The Nonfiction Writing Program Admissions

We are pleased that you are considering joining the Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Iowa. Our next admissions date is Fall 2010; applications for Fall 2010 will be accepted between September 1, 2009 and December 15, 2009. We do not accept applications for spring semester admissions.

Application Procedures

To apply to the Nonfiction Writing Program, you will need to send some application materials to the English Department and some to the Office of Admissions, which handles Graduate College applications.

Applicants must meet the Admission Requirements of the Graduate College.

Materials to send to the English Department

• The Online Program Application and attachments, including:
• A statement of purpose (no more than 500 words) explaining your reasons for choosing this degree program
• A 20- to 30-page writing sample representing any form of literary nonfiction, such as a personal essay, cultural commentary, in-depth portrait, interview, memoir, or feature story
• Your writing sample may consist of a single 20-30 page piece of writing, a collection of shorter pieces, or an excerpt from a longer piece.
• Submissions should be double-spaced with a one-inch margin in 10- to 12-point font and should include your name on each page.
• Upload writing sample(s) as .doc or .rtf attachment(s) to the online program application.
• A hard copy of your statement of purpose
• A hard copy of your writing sample
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation from professors, editors, or other writing professionals
  (may be sent from a dossier service; directly from recommenders; or from applicant in a sealed envelope with recommender’s signature across the seal)
• An Application for Graduate Awards
• An NWP Financial Aid Application
• Your official academic records/transcripts
• NOTE: We do not require GRE scores.
• The above materials may arrive together or separately

Materials to send to the Office of Admissions

• Online Application for Graduate Admission or Hard copy of Application for Graduate Admission (pdf)
• A second set of your official academic records/transcripts
• International students must send their official TOEFL scores from the Educational Testing Service (the University's institutional code is 6681; the English Department’s code is 2501). Note: The minimum test score requirement in the speaking sub-section is 26 for teaching assistants.
• Once recommended for admission, international students must send a Financial Statement.

Apply

If you Apply Online, the $60 application fee ($85 for international students) is payable by MasterCard or Visa. If you cannot pay by credit card, you may Download and Print an Application (pdf) and pay the fee by check or money order in U.S. currency made payable to "The University of Iowa."

Contact information