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Frequently Asked Questions
questions about the Electronic Application only – click here

What are my chances of getting in?

In the past few years, the Program has received between 650 and 750 applications.  This year, the program anticipates offering admission to:  five fiction writers, five poets, and one or two electronic writers.

Can I get advice from a faculty member regarding my application?

We’re sorry to say that the Program is not in a position to critique an applicant’s manuscript, either before or after the application process takes place.

What is the suggested length for my writing sample?

The suggested length of a writing sample is:
Fiction:  30 – 40 double spaced pages.  Single spacing is okay if it is part of the design of the project.
Poetry:  15 – 20 pages.
Electronic Writing:  One or two electronic projects.

What should I say in my Personal Statement – and how long should it be?

The Literary Arts Program has no particular guidelines regarding the Personal Statement.  We suggest that you think of it as an introduction to your writing sample.  You can talk about yourself, your aesthetics, your past experiences, why you think Brown Literary Arts is a good fit for you, etc.  In most cases, the Personal Statement will be 1 – 4 pages in length.

Do my letters of recommendation have to be from my college professors?

While the Graduate School suggests that at least two letters come from instructors with whom you have worked, we encourage you to arrange for letters from any three people who can speak cogently about you as a writer, whether or not they have been your teacher.

Is there a foreign language requirement/exam?

No.

What if I miss the Dec. 15 deadline?

We don’t have rolling admission, nor do we have spring admissions.  If you miss the Dec. 15 deadline, you will have to wait and apply next year.

What if a recommendation or transcript is sent after the 15 December deadline?

If your application form, personal statement and writing sample are sent on time, then your application will be reviewed, even if a letter or transcript hasn’t yet arrived.  Of course, letters and transcripts that arrive on time may affect your candidacy.  If accepted, you will need to have all materials on file with the Graduate School before you matriculate.

I applied for entry to Brown’s Literary Arts Program last year and was not accepted.  Do I have to start over?

Yes, you will need to reapply.  You must complete a new application, submit a new application fee, and send in new supporting materials.

I just have to send my package by courier.  Where do I send it?

We do not encourage you do this, as it may, in fact, slow down the processing of your application.  However, if absolutely necessary, send to:  Brown University, Graduate School, 47 George St., Providence, RI  02912.

Regarding the Electronic Application:

If I submit my application online, how do I get the writing sample to you?

Applicants may submit a writing sample in plain-text format (as an MS Word or PDF document) less than 1 megabyte in size as part of the online application.  If your work cannot easily be sent in this format (i.e., if it is longer than 100 pages), send it by regular mail to:  Graduate School, Brown University, Box 1867, Providence, RI   02912.

I want to send three short stories, but can only upload one document. What should I do?

Format your three stories into one document – start each story on its own page, and run the story title in larger typeface than the rest of the text, so we can tell there are multiple texts.

I want to send my writing sample and personal statement by hard copy, but apply through the online system.  What do I do when I come upon the electronic spaces for the writing sample and personal statement on the electronic application?

The electronic system will not let you submit your application without uploading something in the Writing Sample and Personal Statement fields.  If you want to submit these materials by hard copy, when you get to this part of the online application, you should upload a document that says “Writing sample is coming as hard copy” and another, “Personal statement coming as hard copy.”  Once you have done so, you will be able to move forward and submit the electronic application.

If I am applying online, where do I get the recommendation forms for my referees?

When completing the application, you may register your referees’ names and electronic mail addresses.  The referees will receive email telling them that they’ve been registered and by whom, and will be provided with login information so that they can visit the site and upload the recommendations.   In general, the Literary Arts Program is more concerned about getting the letters than in making sure your referees use the proper forms.  Therefore, if your referees feels more comfortable doing so, they may send letters on their own letterhead to the Graduate School, Box 1867, Brown University, Providence, RI  02912.  Referees who do not use Brown’s recommendation forms should be sure to sign the seal of the envelope before sending.  We also accept letters sent by dossier services.

Contact Information

You may contact the Brown Graduate School at (401) 863 – 2600.  To reach the Literary Arts Program, phone (401) 863 – 3260, email us at writing@brown.edu, or write to us at Box 1923, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.