Transcript:
Scanned official academic transcripts and degree statements issued by the institution where you earned (or will earn) a degree for all undergraduate and graduate work. ISU current students or graduates are asked to upload a scanned PDF copy of their official ISU transcript into the application portal.
Curriculum Vitae:
Curriculum vitae including educational background, awards, accomplishments, and any teaching/tutoring experience if applicable must be uploaded as a supplemental document into the online application system.
Personal Statement:
Statement of purpose of up to 500 words included on the application that explains your preparation for graduate study, your career goals and research interests, and specifically why you want to study at Iowa State. We are particularly interested in knowing how your abilities, experiences, awards, and achievements relate to and demonstrate your ability to pursue graduate work in literature.
Recommendation Letter:
Three letters of recommendation are to be submitted electronically using the electronic letter of recommendation option in the online application system. These letters should be from persons qualified to comment on your preparation for graduate study in the major to which you are applying. If a recommender does not wish to submit an online LOR, you must download the Letter of Recommendation form, complete the appropriate sections, and send the form to your recommender. You must include our email address (englgrad@iastate.edu) or postal address (Department of English, Graduate Studies Program, 227 Ross Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-1201 USA) for the recommender to submit their recommendation directly to the program.
Audio File:
An audio or video file demonstrating competence in spoken English (all nonnative speaking applicants only) must be sent electronically as an email attachment to englgrad@iastate.edu. This file cannot be uploaded into the admissions application system. This speaking sample should include 3-5 minutes of extemporaneous speaking. You might, therefore, begin by talking informally about your educational background and your reasons for pursuing graduate study.
Writing Sample:
Expository writing sample (8-20 double-spaced pages) demonstrating critical analysis and research skills in the intended major. Applicants typically submit an essay they produced for an undergraduate or graduate course in English or a related field.