Poets & Writers Speakeasy: Writing and Publishing: MFA Programs: The Waiting Game...Have you heard yet???: Page 6

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The Waiting Game...Have you heard yet???

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thee swimmer

Feb 21, 2006, 8:00 PM

Post #126 of 6267 (11511 views)
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Re: [sk1grrl] UT Michener Has Made Decisions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the heads up on UT Michener...sorry to hear about the denials, but "It only takes one Yes." Our mantra.

All they're telling me is that my application is incomplete (missing TOEFL scores). I know that we say "Aboot" and "Eh," but "Canadian" is still a form of English. I'm hoping this means I still have a shot, but who knows. I did call them months ago and they assured me the TOEFL req. would be waived.

I want to like my mailman, but he is making it hard...

arabtexaschica

Feb 21, 2006, 8:01 PM

Post #127 of 6267 (11508 views)
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Re: UT Michener Has Made Decisions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well, for me the draw was the money plus I'd get to stay in Austin, and study with awesome people like Naomi Shihab Nye. This was my third time applying there, and I think, my last. I'm super-bummed out, and sort of confused as to what they're looking for. On the other hand, I'm sure they got 900 applications or something crazy like that. Sigh. I also applied to the MA program, which doesn't give money, but you do TA your own classes, which would look good on teaching applications later on, but i haven't heard from them yet...

Ms. Mystery

Feb 21, 2006, 8:25 PM

Post #128 of 6267 (11489 views)
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Re: [arabtexaschica] UT Michener Has Made Decisions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi everybody. I've been a lurker, but I've decided to un-lurk myself. I found this community through Tom Kealey's blog, which has been a great solace to me in these ridiculous and trying times. So, the basics: I'm a poet and I applied to Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, U. of Pittsburgh, the New School, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Michener Center, Wash. U. St. Louie, and UVA. I got into Minnesota a few weeks ago (woo hoo!), but instead of calming me, it's made me more susceptible to anxiety. Why is that? Has that happened to anybody else? It makes no sense!

About this Michener thing--do you think they've made all the decisions? I logged onto the application status page and didn't see anything different. Does this mean anything? A little glimmer of hope? I don't dare indulge myself, and yet and yet and yet--.

Anyway, pleased to meet all of you. Congratulations and condolences to everybody who's heard!
X
Sarah

nfo

Feb 21, 2006, 8:30 PM

Post #129 of 6267 (11482 views)
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George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

What do you guys know about the program at Mason? I haven't seen anyone else post that they applied there. Maybe that's why I was able to get in. I have an interview next week for a TA spot, and they'll want my answer pretty soon after that, which doesn't leave much time to hear from other schools.

sibyline

Feb 21, 2006, 8:34 PM

Post #130 of 6267 (11475 views)
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Re: [Ms. Mystery] UT Michener Has Made Decisions [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I got into Minnesota a few weeks ago (woo hoo!), but instead of calming me, it's made me more susceptible to anxiety. Why is that? Has that happened to anybody else? It makes no sense!

That's what happened to me! I think it's because I *hate* uncertainty. Before, it was like, if I get in I'll go and that's fine, and if I don't that's fine too. Now it's like, I'm definitely going but where??? And why can't I decide now? I've been finding it agonizing. But it's a good problem. I have nothing to complain about. And yet I'm a wreck. Blech. I have to stop.

and congratulations!!!

(This post was edited by sibyline on Feb 21, 2006, 8:35 PM)

Ms. Mystery

Feb 21, 2006, 8:37 PM

Post #131 of 6267 (11470 views)
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Re: [nfo] George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't know a lot about George Mason, but my good friend got in, too (for poetry). I think she applied because she was interested in working with Susan Tichy.

But hey, no need to disparage yourself! An acceptance is an acceptance, and it's awesome.

Sarah

Ms. Mystery

Feb 21, 2006, 8:41 PM

Post #132 of 6267 (11457 views)
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Re: [sibyline] UT Michener Has Made Decisions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sibyline--Congratulations yourself! Yeah, it's an awesome problem to have (but not one that invites a lot of sympathy from friends/parents/coworkers). And rightly so, rightly so. For the record, I also hate uncertainty. Like, if I could decide now I could work on finding an apartment, a new bank, and, if I go to Minnesota, a high-quality parka . . . . I can't wait for March.

lavashlavash

Feb 21, 2006, 8:48 PM

Post #133 of 6267 (11450 views)
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Re: [Ms. Mystery] UT Michener Has Made Decisions [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I've gotten into one program, and I'm still very nervous. Was my one acceptance a fluke?

Here's another question:

Does anyone else have a job that they actually like? My job is really quite stimulating, and I am now debating whether or not to leave it. Great, now there's another wrinkle to this whole terrible decision-making process!

nfo

Feb 21, 2006, 9:02 PM

Post #134 of 6267 (11434 views)
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Re: [Ms. Mystery] George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

Heh, I wasn't disparaging. I was shaking from excitement when I found out, but that can only last so long. I wish the schools would get together and come up with a universal notification day. Oh, and I wish that day was tomorrow.

Ms. Mystery

Feb 21, 2006, 9:12 PM

Post #135 of 6267 (11422 views)
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Re: [nfo] George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hear, hear! I had no idea what I was getting myself into--I thought that, since most programs said they would notify by March 15th, I could expect a small pile of envelopes on that very day. Why did I think this? I have NO idea.

Also, I had no idea exactly how many people were applying for so few spots. I liked the poetry faculty at UVA (and the idea of living in a warmer climate than Pittsburgh), so I applied. I liked the money at the Michener Center (and, once again, the climate) so I applied. I had no clue that everybody else would have the same thought I did, really.

In reference to the job question, I have a pretty great job, but it's really demanding and I haven't been able to do as much writing as I want to. I teach poetry to middle school kids, and it's an incredible experience, but it eats up all of my time. I feel like I would be letting these kids down by leaving, but I know I need to do this MFA thing. I'm just trying not to feel too selfish about it.

darredet
Darren A. Deth

Feb 21, 2006, 9:43 PM

Post #136 of 6267 (11390 views)
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Re: [sibyline] The Waiting Game...Have you heard yet??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Phew, thank goodness I made it into Vermont College before that requirement came about. Otherwise my wife would have me chained to the sofa. However, while on campus, I will endeavor to consume as much alcohol as possible.

In regards to the job question, I HATE what I do for work. The only reason I am staying there is because of the earned time off package which will allow me the time to do the MFA. I'm hoping to be able to change jobs soon after, if not during, my degree program.

Darren

gussy

Feb 21, 2006, 11:13 PM

Post #137 of 6267 (11344 views)
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UT Michener Suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey,

I logged on to the UT Michener webpage, but saw no changes -- where on the page should it say that one's been rejected/accepted? Is is an added line or category? My page looks exactly the same as before.

Of course, like a couple of you, I toy with the idea that they haven't rejected me... yet. I suggest that one of us give UT a call to find out what this lack of changes means, whereas other people's pages seem to have changed. Of course, we could all call, individually, but that will likely annoy them. I am willing to call, but if somebody else wants to do it and then post something about the inquiry, I'm OK with that.

(I still believe that collective agreements are possible -- that is, that we all have a better chance of finding out if only one calls, and therefore this is the best course of action).

Anybody agrees with this?

Gussy

sibyline

Feb 21, 2006, 11:41 PM

Post #138 of 6267 (11318 views)
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Re: [gussy] UT Michener Suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

yeah, obviously different things are showing up for different people. mine doesn't show a change either. i would suggest just laying low and not obsessing too much about it. of course, easier said than done.

sovietsleepover

Feb 22, 2006, 12:30 AM

Post #139 of 6267 (11294 views)
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Re: [Ms. Mystery] George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ms. Mystery, do you live in Pittsburgh now? I lived there (& did my undergrad at Pitt, & luckily got to take two amazing classes with Tony Hoagland before he left for Houston) between 1999-2003. Have we crossed paths? ;)

sovietsleepover

Feb 22, 2006, 12:32 AM

Post #140 of 6267 (11293 views)
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Re: [sibyline] UT Michener Suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Michener hopefuls, if the UT website doesn't spoil the good (or bad) surprise, word on the grapevine is that official phonecalls for poetry folks will go out late next week.

gussy

Feb 22, 2006, 12:44 AM

Post #141 of 6267 (11283 views)
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Re: [sovietsleepover] UT Michener Suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Miriam/Sovietsleepover,

Have you heard anything about fiction phone-calls for Michener? (Not "fictional" phone-calls, though :)

And yes, maybe Sybiline is right, and we should just hang in there -- no phonecalls, just wait. I just thought we'd all go crazy like I tend to do, and therefore wanted to prevent a barrage of calls to UT. But if the consensus is to just wait (and it sounds sensible) we'll just wait :)

tracyo

Feb 22, 2006, 12:48 AM

Post #142 of 6267 (11282 views)
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Re: [RedFaerie21] The Waiting Game...Have you heard yet??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

congrats redfaerie! did you apply to usc's phd program in creative writing? if so, when did you take the subject test in english? any idea of their funding situation? when (if seems absurd...) i get rejected from the couple of mfa programs i applied to this year, i'm seriously considering their program (i'm currently finishing my ma in english but want to write more fiction).

any advice on the process for that program vs. mfa? or are you doing their masters in prof. writing? thanks!

and thanks to everyone for posting and being so honest...i have posted little and read much, but it has been a huge comfort! congrats on the acceptances and i hope everyone forges ahead with their writing...

gussy

Feb 22, 2006, 12:53 AM

Post #143 of 6267 (11277 views)
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Re: [thee swimmer] UT Michener Has Made Decisions [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi thee swimmer,

I wouldn't worry about the TOEFL scores. We're on the same boat, and my TOEFL requirement was waived. I don't see why they wouldn't waive yours. The waiver did take a while to appear on the UT webpage, though...

sovietsleepover

Feb 22, 2006, 1:09 AM

Post #144 of 6267 (11270 views)
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Re: [gussy] UT Michener Suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Fiction takes longer because I think it's by far the most applied-to genre (or so I'm told). No idea when notification for that will go out, but it'll be a phone call & they'll be totally charming & will try to talk you out of turning them down if you do. Seriously. That's how they got me!

RedFaerieGirl21

Feb 22, 2006, 2:31 AM

Post #145 of 6267 (11245 views)
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Re: [tracyo] [franz]The Waiting Game...Have you heard yet??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey franz and tracyo,

Thanks for the kind words. I actually applied to the MPW program in fiction. The MPW is different from some MFA programs in that there are opportunities for multi genre study (fiction, poetry, playwriting, cinema-television), and there are also no separate lit. classes (pro or con depending on your preference). I don't know too much about the phd program but I'm pretty sure the funding is good. As franz mentioned there is another member on the board, Kaytie, who went to USC's MPW program in fiction who can tell you more if you're interested.

Tracyo: keep your hopes up, it's always hard waiting when there has been no news yet. You said you're doing an MA in English right now? Are you interested in programs that have a lit. emphasis or are you looking to just write? Do you plan to eventually go the phd route even if you get an MFA?

Franz: I see we have a school in common with Brown. I also almost applied to JHU and Cornell. I don't think Brown has notified anyone yet. Do you happen to know traditionally when they call/send out acceptances? Good luck!

Good luck to everyone!

mandavogel

Feb 22, 2006, 8:55 AM

Post #146 of 6267 (11215 views)
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Re: [nfo] George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

HI nfo,

I applied to GM and have yet to hear anything...I applied for fiction. What genre did you apply for??

Trying to figure out if I should start my "oh well" mantra now orr keep hoping...

Congratulations anyway! I am working on not being bitter. haha. :)

Ms. Mystery

Feb 22, 2006, 10:08 AM

Post #147 of 6267 (11178 views)
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Re: [sovietsleepover] George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

Miriam-- I do live in Pittsburgh (GO STEELERS!). I went to CMU for undergrad & worked with Terrance Hayes. That's so wonderful that you got to take classes with Tony Hoagland! Man oh man! I imagine that I must have run into you at a reading someplace, right? I graduated in May '05, but still.

So, are you at the Michener Center now? Would you mind dishing a little about the experience you've had? I think I saw a post of yours lamenting the lack of permanent faculty and the overabundance of hipsters in Austin. Discuss?

nfo

Feb 22, 2006, 12:29 PM

Post #148 of 6267 (11098 views)
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Re: [mandavogel] George Mason [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeah, I applied for fiction. I'm sorry :(

franz

Feb 22, 2006, 12:50 PM

Post #149 of 6267 (11075 views)
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Re: [RedFaerie21] [franz]The Waiting Game...Have you heard yet??? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Hey franz and tracyo,

Franz: I see we have a school in common with Brown. I also almost applied to JHU and Cornell. I don't think Brown has notified anyone yet. Do you happen to know traditionally when they call/send out acceptances? Good luck!

Good luck to everyone!

Brown put an MFA update on their literary arts website which states that decisions will be made in mid to late March (past years on Speakeasy have suggested early to mid March).

A month or so ago I endeavored to find out and/or estimate when letters would come in from the schools I applied to. I went through all of the Speakeasy archives when it wasn't listed on the actual website-- this might be helpful to others as well, but keep in mind these are educated guesses based on the past five-ten years. Take them with a grain of salt...

These are for fiction:
University of Washington (Seattle)-- mid March
Emerson-- mid Feb- late Feb (already found out from them
Cornell-- late Feb (obviously, they've already made their first choices)
UMass-- early March (poets have already found out this year)
JHU-- late March
Stegner Fellowship-- late March- early April
Iowa-- late Feb.-early March

So why am I waiting anxiously by my mailbox when it's clear most of these schools won't notify until March?
Hope this is helpful...

Franz Knupfer, author of short stories and novels

gussy

Feb 22, 2006, 1:04 PM

Post #150 of 6267 (11054 views)
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Re: [sovietsleepover] UT Michener Suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Miriam,

Thanks! Guess we'll just have to wait... but in the meantime, I second Ms Mystery's suggestion--would you mind talking a little bit about your experience at Michener?

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