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Low Residency MFAs (2)

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edwriter

Jun 7, 2006, 4:51 PM

Post #176 of 184 (2890 views)
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Re: [LMcDole] Full-time job and residency [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi, Lorri:

Thanks for your kind note (and the newsletter plug!).

I don't have any direct information about either of the programs you've mentioned. But given the rest of your message, I have a few other suggestions/comments:

1) Don't discount your impressions from a Web site. If a program takes the time to develop and devotes energy to maintaining a good Web site--with solid, current, easy-to-navigate information--that's a sign that it's a program attentive to detail (and at least somewhat tech-savvy, which is important for distance learning programs overall).

2) You can find a list of all the programs I'm aware of to date, plus Web sites, in my primer on low-residency MFA programs. Between updates I post information about new discoveries at my blog. One example: I believe Ashland University in Ohio will be launching a new program soon (poetry and nonfiction only).

3) At some point you may have to decide which of the criteria you've listed take(s) priority. When I think offhand of one-residency-a-year programs that offer creative nonfiction I come up with Goucher, UBC, and UNO (in addition to PLU). But not all of them rely on the "mentor" model. Also, consider how the sometimes longer single residencies compare, for you/your family's purposes, with two shorter residencies.

4) Keep informed. Sometimes newer programs, especially, add instruction in a new genre as they go along. The low-res program I was in, for instance, started with poetry and fiction only, and expanded to nonfiction after a year, if I'm remembering right.

5) My impression is that many programs will let you take at least an extra semester if you need it. So even if you don't find too many three-year programs you may not necessarily have to finish in two.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

Best,
Erika D.

Quiet Americans: Stories
http://www.erikadreifus.com

LMcDole

Jun 7, 2006, 7:58 PM

Post #177 of 184 (2867 views)
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Re: [edwriter] Full-time job and residency [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Erika,

Thanks for the quick input. It's funny, at the very time you were posting I was checking out Goucher, UBC, and UNO. Relating to your comment about not discounting websites, I agree. They all have a different feel, and some seem unfriendly at best and purposefully confusing at worst. I've come up with a list I'm interested in based on my criteria (which admittedly I haven't applied evenly across the board): PLU, Pacific U, Stonecoast, Goucher, Vermont College, Pine Manor. Also maybe Goddard, which has a satellite in Washington (my state). I think Goddard has a good rep; I'm wondering if its Vermont and WA site are both highly considered.

Do you (does anyone) have any feedback about the new Whidbey Island program, which reportedly is the only MFA program not affiliated (although it's accredited) with a major university?

Thanks,
Lorri

edwriter

Jun 7, 2006, 8:16 PM

Post #178 of 184 (2865 views)
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Re: [LMcDole] low-res programs/Whidbey [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Do you (does anyone) have any feedback about the new Whidbey Island program, which reportedly is the only MFA program not affiliated (although it's accredited) with a major university?

Thanks,
Lorri

Hi, Lorri:

I haven't yet heard much from students, but my communications (both via e-mail and during a brief conversation at an AWP conference) with the program director have been excellent. The program has a very comprehensive Web site, too. I hope Whidbey students will chime in.

Best,
Erika D.

willbell
Will

Jun 8, 2006, 9:50 AM

Post #179 of 184 (2837 views)
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Re: [LMcDole] Full-time job and residency [In reply to]	Can't Post

Goddard will allow you to take semesters off and complete the program over a longer period of time...if needed. They have a great creative NF program. The Port Townsend program has a smaller faculty; it has only been around for a year. It's located at the Hugo House one semester and Centrum the other (I think).

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Jun 8, 2006, 12:44 PM

Post #180 of 184 (2824 views)
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Re: [LMcDole] Full-time job and residency [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Also maybe Goddard, which has a satellite in Washington (my state). I think Goddard has a good rep; I'm wondering if its Vermont and WA site are both highly considered.

The Washington campus of the Goddard MFA program is run by the same people (person, really: Paul Selig) with some of the same faculty as the Vermont program. Only some of the same faculty because the program isn't as big yet, so it doesn't justify bringing everyone.

dmh

Poetry: It's not just for sissies any more.

Difficult Listening, Sundays from ten to noon (Central time), at http://www.radiofreenashville.org/.

http://home.comcast.net/~david.m.harris/site/

jasonwdonnelly

Jun 16, 2006, 6:43 AM

Post #181 of 184 (2752 views)
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Wilkes University and Warnborough College? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have two questions. I'm trying to decide which track to take in my Master's and PhD program and can't find enough information from others on the subject. Has anyone here been to Wilkes University for their low-residency MA in Creative Writing? Also, Has anyone heard anything about Warnborough College in Ireland. They have a two year PhD program? Thanks all! Jay

(This post was edited by jasonwdonnelly on Jun 16, 2006, 7:14 AM)

Martin Amis

Jan 28, 2007, 1:03 PM

Post #182 of 184 (2691 views)
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Acceptance rate at Goddard? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Does anyone have any information about the acceptance rate for fiction writers at Goddard?

Thanks much.

"Oh . . . hell."

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Jan 29, 2007, 1:21 PM

Post #183 of 184 (2574 views)
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Re: [Martin Amis] Acceptance rate at Goddard? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't know anything, but I bet that if you wrote to Paul Selig and asked, he would tell you. He is not a bullshitter.

Poetry: It's not just for sissies any more.

Difficult Listening, Sundays from ten to noon (Central time), at http://www.radiofreenashville.org/.

http://home.comcast.net/~david.m.harris/site/

claudiaz

Apr 7, 2008, 2:42 PM

Post #184 of 184 (2367 views)
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Re: [eriksmetana] Low Residency MFAs (2) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi, I don't know about the others, but I went to Vermont College (which will soon be called Vermont College of Fine Arts) and loved it! It was the most amazing, life-altering experience. It was all I had hoped it would be, and even more. The faculty is incredibly dedicated and provided comprehensive feedback on my work. Plus, it has a great atmosphere, very friendly.

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