How to Apply for an MFA

Were you too busy making art, taking writing classes, and acting professionally and completely missed MFA deadlines this year? Do not worry; now is the perfect time to start preparing for next year. Let’s talk through your application timeline, the different elements of an MFA application, and help you stay on top of important deadlines for the fall application cycle.

MFA student, painter.

What Materials Do I Need?

That depends on the program and the degree, but here are the general requirements:

  • For a Studio Art MFA, like NYU Steinhardt’s program, you’ll need:

    • An artist’s statement

    • A portfolio of around twenty images of your work

    • Up to three letters of recommendation.

  • For a Creative Writing MFA, like The New School’s program, you’ll need:

    • An artist’s statement

    • A writing portfolio (~10 pages of poetry, 20 pages of fiction or non-fiction)

    • Up to three letters of recommendation

  • For an Acting MFA, like the Yale School of Drama’s program, you’ll need:

    • An artist’s statement

    • Up to three letters of recommendation

    • To audition, typically live, with 2-4 contrasting monologues and/or songs.

There are many more types of MFAs than what are listed above, but you get the gist: all programs will require a written artist’s statement, letters of recommendation, and a presentation of your work. But how do you best prepare these materials?

Artist’s Statement

What even is an artist’s statement? Well, simply put, it is a statement of who you are as an artist. More specifically, it’s a statement describing what makes you unique— what you hope to uniquely contribute through your work. Some questions to consider:

  • What do I value as an artist? What do I want my work to contribute to society? How do I use my creative form to communicate these values?

  • What “proof” do I have already? What creative work have I done that I can site as examples of my experience? Of my unique artistic identity?

  • What can this program offer me? What courses seem particularly interesting? Will there be opportunities to showcase my work and receive feedback?

The Artist’s Statement is your opportunity to argue why you are a can’t-miss candidate. Don’t be afraid to use your own voice, and to let the writing be creative.

Overwhelmed by writing? We offer a la carte essay help as well as comprehensive packages.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation are an essential aspect of your application; they let the admissions team hear directly from people who have worked with you and know your talent. Some tips:

  • Reach out early. Reach out to college professors, directors you have worked with, that poet you met at a reading— as early as the spring before applying.

  • Make sure they know your work. Use reconnecting with these references as an opportunity to get feedback on your portfolio or your audition materials!

  • Go for variety. Having academic, professional, and artistic perspectives will help diversify your application and give the admissions team a well-rounded understanding of what you have to offer.

Here’s some more info on scoring stand-out Letters of Recommendation.

Portfolio/Audition

This is the real meat and potatoes. This is your opportunity to showcase who you are through your creative work. Some advice:

  • Get input. Whether it’s from one of your recommenders or through private coaching, getting an outside perspective is essential to pushing your work to the next level.

  • Curate your materials. It is essential that you generate and select pieces that most authentically capture the values you put forward in your Artist’s Statement. Put time, effort, and research into it!

Creating your portfolio or preparing for your audition is a long process. This is why starting early is a great idea. If you start preparing your materials in the winter or spring, you will be in great shape to apply for the fall application cycle.

Here is some more info on the general Grad School Timeline.

How do I balance grad applications with “adulting?”

It’s a lot of work! That’s why it’s so important to get started way ahead of time.

At Revolution, we love working with graduate applicants and are happy to help you every step of the way (or just for a last minute edit on that Statement of Purpose!). We can also connect you with our network of audition coaches and creative advisors.
Chat with us about your application journey today.

Nicole Albanese