Frequently asked questions
How can I qualify for in-state tuition fees (which are lower than out-of-state fees)?
You'll need to have lived in New York State for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding your first day of classes, and you'll need to be able to prove that with documents, such as utility bills. Even if you don't qualify for in-state tuition during your first year of the MFA program, you can qualify for in-state tuition during your second year, as long as you spent your first year living in New York State and you have the required documents to prove your residency. Here are the full, official guidelines on how to establish and prove residency.
Do I need to mail in any of my application materials, or is it all online now?
It's all online now. No need to mail us anything, to apply. Your application form is online, you upload scans of our college transcripts as part of that online application form, and your recommenders must upload their rec letters online.
My online application is showing you didn't receive my application fee, transcript, etc., but I've already sent it in. Should I be worried?
No need to worry. This is completely normal. It often takes a while for all an applicant's materials to show up on our system. And if the admissions office ultimately finds something is missing, they'll contact you.
How many letters of recommendation do you require? How do my recommenders submit them?
We require just two letters of recommendation. If you submit more than this, we'll only consider the first two that arrive, in order to remain fair to all applicants. You'll find details on the online applicaton form, explaining exactly how to have your recommenders submit their rec letters online. All rec letters must now be submitted online.
I missed the Feb. 1 application deadline. Can I apply late? Or begin the course mid-year?
No, unfortunately we don't accept any late applications, for any reason. All applications must be postmarked or submitted online by Feb. 1. And all new students begin the course in the Fall Semester. There is no admission in the Spring Semester
Can I get a paper application form?
Sorry, we no longer accept paper application forms. Please apply online.
Where can I get help with my online application?
The good people at the Graduate Admissions Office are on hand to help you with any problems you may have with your online application. Feel free to call them on 212.396.6049, email them at gradadmissions@hunter.cuny.edu or visit their website.
Who do I call to check that my documentaton has been received?
There's no need to call! You can check the progress of your application yourself, by logging in the account you created to submit your application online. If you absolutely must check on something, you should contact the Hunter Admissions Office by calling: 212-772-4505. Please do not call or email the MFA office: it doesn't have this information.
Can I sit in on an MFA class, to see what it's like? Or enroll in a class if I'm not a Hunter MFA student?
No. Unfortunately, we don’t allow prospective students, auditors, students from other departments, etc., to attend any MFA classes. Only students currently enrolled in the Hunter MFA program may take Hunter MFA classes. The only exception is if you are offered a place on the MFA course, in which case you’ll be invited to sit in on one session of an MFA workshop or craft class, if you’d like to, soon after you receive your offer (usually March or April).
Can I work a full-time job during the MFA program?
All of the MFA classes start at 5.30pm or later, so it is possible to work full-time during the course, and a fair number of students do manage to hold down nine-to-five jobs. These people often spread out the course load by taking their literature classes during the summer break or after they've finished their other classes. Even so, working full-time and studying for the MFA is hard work, and you'll need to have discipline to keep up.
Most students work part time. If you are able to work part-time (or not at all), we recommend you do so.
Do you require the GRE?
No, we don't. You do not need to take the GRE.
I applied to the Hunter MFA before but didn't get in. Can I apply again?
Yes. We welcome you to apply again. A person's writing skills can develop considerably in the course of a year or two. We regularly accept people who had applied unsuccessfully in the past but kept working on their writing skills and applied again. To apply again, simply create a new application account and submit a new application, along with all of the application materials.
To get further clarification on any of this, please call Graduate Admissions on 212.772.4990.
Do you accept applications from international students?
Yes, we welcome applications from international students. Please direct any questions about special requirements for international-student applications, to the Office of Graduate Admissions: Tel. 212-772-4490. Click here for their web site. There's also some useful information on the Hunter International Students Office web site. Tuition fees for international students are the same as those for out-of-state students: currently about $10,505 per year.
I've found a mistake on the web site. Who do I tell?
Please send details of any typos, inaccurate information, broken links or any other mistakes or suggested improvements to mfa@hunter.cuny.edu.
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