MFA students attending a workshop during the summer residency.
REQUIREMENTS
DATES TO APPLY
APPLICATION PROCESS

Admission Requirements

Admission to PLU’s MFA program is based on a holistic review of your application, which includes a personal statement, creative writing sample, literary critique, and resume. You have the option to submit up to two recommendations to strengthen your application as well.

How to Apply

The PLU MFA, also known as the Rainier Writing Workshop, admits students for a summer term start.

Application Dates for a Summer Semester Start:

DECEMBER

1

Early Action Date

FEBRUARY

1

Application Deadline

After February 1, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis dependent on space available.

APPLY NOW TO THE PLU MFA PROGRAM

Application Process

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.

Create your application account

  • Create your PLU application account at choose.plu.edu/apply.
  • Select ‘Pacific Lutheran University Application 2026’, then ‘Graduate Application 2026’ & ‘Create Application’
  • You’ll select your program on Page 2 of the application.

Complete application & submit all required supporting items

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 (Optional)

  • Identify up to two references on your application. Academic recommendations are encouraged.
  • Your references will receive an email invitation with instructions for completing the reference electronically.

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.

Application Fee

  • The application fee is $65 (non-refundable), but is waived for PLU alumni and current students.

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

APPLY NOW TO THE PLU MFA PROGRAM