Jan application deadlines. 
• Don’t be surprised if you don’t get into a program in the first year you apply. At AWP I listened to devastated audience members who had left it all in the pool and ended up getting rejected from every school. This is a common occurrence. I happened to get in on the first try before graduating with my MFA. 
• Why do people get rejected? Even the PhD panel at AWP couldn’t give a straight answer. 
• Trust your intuition, passion, and writing! 

Until next time, 

Lena N. Gemmer