Assembling the Portfolio/Writing Sample

[istudy]

Hi everyone, 

I'm intending to apply for admission to MFA programs in poetry. I've never been formally trained or mentored in creative writing and I'm not sure how to approach the portfolio process... Anyone willing to share tips on creating an impressive, well-rounded "writing sample" / portfolio? 

 

THANK YOU

[Adelaide]

I'm wondering the same thing. Other than "your best work" and "front-load your best work with the best of your best work." This looks like a good resource to start with. However, I wanted to pull up a chair and see if any other poet MFA-ers or professors have some good knowledge from experience.

[Anastasia Beaverhausen]

So!  I've gotten into an MFA before, and I can tell you what I used.

I'm fiction, so I sent in the first 25pgs of my novel.  However, if you're doing poetry, there tends to be specific guidelines for materials ie "10-15 poems."  This should be your best, most polished work, something you would feel comfortable submitting professionally.  

Hope this helps!