MFA Admissions
MFA Admission
Admission
Admission into the New England College MFA is based on a combination of criteria including a manuscript of ten poems, a personal essay, a short critical essay, a list of ten influential books and two references. A Bachelor's degree is usually expected. In the absence of an undergraduate degree substantial literary work is required. It is expected that all candidates already have a considerable body of creative work and a literary background that indicates a capacity for mastery in the field. In addition to this, candidates must possess a mature and proven ability to function independently and harmoniously within the program's non-competitive atmosphere. Students may choose to enter the MFA program during the January or June residencies. All applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis for each residency, although we ask applicants to send in their materials as soon as possible especially if they are seeking a scholarship award.
FOR THE MASTER OF FINE ARTS (MFA) IN POETRY
PROGRAM, PLEASE SUBMIT:
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NEC Graduate School Application
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Official copy of transcripts of all postsecondary institutions attended sent in sealed envelopes, signed or stamped across the seal
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List of the ten most influential books read in relation to your creative work as a writer
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Two letters of recommendation that attest to your professional ability and your qualifications for graduate study
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1-3 page critical essay on a particular poem of your choice other than your own work
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Typewritten manuscript of 10 pages of recent poetry
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2-3 page personal statement citing your literary influences, an assessment of your writing in terms of its strengths and weaknesses, your experience with critical evaluation of your work and what you hope to gain from participating in the MFA, Poetry program
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Current Resume
Financial Aid For the MFA Program in Poetry
New England College offers graduate students in the MFA Program in Poetry several opportunities for financial aid. The primary source is the federal government through subsidized or un-subsidized Stafford loans. Full-time graduate students who receive an award based on the eligibility of their FAFSA report can expect to cover all or part of their costs through Stafford loans, if they choose.
Stafford Loan
Following the amounts allowed for low-residency programs, students may also receive additional loan monies to cover extra costs like travel and books and other expenses associated with being in graduate school. Graduate students are allowed to borrow monies up to the cost of attendance. Upon graduation, one can expect a repayment schedule of approximately $115 per month per $10,000 borrowed over a ten-year period. This estimate is based on a 9 per cent loan over a ten-year period. Stafford loans are currently at 3.46 per cent.
Other Graduate Loans
Please contact the Financial Aid office at NEC to discuss additional Plus loans that recently became available to graduate students, should you wish to increase your borrowing capacity.
Scholarships
New England College MFA Program in Poetry is deeply committed to offering scholarships for MFA poetry students who qualify based on their financial need. These scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of either academic achievement or artistic accomplishment with consideration for financial need. All students applying for financial aid are automatically reviewed for scholarship eligibility upon acceptance into the MFA program. In order to be considered for a scholarship, prospective students must file their FAFSA. These scholarships are awarded to incoming accepted students and are annually renewable based on satisfactory progress and faculty recommendations.
New England College Joel Oppenheimer Scholarship
The Joel Oppenheimer Scholarship is in memory of distinguished Black Mountain poet, Joel Oppenheimer, who taught at New England College from 1982 to 1988. He lived among the poets and artists of Greenwich Village, and was a columnist for The Village Voice from 1969 to 1978 before settling in Henniker, New Hampshire, where he was a popular presence in the local community. His most important publications include Collected Later Poems of Joel Oppenheimer (1997); Names and Local Arbitrations (1988); Drawing from Life: A Selection of Joel Oppenheimer's "Village Voice" Columns (1997); Don't Touch the Poet: The Life and Times of Joel Oppenheimer (1998); Just Friends: Friends and Lovers Poems, 1959-1962 (1980); New Spaces Poems 1975-1983 (1985); and Poetry: The Ecology of the Soul (1983). He is buried in the Henniker, New Hampshire cemetery.
Tuition Benefits for Veterans
Michele D. Perkins, President of New England College, recently announced that the College has submitted a contract to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allowing qualified veterans to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program at New England College. Through the Department of Veterans Affairs program, veterans will be able to enroll in any undergraduate or graduate program without incurring tuition costs or fees for books and supplies. For further information, click here
http://www.nec.edu/admission/veterans
TMA Payment Plan
In addition to financing and scholarship options, New England College also offers a ten-month payment plan for any tuition costs that are not covered by financial aid. For the annual cost of $65.00 students can make monthly payments to Tuition Management Systems that will allow them to spread out the cost of attendance. Students who wish to sign up for this program should contact the Student Accounts Office at (603) 428-2226 and visit www.afford.com.
School of Professional and Graduate financial aid link here:
http://www.nec.edu/graduate-and-professional-studies/graduate-financial-services
