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Stewbags

Dec 19, 2007, 11:45 AM

Post #826 of 1172 (3931 views)
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Re: Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sent the last of my apps out yesterday, and wanted to come out of the shadows and extend a personal thank you to this thread and the general message boards for providing helpful insight and comic relief. Special thanks to Seth (umass76) for his efforts to localize data on a seemingly unquantifiable subject.

Good luck to everyone,

Stew

Lynn Costes

Dec 19, 2007, 2:10 PM

Post #827 of 1172 (3898 views)
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Re: [Stewbags] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

I wanted to extend my thanks to everyone too. I probably couldn't have gotten through this whole ordeal without the help of these threads. Good luck to you all, and please post when you here anything!

BLUECHEESE

Dec 25, 2007, 11:56 AM

Post #828 of 1172 (3765 views)
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Re: [Lynn Costes] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Should I feel dirty for spending an hour working on my writing sample on x-mas morning? well, it was after the presents and such, but still. And now I'm pecking around these forums... but this is mostly because my mother is sick and I'm in charge of x-mas dinner... thus I'm online looking up recipies for things--not that I'll use them, except of the pie crust... but I need ideas (for both cooking and editing my writing sample, by gosh)

bennyprof

Dec 25, 2007, 2:16 PM

Post #829 of 1172 (3754 views)
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Re: [BLUECHEESE] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

No need to feel dirty. I'm right there with you.

Getting anxious with only a week or so before the Jan.1-3 postmark deadlines. So much to do. Still need to write my teaching philosophy. Multiple SOP's to rewrite/tailor. Graduate school and TA apps to fill out and submit. Another story to write to meet the 30 page minimums at Indiana and Penn State. Merry frickin Christmas.

smulis

Dec 25, 2007, 3:07 PM

Post #830 of 1172 (3746 views)
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Re: [bennyprof] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Merry frickin Christmas bennyprof and bluecheese!
I am in the EXACT same boat as you bennyprof but at least you are not alone! I've been a long time lurker and decided your sad post was the time to finally introduce myself. I am applying in Fiction and here is my list:

Cornell
Brown
Syracuse
Indiana
Irvine
Austin
Michigan
Iowa
Wisconsin
Virginia

Sent out 6 last week. Still working on Iowa, Austin, Syracuse, and Indiana. I really need this to be over soon.

bennyprof

Dec 25, 2007, 4:26 PM

Post #831 of 1172 (3732 views)
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Re: [smulis] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Welcome, smulis.

Your list's the same as mine... minus Brown, plus eight others. In light of the depressing odds I decided to go into a bit o' debt and apply to seventeen schools. Not that that will necessarily improve my chances, given that none of the programs on my list are quote/unquote safety schools.

In fact, I think I'm going to start telling people I'm only applying to four. That way if I don't get in anywhere (an end result that seems more and more likely with each passing minute) it won't be quite as embarrassing.

-B

smulis

Dec 25, 2007, 5:20 PM

Post #832 of 1172 (3720 views)
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Re: [bennyprof] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

I know what you mean. I wish I hadn't told everyone that I was applying. But it would've been kinda hard not to tell people considering I've had no social life for the past 2 months.

mpagan

Dec 26, 2007, 10:46 AM

Post #833 of 1172 (3668 views)
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Re: [bennyprof] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Did you say 30 page minimum for Indiana?

I just sent 20 - I thought 30 was a suggested cap.

bennyprof

Dec 26, 2007, 10:53 AM

Post #834 of 1172 (3666 views)
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Re: [mpagan] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Did you say 30 page minimum for Indiana?

I just sent 20 - I thought 30 was a suggested cap.

Yep. From their website:

Students applying to the M.F.A. or M.A. in Creative Writing Program are required to submit the following materials:

a personal statement,
a statement about the teaching of creative writing,
three letters of recommendation,
transcripts of credit,
GRE general test scores (codes: Institution, 1324; Department, 2503), and
a portfolio of creative work (at least thirty pages of fiction, or twenty pages of poetry).

...or are you applying for poetry?

mpagan

Dec 26, 2007, 11:02 AM

Post #835 of 1172 (3662 views)
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Re: [bennyprof] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hmmmm.

No - I am fiction. I clearly did not follow the instructions.

But something tells me though (wishful thinking maybe) that 30 pages is not a fast and hard rule.

This is a good case of -READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!

Oh well. Let's hope the two stories I worked long and hard on won't be dismissed because of this.

(This post was edited by mpagan on Dec 28, 2007, 11:47 PM)

bennyprof

Dec 26, 2007, 11:33 AM

Post #836 of 1172 (3653 views)
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Re: [mpagan] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think you're fine; they're not going to disqualify you or anything. Worst case scenario, they ask you to send more (a good sign, if it happens).

Scrat1

Dec 26, 2007, 11:33 AM

Post #837 of 1172 (3653 views)
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Re: [mpagan] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Did you say 30 page minimum for Indiana?

I just sent 20 - I thought 30 was a suggested cap.

I only sent 23.

HopperFu

Dec 28, 2007, 9:03 AM

Post #838 of 1172 (3530 views)
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Re: [bennyprof] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I think you're fine; they're not going to disqualify you or anything. Worst case scenario, they ask you to send more (a good sign, if it happens).

Bennyprof is right. If you send twenty brilliant pages they aren't going to say, "well, X is the best writer we've seen in ages, but X sure sucks at counting...."
Be prepared, however - and this goes for everybody at every school - some committees will ask for additional work (this seems to be particularly true if you use a novel excerpt).

mpagan

Dec 28, 2007, 11:57 AM

Post #839 of 1172 (3507 views)
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Re: Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

That makes sense.

Does anyone know if hand delivering your application materials on the day their due a problem.

Columbia is due Tuesday, and although they have my application and fee - I need to send in everything else (Trans-recs-samples-statements), Since I live in the city - I thought I'd drop it off in person.

Should I have my packet post marked?

Thoughts?

stephkarto1
Stephanie Kartalopoulos

Dec 28, 2007, 3:11 PM

Post #840 of 1172 (3478 views)
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Re: [mpagan] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

1. Is the school even OPEN before next Wednesday? Many universities take the time between Christmas and New Years as complete university's closed sort of holidays.

2. Is it really wise, professional, appropriate to hand-deliver an application? Most universities for MFA program aren't big on much applicant-department contact before admissions decisions are made, unless there is a sort of official reason to get in touch or unless the director of the program conveys an openness to fielding questions about the application process. I'd rather play it safe and go with submitting the application through regular US Mail and letting the postage date before Tuesday serve as proof of submission before the deadline.

mpagan

Dec 28, 2007, 3:23 PM

Post #841 of 1172 (3477 views)
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Re: [stephkarto1] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yikes!

Do you really think its unprofessional or unwise?

I mean, the school is open, ( I checked) and they do have my application already.

I'm not looking to ask any questions - or have tea or something, just drop off the packet of stuff on the deadline and leave.

I don't know. Thanks for the advice though - much appreciated.

I'll let you all know how it goes.

Glyph

Dec 28, 2007, 3:49 PM

Post #842 of 1172 (3469 views)
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Re: [mpagan] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

I personally don't think it's unprofessional. I work as a grant proposal writer at a museum and I hand-deliver applications all the time. It's a pretty common practice when the foundation/governmental agency from which you are requesting funding is located in the same area as you. Also, I would trust myself to deliver something over the post office any day!

esined

Dec 28, 2007, 7:49 PM

Post #843 of 1172 (3432 views)
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Introduction from Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been lurking/procrastinating/reading and decided it's finally time to introduce myself. I am also in crunch time with MFA apps. I'm in Miami, and I'm applying to two schools locally, another Florida school as a possibility, and several low-res programs. I'm married, moving isn't much of a possibility, and I have a pretty demanding full-time job, so low-res seems like a good option. I'm really worried about whether I'll be able to juggle everything once I start an MFA program, so I'm considering switching to part-time/freelance work (or at least a more flexible job) around the time I start the MFA. I've been voraciously reading all the threads on those topics (balancing the MFA with work, family, etc.)

I'm applying to Florida International University, University of Miami, University of Florida, Warren Wilson, Goddard, Vermont, Antioch, and Lesley.

I'm also debating over whether I should also apply to Bennington, Pacific, Seattle Pacific, Stonecoast, and Queens.

Applying in fiction but am also interested in programs like Antioch and Lesley that have an interdisciplinary slant.

Is anyone else figuring the cost of travel to low-res programs into their decision-making process?

Any other Miami/Florida people out there?

DMiller

Dec 28, 2007, 7:50 PM

Post #844 of 1172 (3431 views)
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Re: [adoten] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd bet it's fine. I mean, it's going to go to the secretary, not to any of the application readers (who are never going to know how it was delivered). It's not like the secretary is going to draw a black mark on it or something.

Glyph

Dec 28, 2007, 8:07 PM

Post #845 of 1172 (3425 views)
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Re: [esined] Introduction from Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

Nice to meet you. I'm in Miami as well. I currently work full time and am also married, but my husband is about to finish school and then it's my turn again. I'm a professional grant writer, and I'm actually considering doing freelance grant writing while I'm in school. I'd like to wait and see what the demands of school are, though, before I make any commitments. I'm also crossing my fingers for a fellowship and/or assistantship that will ease the financial burden somewhat. Of course, I'll be lucky if I get into a school at all, let alone get it paid for AND have money left over!

esined

Dec 28, 2007, 8:28 PM

Post #846 of 1172 (3421 views)
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Re: [adoten] Introduction from Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey, adoten! I used to be a freelance grant writer myself. Are you applying anywhere here in town, if you don't mind me asking? I've heard mixed things about both FIU and UM, which is why I like the idea of the low-res programs. I'm also hoping for a fellowship/assistantship if I decide to go with a full residency program.

Glyph

Dec 28, 2007, 10:07 PM

Post #847 of 1172 (3404 views)
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Re: [esined] Introduction from Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

esined:

No, I'm planning to get far, far away from South Florida. I've lived here my whole life - it's time for a change.

I haven't heard anything about UM and only a little bit about FIU, but not enough to make a judgment as to the quality of the program.

Best of luck to you!

jaywalke

Dec 28, 2007, 10:40 PM

Post #848 of 1172 (3395 views)
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Re: [mpagan] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Do you really think its unprofessional or unwise?
I mean, the school is open, ( I checked) and they do have my application already.

They may be officially open, but I'm willing to bet that staffing will be at a bare minimum because there is no pressing need for coverage. No one is going to read those apps until classes re-start. This is a great time of year for any sick days or vacation days that won't roll over.

Do you want to gamble on the one person in the office not being at lunch (sick, shopping, etc.) when you show up? If you had to leave your package in front of a locked door, it might be a long, worrisome weekend.

I work on staff at a U. and I won't see my desk again until January 14th. There may be 10 people in my building sooner (out of 250). If I had to deliver something to them with a due date, I'd mail that sucker.

bennyprof

Dec 29, 2007, 9:13 PM

Post #849 of 1172 (3310 views)
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Re: [jaywalke] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

Bit of a change of subject here, but I need to vent.

Syracuse gets my vote for the most needlessly complicated application process in the history of man.

First, there are different due dates for the manuscript and supporting materials. Then, there's the required form for recommendations (not so unusual) and the required form for transcript requests (haven't seen this for any other school).

Then, there's the "Basic Information Sheet" for the writing sample, which includes the following:

Name.
E-mail address.
Permanent Home Address.
Present Mailing Address.
Until what date can we reach you at your present mailing address?:
Home telephone number.
Work/School telephone number.

Academic background: List all postsecondary education, beginning with the most recent degree you earned or expect to earn before coming to S.U. For each institution listed please include the following information:
Institution
Credits earned
Dates Attended
Degree Received or Expected and Date
Major Subject
Overall Average of Grades (GPA)

And, as though that weren't enough, there's the "Supporting Material Cover Page" you're supposed to attach with everything else. And here's another fun bit of pointless hoop-jumping. On the Cover Page is the following item: "SUID:________" along with the following message:

Note: Within about one week from the time you submit your application online you should receive
an e-mail directly from the Graduate Admissions Processing Department of Syracuse University
acknowledging the receipt of your application. Contained in the e-mail you receive will be the
assigned SUID number for you to record above.

To the Syracuse Graduate School: why not just waterboard me while you're at it?

-B

p.s. Okay, so maybe I'm being a little melodramatic (none of this is a huge deal), but still, there's no excuse for this kind of redundant bureaucratic nonsense, is there? I feel like I'm in the middle of a Douglas Adams novel. Maybe I've just been spoiled by other programs who've been kind enough to streamline the process: manuscript, SOP, letters, transcripts, stick them all in a big envelope, throw it in the mail, done.

p.p.s. That said, I'd be absolutely thrilled to get in.

(This post was edited by bennyprof on Dec 29, 2007, 9:37 PM)

Scrat1

Dec 30, 2007, 2:52 AM

Post #850 of 1172 (3271 views)
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Re: [bennyprof] Application Time [In reply to]	Can't Post

I felt the exact same way last week.

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