Writing and journalism
IYWS (Iowa Young Writers' Studio 2-Week Summer Residential Program)
IYWS is a 2-week residential program run by University of Iowa. Open to: students currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade.
- Application deadline
- February 7, 2027
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 12
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 2 weeks
- Residential
What students do
Students pick one core course in fiction, poetry, creative writing, playwriting or TV writing and spend two weeks in workshops and seminars with instructors who are graduates of Iowa's writing programs. They share work for peer feedback and attend readings and camp events.
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Creative writing
- Playwriting
- TV writing
Key facts
- Run by
- University of Iowa
- Where
- Iowa City, IA (residential)
- Who can apply
- Students currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade
- Dates
- Session 1: June 14 to 27, 2026; Session 2: July 12 to 25, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- $2,500 per 2-week session, includes room and board, instruction and materials for the core course, and extracurricular camp events
- Deadline
- February 7, 2027Application opens January 25, 2027.
Official program siteOfficial application pageUniversity of Iowa admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Teacher recommendation
- Portfolio or audition
- Application fee
Writing sample of up to 10 pages, a 1 to 2 page statement of purpose, one recommendation from an English teacher or writing instructor, and a $10 reading fee that can be waived; transcripts are not accepted.
How a mentor helps with your IYWS application
- Decide whether IYWS fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the IYWS deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JCampAsian American Journalists Association | Multiple locationsResidential | Current high school sophomores and juniors | Free | January 11, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| NYT Summer AcademyThe School of The New York Times | New York, NYResidential or commuter | Students entering grades 10 to 12 and graduating seniors, ages 15 to 18 | Paid, aid available | Priority February 27, 2026; Round 1 March 13, 2026; Round 2 April 10, 2026; rolling after April 13, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| PSJPPrinceton University | Princeton, NJHybrid | High school juniors | Free | Round 1 runs November to January; Round 2 February to March; Round 3 in May |
| Young WritersThe Kenyon Review at Kenyon College | Gambier, OHResidential | Rising juniors, rising seniors and recent high school graduates, ages 16 to 18 | Paid, aid available | March 1, 2026 (teacher recommendations due March 7)Last cycle’s date |
Frequently asked questions
When is the IYWS application deadline?
The deadline is February 7, 2027. The application opens January 25, 2027.
How much does IYWS cost?
$2,500 per 2-week session, includes room and board, instruction and materials for the core course, and extracurricular camp events. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to IYWS?
Students currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade.
What does the IYWS application require?
Essays or short answers, Teacher recommendation, Portfolio or audition, Application fee. Writing sample of up to 10 pages, a 1 to 2 page statement of purpose, one recommendation from an English teacher or writing instructor, and a $10 reading fee that can be waived; transcripts are not accepted.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
