FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see the answer to your question below, please email us at [email protected].

How do low-residency programs work?

Unlike traditional M.F.A. programs, which require students to live close enough to campus to attend classes throughout the academic year, the Brooklyn Writers Foundry only meets in-person for intensive week-long residency periods twice each year. 

During residency periods—which typically take place during the second week of January and the last full week of June—students participate in a lively schedule of daily on-campus classes, readings, and lectures with an exceptional roster of core and guest faculty members. For the rest of the year, students receive individualized monthly feedback on their writing from their workshop instructors while participating in virtual discussion-based reading classes with their peers. 

Where do students stay during the residency periods?

Students have the option to book a room at the Hotel St. George in Brooklyn Heights, which is providing a special rate for St. Joseph’s University that is considerably lower than other hotels in the area. If a student lives in or near New York City, or has other accommodations they would prefer, they are not required to stay at the St. George. 

Are meals included?

A light breakfast and a catered lunch will be provided on-campus each day of the residency period. Students are encouraged to explore dining options in New York City for dinner, including the many fantastic restaurants within walking distance of campus, although the cost of off-campus meals are not covered by the program.

How do I get to the Brooklyn Writers Foundry?

New York City is a convenient travel hub, with a variety of transit options available domestically and internationally. Once in New York, the Brooklyn campus of St. Joseph’s University is accessible via subway, bus, and ride-sharing service. If you choose to drive, please keep in mind that parking is not available at the Hotel St. George, but on-street parking may be available and spots can be rented at various garages. Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements, and travel costs are not covered by the program. 

Who can apply?

Anyone with an undergraduate degree is welcome to apply. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has a talent for and commitment to writing, and/or significant publications.  The waiver is granted at the discretion of the dean and provost’s admissions committee.

We review the applicant's creative portfolio, personal statements, letters of recommendation, résumé and transcripts. We are searching for students who take their work seriously, show promise and whom we believe would benefit from graduate-level study.

What work should I submit?

Submit your best written work. 

What academic background is required?

Good writing comes from any number of backgrounds. Admission is based on the merit of the writing.

Can I keep my full-time job while earning my M.F.A.?

We recognize that employment is a fact of life, not just for many students, but also for a majority of writers. Our low-residency program seeks writers who want to give as much time as possible to their writing, but is also specifically designed to accommodate students who may have other obligations and responsibilities.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round. To begin the program during a June residency, please submit your application no later than March 1; for January the priority deadline is November 1. 

Do I need to take the GRE?

No.

Do those recommending me need to be professors or teachers who know my writing?

Not necessarily—it’s helpful to have recommenders who are familiar with your work and writing process, but recommenders can also be past or present supervisors or others you have worked with in a professional capacity.  

I write both fiction and non-fiction. Can I apply to both categories in the same year?

No, but you will have the opportunity to study in different genres throughout your time at the Brooklyn Writers Foundry. Apply in the genre in which you feel your writing is the strongest.