Application Procedure

Apply Here! (Available beginning October 1st)

A complete application consists of:

1. Curriculum Vitae 
2. Writing Sample (double spaced)
   • A writing sample between 10-20 pages in length, double spaced. Though the sample need not be in Literature, it should demonstrate relevant skills in writing, critical thinking, and textual analysis. In addition, applicants whose proposed primary area of emphasis is in a language other than English should provide a sample that demonstrates an ability to work in that language. Please include your name in the footer of each page of your writing sample.
   • For applicants to the Creative/Critical Writing concentration, the department additionally requests 20-25 pages of prose (at least one complete piece and an additional sample preferred) or 10-12 pages of poetry. The writing can be poetry, prose fiction, creative nonfiction or hybrid/cross genre.
3. Statement of Purpose (double spaced)

   • Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages.

4. Personal History Statement (double spaced)

   • This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 1-3 pages.mUC Santa Cruz is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In this essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.

5. Three Letters of Recommendation 
6. Unofficial Transcripts
7. International Applicants Only: Test Scores
   • Applicants whose primary language is not English and have not completed degrees at an English-speaking institution must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
   • Additional information for International Applicants, including required test scores, waivers, and transcripts, can be found on this page on the Division of Graduate Studies website.

No application materials should be sent to the Department of Literature.  All materials are vetted through the online application found at the Division of Graduate Studies.

Fee Waivers: 

ALL applicants are eligible to apply for a fee waiver. Applicants who do not qualify for a fee waiver through the application portal (including International Students) may apply directly to the Department of Literature. The department has a limited number of waivers available and will evaluate requests on a case by case basis. 

Fee waivers must be requested two weeks prior to the application deadline. All fee waiver decisions will be announced one week prior to the application deadline. 

Requirements and Instructions:

1. At minimum, have completed, uploaded, and submitted the following items to your application: statement of purpose, personal history statement, statement of financial need, and your resume.
2. Have not yet paid for your application to the University.
3. Requesting the fee waiver:
   1. Domestic Students: In the application portal, follow the directions for requesting a fee waiver. If you are denied a fee waiver, please contact litgrdcd@ucsc.edu to state why you are requesting a fee waiver and attach your statement of need. If you are granted a fee waiver by the department, we will provide additional directions for how to complete the fee waiver section in the application portal.
   2. International Students: International students are not eligible to request a fee waiver in the application portal. Instead, contact litgrdcd@ucsc.edu to state why you are requesting a fee waiver and attach your statement of need. If you are granted a fee waiver, we will provide additional directions for how to complete the fee waiver section in the application portal.

NOTE: The Department is unlikely to grant a fee waiver to individuals for more than one application cycle.