The Iowa Young Writers' Studio is a creative writing program for high school students at the University of Iowa, housed in the Magid Center for Writing. The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio offers a 2-week Summer Residential Program. The Iowa Young Writers' Studio also offers 6-week online courses every summer and winter. If you're curious about the difference between these two offerings you can read about them here.
The Studio gives promising high school-age creative writers the opportunity to share their writing with teachers and peers, receive constructive critique, and develop their craft. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in writing exercises and activities and attend readings and other literary events.
Location(s)
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Remote
Schedule
- Two-week residential summer program
- Session 1: June 15th - June 28th, 2025
- Session 2: July 13th - July 26th, 2025
- 6-week online program
- Winter: January 19th - March 2nd, 2025
- Summer: TBA, typically June - August
Cost/Compensation
- Two-week residential session tuition: $2,500 (includes room, board, materials, and all extracurricular activities)
- Six-week online course tuition: $475 per course
Eligibility Requirements
- Two-week summer program: Students must currently be in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade.
- Six-week programs: Students must be enrolled in high school and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Deadline
- Two-week courses (both sessions): February 2nd, 2025
- Six-week courses (winter sessions): October 31st, 2024
- Six-week courses (summer sessions): TBA, typically in April
Application or Entry Requirements
Two-week courses:
- Completed Application
- Writing Sample
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation from an English teacher or other writing instructor/tutor/mentor who is familiar with your writing and with you as a person. You must ask your recommender to write and upload your letter. We will not send any request or link to your recommender. This is your responsibility as an applicant.
Six-week courses:
- Completed Application
- Statement of Purpose
- Permission Form
- Teacher Statement of Support
- Transcript
Notifications of Decisions
- Summer Session: April 11th, 2025
- 6-Week Winter Session: December 4th, 2025
- 6-Week Summer Session: TBA
Financial Aid Details
There is financial aid available for applicants who meet our need-based requirements. Every year we are able to grant several full tuition grants and several partial tuition grants. Accepted students will be asked to fill out a financial aid application and awards will be made in the spring. We encourage all interested students to apply.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The University of Iowa (UIowa) is a public research university located in Iowa City, Iowa. It was founded in 1847 and offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields including business, education, engineering, fine arts, law, medicine, nursing, and public health. The university is famous for its Iowa Writers' Workshop, which is considered one of the best creative writing programs in the world. UIowa is also a major research university with over $600 million in research funding annually. It is home to several research centers and institutes, including the National Advanced Driving Simulator, the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research, and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
