Frequently Asked Questions About Classes

Where are classes located?

All in-person classes meet in our offices in Manhattan, at 1140 Broadway, Suites 704 and 706, though our offices are currently closed until at least the end of 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you’re registered for an online class, you will receive an email asking you to link your account to the class after you complete your payment. We’ll send out more information about a week before your class starts.

What do online classes entail?

Our online classes take place on a custom-built platform. When you pay for your class, you'll be prompted to create a Catapult account. Once you've done that, using our system, you’ll be able to view your reading and writing assignments, provide in-line commenting on pieces that are up for workshop, and view instructor and student feedback prior to beginning your own revisions.

Each week, unless a class is listed as asynchronous, the instructor also leads a live chat for group discussion. Most of our workshop classes use video chat (Zoom) for live meetings, though some still use a text-based chatroom if that is your preference or need. For more information about how a particular online meeting takes place, check the course description.

Do I need any special technology to take an online class?

No, though our system will work best using a computer or laptop and the most recent version of Google Chrome.

For video chat classes, we use Zoom accessed through your private class page. While you can use Zoom from your browser, we recommend downloading the desktop client so you have access to all platform features.

Who do I contact if I have to miss a class?

If you have to miss a class, please let your instructor know as soon as possible. Note that for online classes that take place over video chat, you will not be able to view a recording of your chat if you miss it. Recording a part of any class requires both instructor and peer consent, and if permission is granted, the recording must never be subsequently shared with those not enrolled in the course.

How many times will I be workshopped?

In most multi-week workshops, students are workshopped twice. All possibilities for feedback and opportunities for workshop will be explicitly stated in the class's course description.

I have never taken a writing class before. Can I still take a Catapult class?

You don’t need to have any prior workshop experience to take most of Catapult’s classes! We offer courses at a variety of levels, for beginners as well as writers with plentiful workshop experience. The class's course description will share what level of writer the class is appropriate for, but if you have additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

I want to take a class but I don’t know which is right for me. Does Catapult offer advising or can I talk to someone about what course is right for me?

We’d love to help you choose a class. Send an email to [email protected], and we can help you determine which class would be the best fit.

I am having trouble paying the workshop balance, but I would still like to enroll in a Catapult class. Are there payment plans available?

No-interest payment plans are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact [email protected] if you require a payment plan. You can also read more about the discounts and scholarships we're offering on our Scholarship Information page.

The class I'd like to take requires a writing sample. How long should it be?

Writing samples should be approximately 2,000 words, unless stated otherwise.

I applied. When will I hear back?

Depending on the competitiveness of the course, your wait may vary. Our workshops are filled on a rolling basis, so as soon as we receive your application, we send it to the instructor. They get back to us after reading each application thoroughly, and then we’ll let you know if you’ve been accepted. Generally, you’ll hear back between a couple weeks of submitting your application and a couple weeks before the class is set to begin.

When will I be put in touch with my instructor?

After you’re accepted and have paid your deposit, we’ll put you in touch with your instructor and workshop cohort about a week prior to the first class. At that point, they will tell you what, if anything, you’re expected to prepare for your first day.

Who will have access to my Catapult account information?

Your instructor(s) and classmates will see the name and photo associated with your Catapult account, and you will be introduced to your class via the email address that you supply when signing up. If you would like to change this email address, please email [email protected], and we will assist you. Students are asked not to use fellow students’ email addresses for private communications without the consent of the relevant fellow student(s).

I have to drop a class. What do I do?

If you have to drop your class, please let us know as soon as possible. The last day to get a full refund is seven days prior to the start date of your course. After that but more than 24 hours before your class begins, we are only able to offer a 50% refund. If it is within 24 hours of the start of class, or if class has already started and you need to drop, you are ineligible for a refund. Note that we are unable to accommodate class transfers or offer any form of credit once class has begun. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about our refund policies.

Could my class ever be cancelled or rescheduled? What happens if it is?

If your workshop doesn’t reach minimum enrollment or your instructor has a scheduling conflict, we may reschedule or cancel up to the day class is set to begin. We feel peer engagement is a vital part of the classroom experience and want our students to feel their investment—of time, energy, and money—is worth it. If we reschedule or cancel a whole class (rather than a single class meeting), we will always give students the opportunity for a full refund, or we can help you transfer to a new class. If class is rescheduled, you are welcome to remain enrolled if the new dates work for you.

If I take a Catapult class will Catapult publish me? As much as we believe in all our students’ writing, we are unable to guarantee any form of publication. Submissions for alumni to our web magazine are open year-round, and we encourage you to submit.

Can I ask Catapult faculty and staff to write me a letter of recommendation for grad school/residencies/etc? Feel free to ask your instructor if you’d like them to write you a letter of recommendation. They can speak to your writing and class contributions more than we can! Please note, however, that your instructor is not under any obligation to write you a letter of recommendation.

How can I become a Catapult instructor?

We are always excited to learn that someone wants to teach with Catapult! You can let us know by completing this form, which asks for basic information and a short description of your background and interest in teaching with us. Our team reads each query and keeps the information on file, which we will confirm via email within two weeks. If you seem like a good fit for our program needs at any time, we’ll follow up to request a course proposal!

Any other questions? Email us: [email protected].