GPA and LORs for Creative Writing/Screenwriting MFA

[zeydouin]

If an applicant to programs like UT Austin / other great creative writing/screenwriting MFAs has below a 3.0 GPA and hasn't been in school for a few years, what are her options?

 

1. Get non-academic LORs with maybe one writing-related LOR from workshops / certificate programs / other non-degree writing classes and hope these with a great writing sample will be enough to override a sub 3.0 GPA

 

2. Go back and try to get an MA in English for the academic LORs and new grades

 

Are these both viable? 

 

From what I can gather anyone with a really great writing sample and half-decent LORs from anywhere has a chance, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!