Applicants should submit either fiction or poetry as follows:
Fiction: 2-3 short stories or excerpts from pieces of fiction (10-15 pages maximum, full stories preferred)
Poetry: 5-7 poems (10 pages maximum)
Creative Writing applicants are encouraged to submit one letter of recommendation from an individual who is familiar with their writing abilities (teachers, writing instructors, advisors, counselors, etc.).
This letter can be separate from the one used for your initial application. Creative Writing students may submit a total of 2 letters of recommendation to SUNY Purchase.
Students interested in submitting plays or screenplays should consider the Playwriting and Screenwriting major to better support their writing interests at the college level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You can blend genres in your portfolio. Please provide context in your cover letter and clearly label each piece with its genre to demonstrate your intention.
We seek original work that showcases your unique skills and voice, independent of existing stories or characters from other media. Do not submit fanfiction or songwriting as examples.
You may submit several pieces or short works, such as flash fiction. It is preferred to have at least 1 long complete story or majority of a work in progress. Submissions should focus on poetry or fiction only.
One letter of recommendation is required.
Letters from within your academic classes, letters from tutors, coaches, or professionals outside your high school are acceptable but letters from those who can speak to your creative writing ability are preferred. You can email recommendation letters to admissions@purchase.edu.
No, prior creative writing classes during high school are not required for enrollment.
Expect extensive reading and writing, requiring strong time-management skills. The workload becomes more manageable as you progress through the program. You will take courses like Editing and Production Workshop, that provide hands-on experience in editing and the publishing process, including business aspects. These courses also focus on Italics Mine, which showcases the literacy voices of SUNY Purchase students that is published on campus every year.
You can choose either the poetry track or fiction track. Introductory courses in Poetic Techniques and Narrative Techniques help finalize your track choice, which every Creative Writing student can take. Additionally, you can pursue a dual track in both poetry and fiction.
You will complete a Senior Project, with the assistance of your program and faculty advisor. For the fiction track, the project comprises 60-80 pages, while the poetry track requires 30-50 pages. The project can be a culmination of your work over four years, focusing on a specific area or expanding on previous writings. Your senior cover essay introduces your project creatively, where you will work with your senior faculty advisor to develop ideas.
Yes, you can double major, but it depends on your other major. You can work with the Creative Writing and Advising Office to determine the best fit.
Minors in art-related fields (such as music, film, theatre, or art) are recommended over double majors.
There is no minor in Creative Writing. Similar minor programs include Journalism, Communications or English and Global Literatures within the School of Humanities.
Transfer students with an associate degree typically require more than two years to complete the program. Students are expected to be full-time students with a minimum of 12 credits each semester. Classes are typically held during the day and are not flexible for those who wish to be part-time.
