Frequently Asked Questions

• Track information
• Faculty & Staff

1. Q. Do 08C:001 Creative Writing Studio Workshop and 08N:020 Introduction to Creative Nonfiction courses count as prerequisites to the Writers’ House Seminars?
   
   • A. No. These courses satisfy General Education requirements but cannot be counted toward the English major, minor, or toward the Creative Writing Track.
2. Q. Do course numbers that end in EXZ count toward the prerequisites or the requirements of the Track?
   • A. No, course numbers that end in EXZ do not count toward the Track, nor do they count toward the English Major.
3. Q. I am a transfer student with a unique set of problems regarding the prerequisites or the ability to graduate on schedule given the requirements. Is there someone I can talk with?
   • A. Yes. Please contact Robyn Schiff, Director of Undergraduate Creative Writing, at robyn-schiff@uiowa.edu to make an appointment, or drop by her office hours (EPB 358) on Tuesdays between 10:30 and 11:30 or Wednesdays between 4:30 and 6:30. Bring a copy of your transcript with you.
4. Q. I have met all the prerequisites, but I am still a first- or second-year student. Will you consider my application?
   • A.  No. The Track is specifically designed to serve Juniors and Seniors. You must have at least 60 credit hours (including current registration) to apply.
5. Q. I have taken the prerequisite courses, but my GPA in UI English is below 3.33. May I apply to the Creative Writing Track?
   • A. Yes, but you will only be considered for admission in the event that there is space in the Seminars after we have placed qualified students who meet the prerequisites. We encourage you to bring up your GPA before applying. In the meantime, work on completing your English major requirements and the other requirements of the Track, such as the advanced courses offered by the Writers’ Workshop, and the Nonfiction and Playwriting Programs.
6. Q. I meet the GPA requirement, but my situation is unusual in that I have taken one course from the list of approved creative writing classes on the introductory level, and one from the list of approved creative writing classes on the advanced level, or I bypassed the introductory level altogether, and took two advanced courses. May I apply to the Writing Track?
   • A. Yes, and you are very encouraged to do so, but if you are accepted, your first two advanced courses will count toward the Track’s prerequisites, so you must still take two additional advanced-level course from the list to graduate within the Creative Writing Track.
7. Q. Will 008:005:AAA Introduction to the English Major be counted as one of the prerequisite English courses?
   
   • A. Yes.
8. Q. I have met the prerequisites, but I cannot commit to the other demands of the English major; may I still apply for admission to the Writing Track?
   • A. Yes, but you may only take the Writers’ Seminars once, while declared majors have the privilege and responsibility of registering twice. Additionally, declared majors will be given priority in the selection process. Students who only take the Seminars once will not have Creative Writing Track indicated on their transcripts. There are many other opportunities on campus to take creative writing classes if you are not an English major. Please see the course offerings in the Theater Department, the English Department (Nonfiction), and the Writers’ Workshop.
9. Q. Once I am accepted to the Writing Track, and I am enrolled in a Writing Seminar, will I have to reapply for admission to take the course a second time?
   • A. No. Once you are accepted, you do not need to reapply, and your registration interests will be given priority.
10. Q. Must I take the Writers’ Seminars twice in a row?
    • A. No. You do not have to take the Seminars consecutively. There are advantages to taking your Seminars in a row, and advantages to not taking them in a row. The decision is yours. You may discuss your options with your advisor.
11. Q. May I apply in more than one genre?
    • A. Yes, and you are encouraged to do so, but the Creative Writing Track admission committee will place you in the genre they think is most appropriate to your promise as a writer.
12. Q. If I wish to apply in more than one genre, should I fill out multiple application forms and attach a new portfolio and statement each time?
    • A. Yes. Please apply in as many genres that interest you, and please complete the application cover page with each submission, and attach portfolio material in the relevant genre. You do not need to write a new statement with each application, but you do need to attach a copy to each application.
13. Q. If I am not admitted in my first choice genre Seminar, but there is room for me in another genre Seminar that I did not apply for, can the admission committee offer me a place there?
    • A. Yes. We will attempt to fill all of the Seminars by placing students accordingly. For instance, if you are not accepted into the Fiction Seminar, we may offer to slide you into Playwriting, or another genre. If this happens to you, you will be guaranteed admission in your chosen genre when you take the Seminar for your second time. This is the only way to guarantee admission in a particular genre. If you are offered this solution, the Admission Committee highly recommends that you follow this course of action.
14. Q. I was placed on a Waiting List. Now what?
    • A. If you reapply the following semester, and demonstrate growth and commitment in your genre, we will try to offer you a place as space allows. When you reapply, please attach an additional page describing your own sense of your growth and commitment in your genre. You may wish to contact Robyn Schiff, Director of Undergraduate Writing, to discuss your application.
15. Q. I want to be in the Creative Writing Track, but I do not want to take the Seminars. May I substitute other courses for the Seminars?
    • A. No. The Seminars are the hub of the Track. There is no other way to meet the demands of the Track.
16. Q. I’ve been accepted into the Creative Writing Track, but I cannot fit the courses into my schedule or I changed my mind. May defer my acceptance?
    • A. No. We enthusiastically welcome you to reapply when you are ready.
17. Q. May I apply electronically?
    • A. No, not at this time.
18. Q. I still have questions. Where do I go for information?
    • A. Please direct your questions to: undergraduate-writing@uiowa.edu