Undergraduate Writing Registration and Procedures

Please Note: You may take only one workshop per semester. You may take two seminars per semester.

Download the Registration Procedures

Download the Spring 2023 Course Descriptions

Beginning Workshops and Seminars

There are no prerequisites and no application for beginning workshops or seminars. 

If, while registering online or over the telephone, you are asked whether you have departmental or professor approval, say, “Yes,” and consider yourself approved.

If the class is full add your name to the SSOL waitlist and be sure to attend the first day.

Intermediate, Advanced & Senior Workshops

Workshops at the intermediate level or higher require the approval of the professor. 

Senior majors are given preference for the Senior Workshops.  If you wish to take a workshop at the intermediate level or higher, and if you meet the prerequisites, put your name on the waitlist and please read the following application instructions:

  1. Prepare a Writing Sample in the Genre to Which You Want to Apply for Submission

    Intermediate Workshops
    Intermediate Fiction: 10-20 pages of fiction (double spaced; could be several pieces)
    Intermediate Nonfiction: 10-20 pages of literary nonfiction (profile, feature, personal essay, biography, memoir; double spaced; could be several pieces)
    Intermediate Poetry: 5-10 poems

    Advanced Workshops
    Advanced Fiction: 15-20 pages of fiction (double spaced; could be several pieces)
    Advanced Nonfiction: 15-20 pages of literary nonfiction (profile, feature, personal essay, biography, memoir; double spaced; could be several pieces)
    Advanced Poetry: 10-15 poems

    Senior Workshops  
    Senior Fiction: 20-25 pages of fiction (double spaced; could be several pieces)
    Senior Nonfiction: 20-25 pages literary nonfiction (profile, feature, personal essay, biography, memoir; double spaced; could be several pieces)
    Senior Poetry: 10-15 poems
     
  2. Submit Writing Sample with Application Form


    Along with your sample you must submit a course application form.

    On this form please list, in order of preference, the sections to which you are applying. Though you may take only one workshop per semester, it is recommended you list more than one to increase your chances of admittance.

    We do not accept emailed submissions

    Submissions must be

    A. In person by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 10th to the Undergraduate Creative Writing Department in 609 Kent.

    B. Or by mail Allot enough time for slow campus mail delivery:

    Undergraduate Creative Writing Program
    Columbia University
    609 Kent Hall, MC 3949
    1140 Amsterdam Avenue
    New York, NY 10027

    If the office is closed: Do not slip applications under the door or place on the floor. Put completed application (make sure application form is stapled or attached to sample) in our mailbox. Mailbox 3949 located on the third floor of Kent.

    Course Application Form
     
  3.  You will be informed of your status—approved, waitlisted or not accepted—before the first class meeting. If you have not heard about your status a week before classes start, please let us know.
     
  4. Attend Class

    If you are approved for any creative writing course, you MUST ATTEND the first session to secure your spot. Failure to attend may result in forfeiture of your place on the roster.

Please direct any further questions to [email protected].