Canada · First-year guidelines updated January 2026
OCAD U Creative Writing statement of intent
OCAD U's Creative Writing route asks for a statement alongside a portfolio that may include poetry, prose, hybrid work, or digital, audio, and video forms. The statement addresses relevant experience, fit with the program, and any writing publications or performances.
Writing format
250–500 word statement of intent and a creative portfolio of up to 15 pages or equivalent
What to prepare
- 1Identify the forms and themes you are exploring in the pieces included in your creative portfolio.
- 2Connect relevant academic, workshop, performance, or independent writing experience to how you want to grow in the program.
- 3Mention publications, awards, slams, recordings, or performances only if you have them; explain your own writing practice either way.
How to approach the writing
- Use the statement to give context for the selected work, not to summarize every poem or story.
- Keep portfolio material within the separate 15-page-or-equivalent limit and the statement within 250–500 words.
Before you submit
The cited first-year PDF was updated in January 2026. Verify that OCAD U's current intake still uses these limits and follow the portfolio submission instructions sent after applying.
Read OCAD U first-year Creative Writing portfolio guidelines ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.