Admissions: MFA in Screenwriting

writing in the wild

Admissions Info for MFA in Screenwriting

Deadline to Apply

The deadline for Fall 2024 admissions has passed. We only admit students in the fall. The Fall 2025 application window will open on September 1, 2024 and will close after December 1, 2024.
 

Qualifying Degrees

You must have completed a BA or BS degree (or will have completed one by the beginning of your first semester) in order to be admitted to the MFA in Screenwriting program in RTF.


Michener Center For Writers

The University of Texas also offers MFAs through the Michener Center for Writers. The MFA in Writing is a three-year, full-time residency program, unique in its interdisciplinary focus. While writers apply and are admitted in a primary field of concentration—chosen from fiction, poetry,playwriting or screenwriting—they have the opportunity to develop work in a second field during their program of study. Apply here.


Suggested Timeline for Your Application

It can take 2 to 4 weeks after you take the general GRE test for the scores to arrive at UT Austin.

October

  • Attend a virtual info session. (Not required—but can be helpful!)

November 20

  • Complete ApplyTexas application; SUBMIT and PAY.
  • Send test scores to UT Austin (#6882).

November 25

  • Upload all supplemental materials using the "MyStatus Page" link that you get 24 to 48 hours AFTER submitting the ApplyTexas application.

November 29

  • Check status of your application from the MyStatus Page.

December 1

  • Application Deadline

Questions?

Application: Step by Step

Step 1 – Online Application

Use ApplyTexas.org

Choose: The University of Texas at Austin (school), Radio-Television-Film -- MFA in Screenwriting (major/degree).

Statement of Purpose: You can wait and upload this as a PDF on the MyStatus page -- Step 2.

Letters of Recommendation: You should provide names and email addresses for three recommenders. Please contact us if your recommender is not able to use this online method. It is acceptable to submit a professional reference if you've been out of school for a long time.
 

Step 2 – Upload Supplemental Materials

Use the MyStatus Page, available after submitting and paying the application fee.

NOTE: You won't have access to the MyStatus Page until you complete the online application and pay the application fee.

Statement of Purpose: Write an essay that explains your education and experience so far, your future goals, and how you think our program will help you achieve those goals. Rule of thumb is to keep this concise, no more than two printed pages, double-spaced. No other essay required.

Copies of Official Transcripts: The Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) require a copy of your official transcript from each college and/or university that you have attended. U.S. applicants who have taken coursework through an Exchange Program, Semester Abroad or Study Abroad, please contact an Admissions Counselor at GIAC (512-475-7391) to determine if you need an original transcript from the foreign institution. Once you are admitted, you will need to send a hard copy of the official transcript.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include education; work experience and internships; honors and awards; and publications or creative works.

Creative Writing Samples: Please submit one PRIMARY writing sample (completed feature screenplay OR 30- or 60-minute TV pilot) that best demonstrates your potential as a screenwriter. You may also submit a SECONDARY writing sample (feature screenplay, feature-in-progress, 30 or 60 minute TV pilot, spec TV script, short script, short story, or stage play). A secondary sample is NOT required. Please do not send adaptations unless it is your own work that you have adapted.