What Is the Iowa Young Writers' Studio (IYWS) 2-Week Summer Program?
The IYWS is located in Iowa City, Iowa, which was designated by UNESCO in 2008 as the country’s first “City of Literature.” It remains one of only two such cities in the United States, which underscores Iowa City’s rich and deep literary history. It is home to the globally renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, a breeding ground for Pulitzer Prize winners and countless celebrated authors.
The IYWS is a prestigious creative writing program specifically designed for high school students, proudly housed within the Magid Center for Writing at the University of Iowa. It directly benefits from the university’s incredible literary legacy and the expertise of its highly acclaimed faculty.
The IYWS 2-Week Summer Program is the cornerstone of IYWS offerings. It’s an intensive and immersive experience that allows students from around the world to participate.
The primary purpose of the program is to provide high school students with an unparalleled opportunity for deep immersion in the art and craft of creative writing. The program aims to foster the development of young writers by allowing them to share their work with experienced teachers and peers, receive constructive critique, and ultimately refine their unique literary voices. Beyond technical skills, the program endeavors to cultivate students’ ability to express themselves freely and respectfully critique others’ work. It also welcomes them into the vibrant literary community of Iowa City, reinforcing the belief that creative writing is essential for understanding oneself and navigating a world increasingly reliant on written communication effectively.
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Which Courses Are Offered at the IYWS 2-Week Summer Program?
At IYWS, you’ll choose one core course to focus on for the entire two weeks. These courses are taught by graduates of the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, ensuring top-tier instruction. Options typically include:
- Fiction Writing: Dive into the elements of storytelling, character development, plot, and setting.
- Poetry Writing: Explore voice, image, metaphor, line, and other nuances of poetic form.
- Creative Writing: A fantastic option if you enjoy exploring multiple genres, this course surveys fiction, poetry, and personal essays, focusing on universal writing elements.
- TV Writing/Writers’ Room: A collaborative course where you’ll work as a team to develop, outline, and write a pilot script, learning about TV story structure and character.
- Playwriting: Focus on writing dialogue, developing characters, building scenes, and designing a plot with the aim of finishing a one-act play.
Classes are intentionally small (often 10 or fewer students) to maximize individual attention and foster a supportive environment. Each course combines seminar components (where you’ll read as a writer, analyzing the craft of published works) and workshop components (where your classmates’ writing becomes the primary text for constructive critique).
Who is Eligible to Participate?
The Summer Residential Program is for students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade by the time the program begins. The program no longer accepts applications from students who are currently in the 9th grade. Students from both the U.S. and around the world are welcome to apply.
Important Dates
The IYWS 2-Week Summer Residential Program offers two distinct sessions, each providing the same immersive experience:
- Session 1: June 15-28, 2025
- Session 2: July 13-26, 2025
When you apply, you’ll have the flexibility to indicate your preference for either Session 1 or Session 2, or to state that you are willing to attend either session, which can increase your chances of placement.
Deadline to Apply
Mark your calendars carefully! Applications for the 2025 Summer Residential Program are accepted during a limited two-week window in January and February. For 2025, the application period is as follows:
- Application Period Opens: 12:00 AM (Central Time) Monday, January 20, 2025
- Application Period Closes: 11:59 PM (Central Time) Sunday, February 2, 2025
Application deadlines and program dates can vary slightly year to year. Always check the official IYWS website for the most current information.
Fees and Financial Aid
2-Week Residential Summer Program: $2,500 – including room and board, instruction, materials, and access to all extracurricular activities (readings, workshops, social gatherings, etc.).
There is a $10 application reading fee for the Summer Residential Program. However, this fee can be waived for students who are unable to pay.
IYWS offers need-based financial assistance, including several full-tuition and partial-tuition grants each year. If accepted, students will be required to complete a financial aid application. Awards are usually made in the spring.
How to Apply?
Applying to IYWS is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to their requirements. All applications for the Summer Residential Program are submitted online through a platform like Submittable. You’ll need to prepare three key components:
Writing Sample: This is the most crucial part of your application, as admissions decisions are based almost entirely on the strength and uniqueness of your writing. The type and format of your sample will depend on the core course you wish to pursue:
- Fiction, Poetry, or Creative Writing: Submit no more than ten pages of your best work, which can be fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction/essay, or a combination. You can submit a complete short story, part of a longer work (like a novel), several short pieces, or whole poems.
- TV Writing (Writers’ Room): The submission package should not exceed 10 pages and include the following three components:
- A piece of dramatic writing from part of a script or play (no more than 5 pages).
- An answer to the question, “What is your favorite TV series and why?” (no more than 2 pages).
- An answer to the question, “What is your favorite episode of that TV series and why?” (no more than 3 pages).
- Playwriting: Similar to TV Writing, your work should not exceed 10 pages and must include the following three parts:
- A piece of dramatic writing from part of a play (no more than 5 pages).
- An answer to the question, “What is your favorite play and why?” (no more than 2 pages).
- An answer to the question, “What is your favorite act or scene of that play and why?” (no more than 3 pages).
Statement of Purpose: This is your chance to let your personality and passion shine through! In 1-2 pages, explain why you want to participate in the IYWS and what you hope to accomplish during your time there. You might discuss your submitted writing sample, mention writers or works that inspire you, or simply articulate your excitement for intensive creative writing.
Letter of Recommendation: You will need one letter of recommendation from an English teacher or another writing instructor, tutor, or mentor who is well-acquainted with both your writing abilities and you as a person.
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Is the Program Competitive?
Yes, the IYWS is a competitive program with an acceptance rate of around 15-20% (unofficial). Admissions decisions are based almost entirely on the strength of your writing sample. They are looking for your unique style, creativity, and the emotional depth of your words. Your statement of purpose and letter of recommendation also play crucial roles in highlighting your passion for writing and your suitability for the intensive program.
Why Should I Apply?
Attending the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio offers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond the two-week program itself, making it an incredibly valuable investment in your creative and academic future.
- Immersive Learning Experience: You’ll spend two weeks focusing solely on your craft, a unique opportunity rarely available during the school year.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from instructors who are graduates of the globally recognized Iowa Writers’ Workshop, gaining insights from some of the best in the field.
- Sharpen Your Skills: Through workshops, seminars, and personalized feedback, you’ll hone your writing techniques, deepen your understanding of different genres, and develop your distinctive voice.
- Constructive Critique: Learn how to give and receive valuable feedback in a supportive environment, a crucial skill for any writer.
- Connect with Peers: Meet and collaborate with other talented high school writers from across the country and the world who share your passion. These connections can be lifelong and incredibly inspiring.
- Boost Your College Applications: Participation in a highly selective program like IYWS can be a significant addition to your college applications, showcasing your dedication and talent in a specific area.
Ready to Write Your Next Chapter?
At Aralia Education, we believe in empowering students to pursue their academic and creative dreams. If you’re passionate about storytelling and eager to grow as a writer, we highly recommend exploring the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Summer Program. It could be the ideal stepping stone to your future literary endeavors!
Feel free to reach out to Aralia Education if you have any questions about navigating summer programs, crafting strong applications, or exploring other educational opportunities. We’re here to help you write your own success story!
