The postmark deadline for submitting applications is January 25.
Each year the faculty selects a class of eight writers from a large and impressive pool of applicants. Only fall admissions are granted, with rare exceptions. The manuscript is by far the most important part of any application.
For more general information on the English Department's graduate program, click here.
How to Apply
To begin on-line application process, point your browser to gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu. The application process is now to be completed entirely on-line through the Graduate School. For the English Department, you will upload:
1. A manuscript
The applicant should submit a manuscript of his or her best work.
For poetry: please submit eight to ten poems.
For fiction: please submit around twenty pages of prose (double-spaced).
For playwriting or screenwriting: please submit a substantial portion of a script.
NOTICE: All applicants in screenwriting and drama should not only submit a writing sample for a screenplay or play, but also include a writing sample for poetry or fiction.
2. A Letter of Application
This brief personal statement should be about 500 words long. While we are interested in hearing about your artistic influences and present literary activity, we are especially eager to hear about particular life experiences that are not reflected elsewhere in your application and that contribute to your literary productivity.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation
These letters should be written by instructors or colleagues who are best able to assess your potential for graduate study. They should be uploaded through the Graduate School's secure website or sent on the recommenders’ letterhead in sealed envelopes to:
Director of Graduate Studies in English
Department of English
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-5001
4. An Official Copy of Transcripts
One official transcript from each college or university attended is required by the Graduate School. A minimum undergraduate GPA. of 3.2 is generally required.
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For the Graduate School, you will also provide:
1. $50 Application Fee
Please verify on the Graduate School website that this is the correct amount for your circumstances.
2. GRE scores
A In the old format, a Verbal score of 600 or above is generally expected. We do not yet have data on the new format. The ETS institution code for LSU Graduate School is 6373.
For those without access to online application, a pdf of the application for admission to the LSU English graduate programs is available by clicking here.
Should you have any further questions, please contact Ashley Thibodeaux by email at athib13@lsu.edu or by phone at (225) 578-5922.