We operate under a rolling admissions model. Therefore, please note the upcoming application deadlines below are suggested for optimal processing and enrollment time. Start dates for each program may vary based on course offerings and other factors. Please check with admissions for the next enrollment period for your intended program. Applicants who are applying to participate in residency should apply for the Summer semester or Winter semester.

Semester	Application Deadline	Semester Start Date
Winter 2025	December 9	January 2
Spring 2025	January 10	January 27

Note: Our Low Residency programs do not require standarized testing, such as the GRE or GMAT, for acceptance. You may submit unofficial test scores as supplemental material, but are not required to. 

Admissions Requirements Checklist

Acceptance to the program will be based on an evaluation of the applicant's work experience, essay, recommendation forms, and transcripts. In order to be considered for admission, an applicant must complete the following steps through our graduate admissions portal.

• Complete the online application.
• Request official sealed transcripts of conferred undergraduate degree. A graduate transcript may be submitted if you would like transfer credits to be considered. A 3.0 GPA is recommended for admittance. If you have less than a 3.0 GPA, you may write a supplemental statement and/or meet with the program director to discuss your situation. 
  • Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduateadmissions@goucher.edu.
  • Paper transcripts can be mailed from the institution to:

Graduate Admissions
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204

• Request a minimum of one letter of recommendation completed by someone who knows you well enough to give an informed opinion of your intellectual ability, capacity for sustained self-directed study, personal qualifications, and professional potential. The recommendation process is completed online through the graduate admission portal.
• Submit a current resume or CV that outlines your experience, education, skills, and accomplishments.
• Complete the essay answering program-specific questions. Please review essay requirements below.
• International students must also follow the international student admissions processes.

Dual-degree applicants should complete the admissions requirements for both programs, such as supplying a writing sample and addressing the essay questions for both programs in one essay.

Applicants will know their admissions status within 3-4 business days of submitting a full application.

Accepted students are required to submit a nonrefundable $250 enrollment deposit. The deposit will be credited toward tuition charges for the upcoming semester. New students will receive their login information to their student accounts along with new-student onboarding information to ensure a successful enrollment.

Writing sample requirements

One copy of a double-spaced 25- to 35-page writing sample of original nonfiction writing, published or unpublished. The writing sample may be one long piece or several shorter ones. It should demonstrate an ability to write a more creative form narrative nonfiction.

Essay requirements

One copy of a double-spaced three- to five-page personal statement that addresses the applicant's expectations for the program, professional writing goals and interests, and reasons for seeking the M.F.A. in Nonfiction. The statement should also demonstrate writing ability.

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