How to Apply
Apply for our MFA in Creative Writing program.
If you are an international student, you'll have additional application requirements. Get the International Student application guide for this program here.
If you are an international student, you'll have additional application requirements. Get the International Student application guide for this program here.
Summer Start
Priority Deadline: February 15
Standard Deadline: March 15
For priority scholarship consideration, please submit your application by the priority deadline.
If you wish to apply and be considered after the deadline, please contact Graduate Admissions at 617.349.8300 or email luadmissions@lesley.edu to discuss a late application.
Create an account and password before you start your application. You can stop and save your application, and return to complete it later.
You'll need to submit the following supporting materials.
You can send the documents separately, but we won't be able to make an admissions decision until we've received everything.
Have each institution where you earned an undergraduate or graduate degree send us your official transcript.
If your transcript is not in English, provide a notarized translation of it.
If you’re enrolled in a degree program when you apply, submit your transcript of the courses you’ve taken to date. Submit your final official transcript once you’ve completed the degree program.
If your degree is from outside of the United States, you will be required to submit a Foreign Academic Credentials Evaluation.
Contact one of these agencies to get your credentials evaluated:
You’ll need a document-by-document evaluation. Exception: Expressive Therapies master's degree programs require a course-by-course evaluation instead.
If you’re submitting a foreign academic credential evaluation, unofficial transcripts are acceptable for your transcript requirement if official transcripts were provided to the evaluation agency.
Lesley University
Graduate Admissions Services
29 Everett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Include 2 recent recommendations from those you’ve worked with closely in an academic or professional setting.
At least one of your recommendations should come from a present or former supervisor.
If you’re in school or are a recent graduate, one recommendation should come from a professor.
We don’t accept recommendations written by friends or family, or that were written more than 2 years before your application date.
Within your online application form, include the names and emails of the people writing your letters of recommendation. They'll receive an email from you with an electronic recommendation form, and they can upload a letter if they choose.
Your written personal statement gives us insight into your motivation, purpose in pursuing a degree program, writing skills, and communication style. It’s an important part of our review process.
Write a 750–1250 word (2–3 page) personal statement.
Use a narrative form and address the following questions.
You'll submit your written personal statement, writing sample, and visual portfolio (Graphic Novels & Comics genre applicants only), via Slideroom.
In addition to your written personal statement, we require a creative writing submission with your application to the MFA in Creative Writing program.
The required writing sample will depend on the genre you're applying to, and if you're applying for the Graphic Novels & Comics genre, you'll also need to submit a portfolio.
You'll submit your written personal statement, writing sample, and visual portfolio (Graphic Novels & Comics only) via SlideRoom.
This genre requires both of the following: