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Application Instructions

We encourage individuals interested in pursuing one of the three degree programs offered to consider the English Graduate Program at Penn State. For answers to questions, please contact

GRADUATE STUDIES OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
107 BURROWES BUILDING
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA 16802-6202

Telephone: (814) 863-3069
Email: englgradoffice@psu.edu

Through the University, we offer an electronic application, but ask that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the programs and their individual requirements.

Use the electronic application to formally apply to the Graduate School, but you can download the application form to prepare a draft if you wish.

  Electronic Application Allows on-line application through the University's Secure Server .

* You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the downloadable application. If you do not currently have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click on the icon, which will take you to the Adobe site to obtain the free software.

Adobe Image

IMPORTANT:

The following documents must be completed in addition to the official graduate school application. Please download the additional documents, which may be in PDF (portable document format).

Application for Visa Document (International Applicants Only)



Once you have completed the graduate school application process online, please
follow the instructions below:
Mail to:
Graduate Enrollment Services
The Pennsylvania State University
114 Kern Building
University Park, PA 16802
Mail to:
English Graduate Program
The Pennsylvania State University
107 Burrowes Building
University Park, PA 16802
  1. One copy of the graduate school application, if you did not file electronically.
  2. non-refundable application fee
    $45 electronic filing fee
    $60 paper mailed in filing fee( Applications without fees cannot be processed ).
  • Make payable to The Pennsylvania State University.
  • International money order or a check must be drawn on a U.S. bank.
  • Canceled check serves as your receipt.
  • Credit cards cannot be processed with the PDF downloadable graduate school application form.
  • DO NOT SEND CASH.
  • Please attach generated Fee Form if you filed your application electronically and you did not pay by credit card.
  1. One copy of the graduate school application, if you did not file electronically.
  2. GRE scores (general aptitude tests only) .
  3. Application for Visa Document (International Students only)
  4. Three letters of recommendation on school letterhead. (No seperate form is needed.)
  5. A one to two page statement of purpose regarding your education background, current interests, and future professional plans.
  6. A sample of your writing--preferably a 15-25 page essay from a literature or other humanities course. For MFA applicants, 30 pages of fiction or nonfiction or 12 poems.
  7. Two official transcripts from all institutions of higher institutions attended, both undergraduate and graduate.
  • International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English.
  • Notarized copies are not sufficient.

For full funding consideration, applications should be completed by January 15, 2008. No separate application for financial assistance is required.