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clarabow

Apr 8, 2006, 3:30 PM

Post #126 of 793 (4831 views)
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Re: [augustmaria] PhD programs in Creative Writing - Debating Between Two [In reply to]	Can't Post

Do you know anything about the whole multicult/etc issue at Indiana discussed on this thread, AM?

I'm so glad I'll be bobbing on the blue waters next fall...these threads have made me feel like I've already gone to grad school and burned myself out!

augustmaria

Apr 8, 2006, 3:40 PM

Post #127 of 793 (4824 views)
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Re: [clarabow] PhD programs in Creative Writing - Debating Between Two [In reply to]	Can't Post

Honestly, I'm not digging all the speculation about Indiana. I'm opting to stay quiet from now on.

HopperFu

Apr 8, 2006, 4:15 PM

Post #128 of 793 (4810 views)
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Re: [clarabow] Indiana speculation [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Do you know anything about the whole multicult/etc issue at Indiana discussed on this thread, AM?

Well, from my seat, it seems mostly like speculation based on a few 'graphs in the brochure or on the website or something, and gossip of the "friend of my brother's ex-girlfriend's hairdresser's lawnservice dude" type. I have no vested interest in Indiana, and know pretty much nothing about it (though it was on my original long list of schools to apply to), but we have yet to hear - that I know of - from anybody who has actually gone to Indiana. I think that's a really important thing to remember. There are posters here who have said, "this is what I think about my progam," and that is really appreciated (Mike Ingram has been great about Iowa info), but I would be really wary about information that isn't particularly first hand, or, for that matter, even second hand a lot of the time. What I do know about Indiana is that it has a well-respected lit mag, good funding, and it is a three year program. I have heard mixed things from people who have lived in Bloomington (some loved it, some hated it). I spent a little bit of time with a prof from Indiana (not MFA) last summer, and she had good things to say about the program. Again though, at this point you may really want to get some information directly from students at the program. The program should be able to connect you with current students, and if you want, with recent alumni.

tammay

Apr 10, 2006, 4:31 PM

Post #129 of 793 (4694 views)
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PhD program - accepted Univ of South Dakota [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well, after much digging and much stress, I accepted Univ of South Dakota this weekend. I went back to looking at the four top issues with weighing CW programs (funding, teaching, location, faculty - in that order) and USD seemed to win out on all of them. I just think it'll be a better fit. I'm very happy with my decision but still a bit nervous. One of the current students I emailed mentioned that there isn't a push to publish the students - that is, if you ask for help, they'll gladly give it, but no one is going to scrawl on your papers "You should send it to the following publications" (which is what one of the CW faculty at TTU is now doing for a class I'm taking with her). I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, though - it'll push me to take the initiative and ask for help.

This guy also mentioned that some of the faculty members were not encouraging of "experimental" writing. Not too sure what that means and what they would consider "experimental" but I don't write experimental fiction (I don't consider it, at least) and I've read the faculty's fiction and the kind of fiction their students publish in the South Dakota Review and it didn't seem very conservative to me.

However, I'm still glad I accepted and now it's just a matter of finding the right winter clothes (and living in Texas, that's gonna be tough... :D)

Tam

clarabow

Apr 10, 2006, 4:43 PM

Post #130 of 793 (4684 views)
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Re: [tammay] PhD program - accepted Univ of South Dakota [In reply to]	Can't Post

Congrats! Congrats! Congrats, Tammay! I'm so happy for you. Just think how great it will be for your writing to be in a new environment! Yay! It's a good school.

jennymck

Apr 12, 2006, 3:23 PM

Post #131 of 793 (4539 views)
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Re: [cantonioni] Decision making process... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks to everyone who responded to my query about deciding between expensive Sarah Lawrence or waiting a year -- I really appreciated all the thoughtful responses. I also have some good news! I got an email today and it looks like I'm getting off the waitlist and into University of Arizona. I can hardly believe it!

bighark

Apr 12, 2006, 3:31 PM

Post #132 of 793 (4530 views)
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Re: [jennymck] Decision making process... [In reply to]	Can't Post

What wonderful news! Congratulations.

jennymck

Apr 13, 2006, 12:53 AM

Post #133 of 793 (4425 views)
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Re: [bighark] Decision making process... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thank you!

vitadimanche

Apr 13, 2006, 7:30 AM

Post #134 of 793 (4398 views)
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Florida State [In reply to]	Can't Post

I returned yesterday from a visit to Florida State University. When I went down there, I was telling everyone I was 98.5% certain I'd go to Columbia (this is for a Poetry MFA), but I was trying to keep an open mind. They're such different programs; one would pay me (FSU) and one would put me about $100,000 in debt.

I expected to go down to Tallahassee and look at the program and visit and meet people and realize that it's not the right place for me, that it's just not a good fit. That way I didn't have to feel guilty about turning down all that money.

Well, I ended up absolutely loving it and I sent Columbia my rejection of their acceptance today. Everyone was so amazing and generous and kind with me. I even got to go out to a bar with the professor I hope to have as my advisor! They were really wooing me and every bit of the visit was a positive experience.

It's incredible what a relief it is to have that part of the process finished. Now I just need to find an apartment and pack up my shit, because I have to be down there by June 26!

Anyone else headed to FSU?

greenrose

Apr 14, 2006, 12:19 AM

Post #135 of 793 (4296 views)
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Re: [vitadimanche] Florida State [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wonderful speakeasy folks, do help! I was just accepted off the waitlist at Michigan, full funding, (poetry) tonight, and I had already almost made my decision to go to University of Florida, so my head is reeling. I feel a major pull towards Florida, I like their faculty better, but wonder if I'm crazy to turn down a bigtime program like Michigan, with all that funding...I have less than 24 hours to decide, and I have to work tomorrow, so I'm kind of needing any input anyone has to give. I should add that I've been courted by Florida for weeks, and love their sense of community, plus I visited Gainesville and liked it. And I haven't had a chance to even talk to students or faculty at Michigan, but I'm not going to be able to now. Thoughts?

sovietsleepover

Apr 14, 2006, 1:03 AM

Post #136 of 793 (4283 views)
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Re: [greenrose] Florida State [In reply to]	Can't Post

I can't offer any first hand experience, but I've heard vastly differing views about Michigan--some of the faculty is quite old and maybe a bit more set in their ways (I hear they'll have a couple new poetry hires in the next few years, but maybe not soon enough to affect you). Still, they do have a few younger poets--and more than Florida, if that counts for anything.

Also, the teaching load at Michigan is much easier--graderships your first year (right?), one comp class your second, & one creative writing class your last semester, whereas I think at Florida you teach one class your first semester, without any pedagogical training, and two classes in the spring--hard work, perhaps? Michigan's funding is indisputably better, but the direly cold weather may not make up for the extra money.

I'd say go with your gut, if you even can on this short notice. For what it's worth, I got into both programs last year, and was told by Florida that if Michigan accepted me (I hadn't heard from them yet), Florida would possibly up my funding. You might very delicately broach that you've gotten a last-minute offer from Michigan and that you're having a hard time deciding so suddenly.

I'm sorry you have such a hard decision to make at the last minute. At least know that whatever you decide, you'll be ending up at a fantastic program either way.

franz

Apr 14, 2006, 1:11 AM

Post #137 of 793 (4281 views)
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Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just my personal opinion but I would take Michigan hands down. Great funding, great faculty... my step-mother teaches at UM (different dep't.) and she says that they really take care of their students in the writing department. Plus Ann Arbor is a nice town and not really that cold-- just snowy.

Franz Knupfer, author of short stories and novels

greenrose

Apr 14, 2006, 1:20 AM

Post #138 of 793 (4276 views)
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Re: [franz] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

I hear you, Franz. Only thing is, I think Michigan's fiction faculty is very strong, but I'm going for poetry, and for my personal desires, Florida's faculty wins by a landslide. But the funding. Oh the funding. :)

Clench Million
Charles

Apr 14, 2006, 2:23 AM

Post #139 of 793 (4267 views)
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Re: [greenrose] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

EDIT: Whoops, I thought the poster said FSU, not the University of Florida.
My comments don't apply.

(This post was edited by Clench Million on Apr 14, 2006, 2:58 AM)

sarandipidy

Apr 14, 2006, 2:38 AM

Post #140 of 793 (4261 views)
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Re: [Clench Million] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

Right. Poetry and fiction faculties are very different. Some programs are stronger than others in either genre; just because a program is 'prestigious' doesn't mean that they have the best faculty in both of them. Plus, it is a matter of personal preference; the OP says she prefers the faculty at Florida! Why argue with her?

I would PROBABLY choose UMich for the funding, even if the faculty didn't impress me as much as any school. Even with the freezing cold (yes, Ann Arbor is cold! Not serious cold, but pretty damn cold), and I absolutely hate cold weather. But if my heart was actually set in FL...I don't know...it's hard to just choose a program for its reputation, especially when one that Clench and other people find "lesser" actually seems better for you as an individual writer.

I'd think about any debt you would incur as a result of FL and whether it would be worth it to turn down Michigan's funding, because that's what it comes down to. Not "fame" but "fortune"--are you going to regret having debt?

greenrose

Apr 14, 2006, 2:44 AM

Post #141 of 793 (4259 views)
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Re: [Clench Million] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh no, Padgett Powell is their director (or was, Jill Ciment is taking over soon I believe) and he's a very respected, well-published writer, as are all the faculty there. Anyway, I'm in for poetry, and the best programs for fiction are not always the best programs for poetry, which gets lost in these discussions I think. If I was a fiction writer, Michigan would be hard to beat, because yeah, there are some major names there, and yeah, as a fiction writer, you can actually sell books and make a living that way....which, frankly is never, ever the case for a poet, no matter how successful.

Oh well. It just sucks to have to make this decision in about ten hours. Even when I think I know my gut, I'd like to have time to listen to it a little more...after all, I am a writer, I specialize in brooding, right? :)

Clench Million
Charles

Apr 14, 2006, 2:56 AM

Post #142 of 793 (4256 views)
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Re: [sarandipidy] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

But does greenrose feel that Florida is better for him/her? I got hte impression she hadn't been thinking or investigating until it popped in his/her lap. Anyway I was just saying what I'd think in his/her position.

however, I just realized I was talking about FSU, not UofF. So you should disregard my comments on the program.

franz

Apr 14, 2006, 12:31 PM

Post #143 of 793 (4186 views)
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Re: [greenrose] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

It sounds like your gut is saying Florida. I think that's important and it's certainly not worth it to get in a debate over which school is better. I don't know as much about poetry so can't really compare the faculty at the two schools. However, going back to your comment about poets not making money, etc., that's the advantage of having comfortable funding. I'm under the impression that at Michigan you get funding your first year AND don't have to teach, giving you more time to write, then get to teach your second year. What kind of funding has Florida offered you? You can always give Florida a call and tell them what your situation is-- you really want to go to Florida but funding is important to you and you've gotten a full funding offer from elsewhere. Then you'll get a chance to see what kind of love Florida has for you-- because if they want you, they'll find a way to make sure you're funded. And if they say, well, we don't have the money, then it seems like UM is, at the very least, putting a bigger initial effort into you.
But trust your gut more than your head. As stressful as the decision is, what a great situation to be in, and good luck with where ever you decide to go. Honestly, us P&W people don't know what we're talking about-- only you do.

Franz Knupfer, author of short stories and novels

greenrose

Apr 14, 2006, 12:37 PM

Post #144 of 793 (4185 views)
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Re: [franz] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks everyone for your feedback--I'm going with Florida, and I'm very happy to do so! Franz, the thing about Florida is, they fund all their students equally, which I like. And it's not shabby funding either, just not as impressive as Michigan's. In the end, I think my writing will improve the most there, and that's what I'm going with....thanks again everyone and congratulations on all your wonderful acceptances as well--very impressive year, all around, on the P&W boards :)

lavashlavash

Apr 14, 2006, 3:50 PM

Post #145 of 793 (4119 views)
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Re: [greenrose] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I had to turn down my offer from Florida--in fact, I had to turn down all of my offers due to some unexpected financial problems. Let me just tell you, though--nobody was as nice and warm and understanding as the people at Florida. David Leavitt is a great guy, and I'll definitely be applying to Florida again when I get my finances straight.

theapplepicker

Apr 14, 2006, 6:38 PM

Post #146 of 793 (4074 views)
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Re: [lavashlavash] Michigan vs. Florida [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh, man, Lavash! I'm so sorry.

Windiciti

Apr 17, 2006, 1:33 AM

Post #147 of 793 (3944 views)
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Re: [franz] Has Anybody Made a Final Decision? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have made the only decision I could make!
I just accepted--online--at Northwestern. Still waiting to hear about the state fellowship, but I am very happy and relieved the agonizing is over. I will be doing a teaching practicum at the college level, but only for one quarter. This is not tied to any funding, thank God! I also plan to take courses in two tracks: Fiction, mainly, and NF for magazine writing. My thesis will be a collection of short stories I've already begun, and if I am productive and "lucky" a good start to a novel?

Coincidentally, yesterday I got my first "subscriber" issue to P & W in the mail, and I saw the first ad (on p.81) I have ever seen in this mag or any other for the program I am going to attend.

Thank you all for your opinions, encouragement, and support! May you all attain some of the success you desire.
I'll still be lurking around, giving my opinions sometimes. So this is not goodbye but hasta la vista!
Ciao!

cbales

Apr 17, 2006, 2:33 PM

Post #148 of 793 (3865 views)
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Re: [Windiciti] Has Anybody Made a Final Decision? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Is anyone turning down Sarah Lawrence today? My boyfriend is in the top three for their wait-list (fiction), and was told they'd let him know by Wednesday...

I can't handle this vicarious anxiety!!! Oh, how I hope a few of you are turning down SL for other opportunities!

debernardi
jeff thorsby

May 4, 2006, 3:07 PM

Post #149 of 793 (3621 views)
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Re: [cbales] Has Anybody Made a Final Decision? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have accepted to Arizona in poetry, and am very excited.

jennymck

May 5, 2006, 3:01 AM

Post #150 of 793 (5475 views)
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Re: [debernardi] Has Anybody Made a Final Decision? [In reply to]	Can't Post

That's cool, I am considering accepting at AZ in nonfiction. Have you visited the program?

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