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Scrat1

Jan 24, 2008, 12:53 PM

Post #1001 of 1172 (4667 views)
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Re: [boody01] Wash U deadline [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm getting neeeervoous.

monarca

Jan 24, 2008, 1:07 PM

Post #1002 of 1172 (4620 views)
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Re: [mr.shankly] Repeat applicants [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm a repeat applicant. This round of applications is way more serious than last year. Last year an MFA was just an idea I was tossing around with a couple others (unrelated to writing). Now I know it is the thing that I want to do, more than anything else. That's really the only valuable thing I've gained during this extra year. I wasn't able to take any classes or workshops, although I know others suggest doing that if you get rejected during the first round.

So, don't worry. It's totally do-able. It's certianly not easier, and I may even be more nervous this time. I woke up the other night convinced I was going to vomit, so unfortunately I can't attest to sounder sleeping. Still, it's worth it.

I hope you only have this one round, though!

Raignn

Jan 24, 2008, 2:47 PM

Post #1003 of 1172 (4612 views)
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Re: [Scrat1] Wash U deadline [In reply to]	Can't Post

Me too.

Although OSU emailed me yesterday asking for another copy of my transcript (long story, the ones I sent apparently aren't official). This late in the game I feel like that has to be a pretty good sign I'm at least not in the "hell no" pile.

Lyz
Lyz

Jan 24, 2008, 3:36 PM

Post #1004 of 1172 (4585 views)
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Re: [dawnbuth] Vermont College [In reply to]	Can't Post

I applied to Lesley and I haven't heard back from them yet, but I don't expect to for a while. That is the only overlap we have.

I also applied to Iowa, UNI (it's an MA program and I'm in there for sure), WW, Antioch, Queens, and Pacific. The rest don't have deadlines until March 15, but I am sending them today since they are all finished. Yikes! I get nervous just talking about it.

http://shopoftheheart.blogspot.com

Lyz
Lyz

Jan 24, 2008, 4:26 PM

Post #1005 of 1172 (4549 views)
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Re: [monarca] Repeat applicants [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am a repeat applicant also.

Last year I applied to one program (Iowa) and I got rejected. So then, I did the Iowa Summer workshops and took a class at Iowa and now I am applying to Iowa, UNI (MA), and several low-res MFAs: WW, Lesley, Pacific, Antioch, Queens.

Hopefully all that work accounts for something.

I too wake up feeling like I want to vomit. I am so nervous, I have like no fingernails left.

http://shopoftheheart.blogspot.com

gina.bee

Jan 25, 2008, 4:27 PM

Post #1006 of 1172 (4427 views)
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Re: [Lyz] Repeat applicants [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just turned my last 2 applications in!!! But why do I still feel like I want to vomit? Glad I'm not the only one (I guess) I applied for Poetry:

UC Davis
Mills
San Diego State U

ollie

Jan 25, 2008, 6:36 PM

Post #1007 of 1172 (4381 views)
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Re: [Yugao] process worsening my OCDness [In reply to]	Can't Post

boy, i wish i had done this. the post office's delivery confirmation has been worthless. i know my apps didn't have far to travel (just within the city limits) but i mailed them 13 days ago and still no confirmation of receipt from either school. i did email one school about my situation and they replied with a canned email that pretty much said "sit tight," which i have been trying to do, but with little success. i gave up smoking on new years eve, and amazingly, this stress has not sent me into a spiral of ciggarettes. donuts, now that's a different spiral...

In Reply To

I included a SAS postcard in every packet for the schools to mail back. I have been getting the postcards back, but apparently they have no bearing on whether or not my file is complete.

esined

Feb 27, 2008, 11:28 AM

Post #1008 of 1172 (4204 views)
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Undergrad publications on applications? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm finishing up my last few applications to low-residency programs. As part of my applications, I haven't been listing any publications so far, because what I have seems too piddly and not recent enough. In 2001, I published a longish essay in an online Miami art magazine. And in undergrad (which is over 10 years ago) I had a piece of flash fiction published in a student publication as well as a feature article in the student newspaper. I suppose if I had more of a publication record, I'd include these on the list, but I don't. Should I continue to leave these out?

Sugah

Feb 27, 2008, 11:50 AM

Post #1009 of 1172 (4168 views)
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Re: [esined] Undergrad publications on applications? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I wouldn't leave them out. I have only three publications to date, one in an undergraduate university publication, and two essays that both appeared in a refereed (sp?) journal of no very large circulation or national acclaim. I not only listed them, I sent one of the essays as part of my writing sample, with good results.

Personally? Regardless of the how you esteem them, I think that publication shows initiative and confidence. It's not easy to send stuff out.

Peace!

____________________________

http://sugahsshack.blogspot.com

esined

Mar 4, 2008, 10:50 PM

Post #1010 of 1172 (4020 views)
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post-application neurosis [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm taking a writing class (as a non-degree-seeking student) at one of the schools where I applied. Tonight my professor mentioned they were just starting to read MFA applications in the context of explaining to another student why she hadn't had a chance to read a draft he'd sent her. She knows I've applied to the program (I told her I planned to when I signed up for the class) and she nodded slightly in my direction. Then she started talking a little bit about the process, and made a joke about most of the statements of purpose having "a very similar motif."

I've been neurotically rehashing that moment for the past half hour or so and trying to figure out if she was making a little jab at MY statement of purpose. I really tried to avoid the stock "I've always wanted to be a writer" theme, but I DID include (OK, I opened with it) a story about how during all of elementary school I had the weird compulsion to narrate whatever I was doing in the third person, past tense inside my head. I asked a kajillion people to read my writing samples to help me make revisions, but didn't show drafts of my statement of purpose to anyone except my younger brother. WHY???

I'm almost positive I wasn't accepted to UF, but don't have any other responses yet. I applied to mostly low-res programs with pretty recent deadlines and now I'm wishing I could snatch back all my statements of purpose and remove any vestige of anecdotes about childhood literary aspirations/compulsions.

I'm still finishing applications to Lesley and Goddard and am wondering if I shouldn't go ahead and change my SOP. I still feel really good about my writing sample, though.

RaoulDuke
Cobra Cobachi

Mar 4, 2008, 11:29 PM

Post #1011 of 1172 (3965 views)
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Re: [esined] post-application neurosis [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Esined-

I know the feeling all too well. Ever since sending off my SOP's to seven different schools I haven't even been able to go back and look at them. I'm afraid I'll catch an unsightly error, of find it to be too cheesy or lame. Even the places I've been rejected by, I don't want to look. Perfectly normal, but since you've got some extra time to mull over the SOP maybe you should have a fellow workshopper take a look at it. Couldn't hurt.

Also, I'm completely in tune with the whole "rehashing" thing. I've been rehashing even the most minute of encounters regarding this application process and have found that it's a mixed bag. Sometimes it drives you crazy, sometimes it enlightens you. Sounds like maybe you're just thinking too far into it, but what do I know.

Good luck with the rest of your applications.

Richard

Rambler

Mar 4, 2008, 11:30 PM

Post #1012 of 1172 (3963 views)
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Re: [esined] post-application neurosis [In reply to]	Can't Post

Don't sweat it, esined.
I wouldn't change your SOP, either.
You rock for narrating your life in 3rd person, even when you were little.
I think you're overthinking this.
And for the record, I hope you're still narrating your life inside your head.
I am.

Good luck!

Rambler

Mar 4, 2008, 11:42 PM

Post #1013 of 1172 (3952 views)
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Re: [richardkae] post-application neurosis [In reply to]	Can't Post

Richard,

Congrads on the SUIC waitlist. I, too, applied to Southern IL. Haven't seen any happy news in the mailbox, but I live in SC, and am hoping it is en route. When you called the school to find out about the waitlist, did you talk to the coordinator? She is amazingly efficient and happy, from my limited experience dealing with her regarding GRE stuff, etc. What did you say to find out you were on the waitlist? Also, do you know what number you are? If you'd rather pm me, that's cool.

thanks,
Rambler

RaoulDuke
Cobra Cobachi

Mar 5, 2008, 12:31 AM

Post #1014 of 1172 (3924 views)
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Re: [Rambler] post-application neurosis [In reply to]	Can't Post

Rambler-

I was a bit nervous at the time so my recollection is a bit fuzzy, but I called the graduate office first because it was the only number I could find (without calling Allison Joseph directly). Then I was transfered to the graduate office in English and spoke with who I think is a secretary, and asked about the admission status of my application. She asked my name and it turns out my file was right on top (which I hope is a good thing but who the hell knows). She started out making it sound like I was rejected but suddenly sounded optimistic when she explained that I had made the waitlist. I asked her what the meant as far as my chances to ultimately being admitted, but she was new to the process and had no useful information on the waitlist procedure.

When I receive the notification via mail I plan on calling again to get more details, but because the official notification hasn't been sent out yet I feel a bit pesty. I am dying to know what spot I am though, and it is a nerve wracking experience.

As far as Allison Joseph goes (if that is who you mean) she has been incredibly upbeat and helpful with me as well. It really says a lot about the program. As a matter of fact it's my number one choice in regards to the number of positive factors (i.e funding, proximity to loved ones, quality of the staff, size of the program, etc.) and so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the next month and half or so.

BTW: I emailed Allison on Sunday evening regarding a timetable for decisions and she said that they would be mailed in the next 3 weeks.

Good luck! I hope this helps. In other words I wouldn't be too worried if you have yet to be notified.

Richard

esined

Mar 5, 2008, 8:46 AM

Post #1015 of 1172 (3861 views)
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Re: [Rambler] post-application neurosis [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks, Rambler and richardkae. I am prone to this type of dissecting of situations and I think you're right, I might be overthinking. I think I need to stay away from the Speakeasy for awhile. It makes me obsess too much!

raynold

Nov 27, 2009, 7:28 AM

Post #1016 of 1172 (3530 views)
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Unpublished [In reply to]	Can't Post

My question, simply:

How many of the accepted applicants to well-reputed MFA programs are published?

Actually, I guess my question is:

I've never been published, but only sent out stuff to three or four small journals in my undergrad years. Does this make me effectively doomed when it comes to getting into big name MFA programs?

__________

Nov 27, 2009, 9:19 AM

Post #1017 of 1172 (3520 views)
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Re: [raynold] Unpublished [In reply to]	Can't Post

No. The quality of your writing is what matters. (And at some programs, a glowing rec from that big time author your uncle knows might help, but maybe just barely, or in a tie-breaker situation, who knows).

The majority of MFA applicants (and acceptees) are unpublished. The one exception might be Iowa. A disproportionate amount of their acceptees have a pub or two, but it's the quality of the writing, not the publications, that gets them in.

six five four three two one 0 ->

WanderingTree

Nov 27, 2009, 11:51 AM

Post #1018 of 1172 (3499 views)
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Re: [raynold] Unpublished [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree. It's your writing sample that counts. It's great if you have publications, but it's not a requirement by any means. You're in the program to figure yourself out. Do people that get into top programs have pubs? Sure, some do (I think hopperfu even won an O.henry with one of his application stories). But I'd wager just as many people don't have pubs and some might not ever publish. I read an interview a while back where program directors were asked how many of their students go on to publish after graduation. Some programs said that up to 90% would not publish while some top and middle tiers said that only 50% would publish. Remember, MFA programs attract people of all levels of experience from practically just starting out to already having an agent. Don't worry about where other people are. Worry about your own writing.

kbritten

Dec 7, 2009, 3:20 PM

Post #1019 of 1172 (3222 views)
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Re: [HopperFu] the application annotation [In reply to]	Can't Post

HopperFu suggested heavy drinking, but since that's not for me, I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to remain stress free during this process. I knocked my list down to 10, and I'm really feeling overwhelmed. Something new keeps coming up - whether it's reading the website incorrectly and realizing that I do have to send GRE scores to _____ school, or realizing that I have to send transcripts from school #1 and not just school #2 that I graduated from (even though those grades are on the friggin transcript for school #2!), or stupid statements of purpose and personal statements and teaching statements and blah, blah, blah. Thank God I have all of my recs in! What are you guys doing to relax, because this is taking a lot of my energy...

ericweinstein
Eric Weinstein

Dec 7, 2009, 3:26 PM

Post #1020 of 1172 (3218 views)
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Re: [kbritten] the application annotation [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm buying a new pair of running shoes with my next paycheck. My advice is to figure out some kind of physical activity to get your mind off your application once it's done�running, going to the gym, yoga, whatever. Even if you don't get in anywhere, you'll at least be in great shape. (And there's always next year.)

Hans Landa: You'll be shot for this!
Aldo Raine: Nah, I don't think so. More like chewed out. I've been chewed out before.

Zuleika Dobson

Dec 8, 2009, 4:00 PM

Post #1021 of 1172 (3125 views)
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Re: [kbritten] the application annotation [In reply to]	Can't Post

Keep this absurd little movie in the background.

"Every spectator is a coward or a traitor."

ericweinstein
Eric Weinstein

Dec 8, 2009, 8:07 PM

Post #1022 of 1172 (3079 views)
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Re: [WanderingTree] Unpublished [In reply to]	Can't Post

Re: publications�a couple of the poems I included in my application MS have been picked up by well-known journals, and I'm wondering whether 1.) the schools to which I've applied would care about this, and 2.) if so, how I would go about sending addenda to said schools. My theory is that the work will stand on its own and if the selection committees don't like it, my telling them that XYZ Quarterly loved it won't change their minds, but I'd love some insight/thoughts on this.

Hans Landa: You'll be shot for this!
Aldo Raine: Nah, I don't think so. More like chewed out. I've been chewed out before.

taraberyl

Dec 8, 2009, 8:48 PM

Post #1023 of 1172 (3063 views)
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Re: [ericweinstein] Unpublished [In reply to]	Can't Post

i think this is something a lot of people mention in their SOP.

if you've already sent out your apps, why not send along a cv/resume with this publishing history? i think even if a school doesn't request a cv/resume that you can include one (i think!).

and yes, i agree with what you say - that the work has to stand on its own - but even admissions committees are human and knowing that journals and editors have liked your stuff can serve to strengthen their already positive impression of your portfolio.

ericweinstein
Eric Weinstein

Dec 8, 2009, 9:35 PM

Post #1024 of 1172 (3045 views)
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Re: [taraberyl] Unpublished [In reply to]	Can't Post

The poems were only just accepted and I sent out most of my apps a few weeks ago, so it's really (to me) a question of whether I send an updated CV/publication history or not. Maybe shoot an e-mail to the individual program coordinators/administrators and see what they say?

Hans Landa: You'll be shot for this!
Aldo Raine: Nah, I don't think so. More like chewed out. I've been chewed out before.

Zuleika Dobson

Dec 8, 2009, 9:53 PM

Post #1025 of 1172 (3037 views)
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Re: [taraberyl] Unpublished [In reply to]	Can't Post

What do you guys think about mentioning other achievements in the resume or elsewhere in the app--things like Division I athletics or winning international competitions in non-literary endeavors? Would it help or hinder?

"Every spectator is a coward or a traitor."

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