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Application Procedure

Applications open October 1st and close in early December for matriculation the following fall quarter. Please check the Application Deadlines page for the current program deadline. Applicants will be notified in March.

 

Useful links

A complete application consists of:

  • Curriculum Vitae 
  • Writing Sample (double spaced)
  • Statement of Purpose (double spaced)
  • Personal History Statement (double spaced)
  • Three Letters of Recommendation 
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Required Test Scores

 

You can find information about these materials here. 

 

Writing Sample:

  • 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 requests the following additional materials: 20-25 pages of prose, double spaced (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.

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



Fee Waiver: 

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. 

 

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.