How To Apply

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:

  • Priority Date – December 1
  • Application Deadline – February 1

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 a Graduate Admission Counselor

Contact a member of the Graduate Admission Team for questions about the application process.

Schedule Phone Appointment

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. 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.”

Step One: Create your application account

  • Create your PLU application account at choose.plu.edu/apply.
  • Select ‘Pacific Lutheran University Application 2025’, then ‘Graduate Application 2025’ & ‘Create Application’.
  • You’ll select your program on Page 2 of the application.

Step Two: Submit all required supporting items below

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

  • Pay the nonrefundable $65 application fee.
    • The application fee is waived for all current PLU students and alumni.

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.