Applications for Summer 2024 are now open.

How To Apply

We are still accepting applications for the June 2024 incoming cohort.

 

PRIORITY DEADLINES

Applications will be considered on a year-round basis, though our evaluation process will be most intensive in the periods after these key priority deadlines:

  • Early Action Deadline – November 30
  • Application Deadline – February 15

All admitted applicants become part of the cohort that begins the program on June 1st, at the start of the summer term. The summer term culminates in the summer residency.

Speak to an Admission Application Counselor

Contact the Admission Application Counselor for questions about the application process.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are processed through GradCAS, a nationwide centralized application service for graduate programs.

Click on each item in the list below to view the instructions in an expanded section, and then follow the steps to submit your application. If you have questions, contact us.

“I’m absolutely loving this program. not only do I feel like it’s taking my talents to a new level, it’s giving me the creative passion I so greatly needed at this point in my writing life.”

  • Create your application portal account (preferred browsers are Google Chrome or Firefox)
  • Select and add the program Master of Arts in Creative Writing – Rainier Writing Workshop
  • Complete all required application questions.

(Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for questions about the application portal)

Creative writing sample

  • The sample should represent your best work (15 pages of poetry or 30-40 pages of prose, or a genre mix not to exceed 40 pages).
  • You may submit scanned copies of published work. In manuscript form, poetry may be single-spaced; prose should be double-spaced.
  • All pages should be in 10 or 12 point font, with the pages numbered, and your name at the top right.
  • Upload your writing sample via the application portal.

Literary critique

  • A 500-word literary critique with critical response to a literary work you have recently read. The response should be an illustration of your writerly intelligence and your critical abilities.
  • All pages should be double-spaced, using 10 or 12 point font, with the pages numbered, and your name at the top right.
  • Upload your writing sample via the application portal.

Personal statement

  • This two-page statement should describe your background in writing, and your goals and reasons for wanting to enroll in the program.
  • All pages should be double-spaced, using 10 or 12 point font, with the pages numbered, and your name at the top right.
  • Upload personal statement via the application portal.

Recommendations

  • Identify two references on your application. Academic recommendations are encouraged.
  • Your references will receive an email invitation from gradcasinfo@liaisoncas.com with instructions for completing the reference electronically.
  • If your recommenders need assistance, please visit the Letters by Liaison Help Center.

Resume

Upload a simple resume or CV. It does not need to be professional, and writing experience is NOT required. The CV or resume will have no bearing on the quality of your application. It is simply a system requirement for GradCAS.

Application Fee

  • Pay the nonrefundable $55 application fee.

(Note: If you need to submit additional documents after submitting the online application, you can email them to gradadmission@plu.edu)

Note: Official transcript(s) of the highest previous degree earned do not need to be sent with your application. Transcripts will be requested of you upon notification of pending acceptance.

If you or your recommenders have any questions or technical problems with the online application portal and recommendation process, status, navigation, missing credentials, etc., please visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center.