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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Department of English at Tufts
offer an MFA in Creative Writing?
Currently there is no MFA program in creative
writing. Our program has a focus on the study
and teaching of English literature, American
literature, and Anglophone World literatures.
Q: Does Tufts offer a Master’s Degree
in English?
While it is possible for those who enter with
a BA and successfully complete their first year
in the program to receive an MA, students entering
the program expect to complete Ph.D. work. There
is no terminal Masters program.
Q: Does the graduate program allow for
a creative dissertation for students who want
the Ph.D. training but would like to teach both
literature and creative writing?
All our students' dissertations are creative,
but they are creative in terms of their scholarly
and critical analysis and interpretation.
Q: Is there funding available for admitted
students? Who receives funding?
All accepted and matriculated English graduate
students are offered a full-tuition University
scholarship while in coursework. The English
Department also offers candidates fellowships
to assist with living expenses during the first
year. After the first year, teaching assistantship stipends
are offered to students with MAs in English for teaching
a course in undergraduate writing or literature.
Q: I would like to visit the University;
may I sit in on classes?
Once you have been accepted into the program
we encourage you to come and spend a few hours
attending classes and meeting current graduate
students. Because of the large number of applicants,
we cannot accommodate prospective students in
graduate classes.
Q: Do you accept applications after January
15th?
We do not have rolling admissions. Applications
are considered only for fall matriculation.
Q: Where should I send my application, recommendations, GRE
score, etc.?
All application materials should be sent to
The Office of Graduate Studies. Through
Graduate Studies, students can verify receipt
of admissions materials, as well as get answers
to questions related to the admissions process.
They can be reached at 617-627-3395 or
gradschool@ase.tufts.edu
Q: What is weighed most heavily in the
admission requirements--i.e., GRE scores, writing
sample, recommendations?
All application materials are given equal weight.
All submitted (and missing) materials are taken
into consideration when a decision is made.
Q: Can I apply without Subject scores?
I am scheduled to take the GRE Subject test,
but my scores will not be reported until after
the Tufts application is due.
The GRE Subject test is required for all applications
to the English Ph.D. program. Applications
missing materials will be held in the Graduate
Studies office as “incomplete”, and might not
be sent to the English Department for review.
Q: What are the minimum GRE scores necessary
for admission?
There is no baseline score. The average
scores for students admitted in fall 2009 were
V-675, Q-620, A-5.5, Subject-600.
Q: How long should the writing sample
be?
There is no set length. Most submissions are
between 5-15 pages in length.
Q: What are my chances of getting into
the program?
There were 131 applicants in the 2009 pool, and
10 matriculated this Fall. No more than 10 students
are admitted each fall.
Q: If I have received an MA from another
university am I still eligible to apply for
the Ph.D. program at Tufts?
Yes. Applicants with MAs are considered
alongside applicants with BAs.
Q: May I speak with the Graduate Director?
You are welcome to contact the Director of Graduate
Studies directly, but because of the large number
of applicants, we encourage conversations between
the graduate director and prospective student
after the final decision is made on his
or her application.
Q: When will I hear about the status of
my application?
Most applicants will be informed of their admissions
status by mid to late March. Accepted
students will be contacted immediately by the
Director of Graduate Studies.
Other questions?
Please contact us at
gradenglish@tufts.edu
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