Admission to the program depends primarily on the quality of the writing that an applicant submits. We want to read your strongest work -- the piece that best shows off your unique voice. Your creative portfolio should consist of a single, complete work - a full-length play (up to 120 pages) or screenplay (90-120 pages), or an original episodic/tv pilot (25-60 pages, half-hour or one-hour). If submitting a half-hour pilot, you may also, if you choose, submit a second half-hour pilot or half-hour spec script (while staying under 60 pages total).
Please note: the page limits are meant to be guidelines in accordance with industry standard - it is acceptable if your submission is a few pages under/over. If admitted to the program, you will not be held to focusing in the area you submit your portfolio in, as we are a cross-media program and students are trained in all three areas.
Regardless of what type of work you submit, your script should tell a complete story. Note, in particular, a pilot should tell a complete story within the episode.
If your complete work falls outside of these three areas (e.g., if you write a serial podcast) but is relevant to dramatic writing and is the work of which you are most proud, we will accept the portfolio for review. If you are submitting work that is not a play, screenplay, or pilot, please address this in an addendum to your personal statement. It must be evident to the admissions committee that your goals are in line with what our department can offer.
All submitted work must be original and written solely by the applicant (i.e., no co-writes or adaptations). Applicants should not send videotapes or audiotapes of their work.
NOTE: The GRE is not required for admission. Because this is a writing program operated in English, non-native English speakers must have excellent, nearly flawless English speaking and writing ability.