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edwriter

Nov 1, 2004, 10:18 PM

Post #26 of 184 (5086 views)
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Re: [kimsrogers] Any recommendations for low-res, non-fiction program? [In reply to]	Can't Post

There are now more than 20 low-res programs (I've developed a directory that I seem to need to update pretty frequently for my resource guide, "The Practicing Writer's Primer on Low-Residency MFA Programs") but not all of them offer creative non-fiction. On the other hand, there is one program, at Goucher College, that is exclusively focused on creative non-fiction.

As for program "personalities," I think this is something very hard to gauge, and often something that varies depending on the eyes (or experience) of the individual who is reporting on the program--who may of course perceive things very differently than you would. It can also change quite easily depending on the program population at any given time.

It may be more useful to consider, as has already been suggested, some other things: location, for one, or other features (some programs may offer more attractive financial aid packages and possibilities than others, some may offer publishing or other professional development opportunities, etc.).

Hope this helps! Good luck!

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

ceb

Dec 31, 2004, 3:34 PM

Post #27 of 184 (5187 views)
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What's the deal with Goddard? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Is anyone else out there struggling with the Goddard application? They want a 3-6 pp single spaced (!) essay that covers the waterfront and then some in terms of subject matter. Plus four other pieces, including a proposed study plan (I don't even get what that is) , a statement of my focus and goals, blah dee blah, a bibliography, on and on. I mean -- good lord, I feel like they should give me the degree just for completing this application.

Can't they decide based on a story and an essay, like everybody else?

I am thinking of not applying there because I can't deal. Has anyone else struggled with this? Anyone go there and love love love it? Is the program worth the hassle of getting in? Or is the application a harbinger of things to come if I go there?

thanks for any feedback.
--Cary

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Dec 31, 2004, 3:48 PM

Post #28 of 184 (5185 views)
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Re: [ceb] What's the deal with Goddard? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I graduated from Goddard, and the stuff they ask for makes sense. The study plan, for example: you have to design your own course of study, and if you can't do that you don't belong there. They will also use the study plan to assign you to an advisor for your first term, trying to match you up with someone who will be good for you.

(A study plan is just what it sounds like: a plan of what you want and need to study during your MFA. You have to look over your writing and see what it needs, and look at your career and see what that needs, and figure out what you want to do to fill those needs. Eventually you'll have some guidance in revising the plan, but it's a good idea to have some basic ideas when you start.)

The program has a number of requirements (teaching practicum and essay, two short critical papers and one long one, lots of reading), but is not bureaucratic. I suspect Paul (the lead faculty) wants to filter out some of those folks who come for one semester (or one residency, or part of one) and realize that a self-disciplined course isn't for them.

And, for what it's worth, I did love it and I did learn a tremendous amount about writing and teaching writing.

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/

ceb

Jan 1, 2005, 2:36 PM

Post #29 of 184 (5164 views)
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Re: [pongo] What's the deal with Goddard? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey thanks -- that helps. Glad you ha a good experience there.
--Cary

willbell
Will

Mar 4, 2005, 2:38 PM

Post #30 of 184 (5807 views)
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Re: [eriksmetana] LR-MFA programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here are a few more:
Stonecoast (University of Southern Maine)
Spalding
Lesley (Cambridge/Boston)
University of British Columbia (Vancouver)
Univerity of New Orleans
Pacific
Queens University of Charlotte

Take a look at the ads in Poets & Writers...

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 5, 2005, 10:19 AM)

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Mar 4, 2005, 2:39 PM

Post #31 of 184 (5806 views)
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Re: [eriksmetana] LR-MFA programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Stonecoast and Suffolk. (I think I've got both names right.)

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/

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 5, 2005, 10:19 AM)

eriksmetana

Mar 4, 2005, 2:59 PM

Post #32 of 184 (5729 views)
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Re: [pongo] LR-MFA programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Okay, here is what I have so far:

1) Farleigh Dickinson University
2) Warren Wilson College (N. Carolina)
3) Goddard College (Vermont, Ranked in US News)
4) Antioch University (Los Angeles)
5) Queens University of Charlotte (N. Carolina)
6) Bennington College (Vermont, Ranked in US News)
7) Vermont College (Vermont)
8) University of New Orleans
9) Lesley University (Boston/Cambridge)
10) Murray State University (Kentucky)
11) University of Southern Maine at Stonecoast
12) Seattle Pacific University
13) Pacific Lutheran University
14) Western Connecticut State University
15) University of Nebraska - Omaha
16) Spalding University
17) University of British Columbia

There may be more...

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 5, 2005, 10:20 AM)

willbell
Will

Mar 4, 2005, 3:06 PM

Post #33 of 184 (5726 views)
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Re: [eriksmetana] LR-MFA programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

One note: Warren Wilson was also ranked in US News (#20). The last US News Creative Writing ranking that I saw was a couple years old. I would say that Warren Wilson is top 5 these days.

Vermont was ranked too...sorry.

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 5, 2005, 10:20 AM)

eriksmetana

Mar 4, 2005, 3:29 PM

Post #34 of 184 (5721 views)
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Re: [willbell] LR-MFA programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

You are correct...here are the most recent rankings (2003, same rankings as 1997) along with some other "In Res" programs as well as a running tally of all the "Low Res" programs that come to mind. The list follows this format:

School, US News Score, Residency Type

University of Iowa 4.5 In Res
Johns Hopkins University (MD) 4.2 In Res
University of Houston 4.2 In Res
Columbia University (NY) 4.1 In Res
University of Virginia 4.1 In Res
New York University 4 In Res
University of California-Irvine 4 In Res
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 4 In Res
University of Arizona 3.9 In Res
Boston University 3.8 In Res
Cornell University (NY) 3.8 In Res
University of Massachusetts-Amherst 3.8 In Res
University of Montana 3.8 In Res
University of Washington 3.8 In Res
Washington University (MO) 3.8 In Res
Brown University (RI) 3.7 In Res
Indiana University-Bloomington 3.7 In Res
University of Arkansas 3.7 In Res
University of Utah 3.7 In Res
Arizona State University 3.6 In Res
Emerson College (MA) 3.6 In Res
George Mason University (VA) 3.6 In Res
Hollins College (VA) 3.6 In Res
Sarah Lawrence College (NY) 3.6 In Res
Syracuse University (NY) 3.6 In Res
University of Florida 3.6 In Res
University of Maryland-College Park 3.6 In Res
University of Pittsburgh 3.6 In Res
Warren Wilson College (NC) 3.6 Low Res
University of California-Davis 3.5 In Res
University of Southern Mississippi 3.5 In Res
University of Texas-Austin 3.5 In Res
Iowa State University 3.4 In Res
University of Missouri-Columbia 3.4 In Res
University of Oregon 3.4 In Res
University of Southern California 3.4 In Res
Bennington College (VT) 3.3 Low Res
CUNY-City College of New York 3.3 In Res
Florida State University 3.3 In Res
Ohio State University 3.3 In Res
Ohio University 3.3 In Res
Penn State University-University Park 3.3 In Res
University of Alabama 3.3 In Res
University of Denver 3.3 In Res
University of North Carolina-Greensboro 3.3 In Res
San Francisco State University 3.2 In Res
University of Cincinnati 3.2 In Res
University of New Hampshire 3.2 In Res
Western Michigan University 3.2 In Res
American University (DC) 3.1 In Res
Colorado State University 3.1 In Res
Eastern Washington University 3.1 In Res
Georgia State University 3.1 In Res
New Mexico State University 3.1 In Res
Saint Mary's College of California 3.1 In Res
San Diego State University 3.1 In Res
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 3.1 In Res
Temple University (PA) 3.1 In Res
University of Colorado-Boulder 3.1 In Res
Virginia Commonwealth University 3.1 In Res
Wichita State University (KS) 3.1 In Res
Brooklyn College (NY) 3 In Res
California State University-Fresno 3 In Res
Mills College (CA) 3 In Res
Purdue University-West Lafayette (IN) 3 In Res
SUNY-Albany 3 In Res
University of Georgia 3 In Res
University of Hawaii-Mano 3 In Res
University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign 3 In Res
University of Minnesota 3 In Res
Vermont College of Norwich University 3 Low Res
Binghamton University (NY) 2.9 In Res
Bowling Green State University (OH) 2.9 In Res
Cleveland State University 2.9 In Res
Kansas State University 2.9 In Res
Michigan State University 2.9 In Res
Old Dominion University (VA) 2.9 In Res
University of Alaska-Fairbanks 2.9 In Res
University of Illinois-Chicago 2.9 In Res
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2.9 In Res
University of New Mexico 2.9 In Res
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2.9 In Res
Goddard College (VT) 2.8 Low Res
Miami University (OH) 2.8 In Res
New College of California 2.8 In Res
Oklahoma State University 2.8 In Res
Rutgers (NJ) 2.8 In Res S
chool of the Art Institute of Chicago 2.8 In Res
University of Kansas 2.8 In Res
University of Miami 2.8 In Res
University of Missouri-Kansas City 2.8 In Res
University of Notre Dame (IN) 2.8 In Res
University of San Francisco 2.8 In Res
University of South Carolina-Columbia 2.8 In Res
Lindenwood University (MO) N/A In Res
University of Missouri-St. Louis N/A In Res
Queens University of Charlotte (NC) N/A Low Res
Antioch University (Los Angeles) N/A Low Res
Farleigh Dickinson University N/A Low Res
University of New Orleans N/A Low Res
Lesley University (Boston/Cambridge) N/A Low Res
Murray State University (Kentucky) N/A Low Res
University of Southern Maine (Stonecoast) N/A Low Res
Seattle Pacific University N/A Low Res
Pacific Lutheran University N/A Low Res
Western Connecticut State University N/A Low Res University of Nebraska-Omaha N/A Low Res
Spalding University N/A Low Res

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 5, 2005, 10:20 AM)

wiswriter
Bob S.

Mar 4, 2005, 3:58 PM

Post #35 of 184 (5711 views)
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Re: [eriksmetana] LR-MFA programs [In reply to]	Can't Post

U. of Nebraska has a new one. Same with Wilkes in Pennsylvania. Then there's Pacific U. in Oregon, which isn't Pacific Lutheran or Seattle Pacific. The Whidbey Island Writers Workshop near Seattle is doing a low-res MFA not affiliated with a university but authorized by a state educational board. A bunch of colleges in Ohio are collaborating on one - Akron and Cleveland State and a couple of others.

That US News ranking is so old we may all get moths in our computers from accessing it. And a lot of people would say it was wacko when it was new. But it's OK as sort of a general list of some decent programs. There were only three low-res programs in existence when that list was done, and Bennington's was only two years old. Warren Wilson at 20 and Vermont College in the 60s are both laughable.

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 5, 2005, 10:21 AM)

amarier

Sep 12, 2005, 9:28 AM

Post #36 of 184 (5942 views)
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Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

First of all, let me say that I know the posts about the low-res programs are in that other very, very long thread.
What I'm curious about is other people, like me, who are going to apply to low-res programs (or have already) because circumstances didn't allow for a full time program. I live an hour north of NYC and the thought of commuting everyday (or every other day, what have you) does not appeal to me at all. The schools closer to me that have MFA's (Sarah Lawrence, not all that much closer, and Purchase, Manhattanville, wrong train line) aren't what I'm looking for. (Brooklyn, Long Island are even further away)
I can't move anywhere else because my husband works in the city, and I'd rather, of course, live with him than away for two years!
So I'm going the low-res route. I often think that even if I had the option to chose low-res or full time, I would still probably chose a low-res program. So many things about them appeal to me, seem right for me. But I catch myself thinking sometimes that I would go to Iowa or Oregon or wherever if I knew I could move there, with my husband (which isn't going to happen, not because he isn't supportive, because he is the most supportive of me; in a nutshell, he has a very good job).
I'm going to apply to Warren Wilson, Vermont College and Bennington definitely; still thinking about others.

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Sep 12, 2005, 9:53 AM

Post #37 of 184 (5936 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I was in pretty similar circumstances -- about an hour north of NYC, wife with a job in the city, and so on. I went to Goddard for my MFA. What, exactly, is your question?

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/

willbell
Will

Sep 12, 2005, 10:09 AM

Post #38 of 184 (5936 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in a similar situation. My life and family is rooted in upstate NY...I didn't really have the option to relocate and enroll in a full-res program, but I would've chosen a low-res even if given the option. Currently, I'm in my first semester at Goddard. I have nothing but praises for the program, my advisor, and the low-res structure. I just finished my third packet and I can clearly see the improvement in my writing (and in my writing process). The student/mentor design works well...I believe it works better than the studio structure and will be more beneficial to me in the long run. Anyway, good luck in your search and application process. If interested, Goddard recently began to offer a program on the West Coast too (with Centrum). Best.

darredet
Darren A. Deth

Sep 12, 2005, 10:59 AM

Post #39 of 184 (5932 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm in the same boat. My wife is a teacher and has been in the same school district for fifteen years. Plus our two children are in good school. The logical choice for me was a low-res program.

I will be starting my first residency at Vermont College this December. If you have any questions about the program, I'll share what I know already, and what I learn when I get there.

Darren

amarier

Sep 12, 2005, 1:29 PM

Post #40 of 184 (5922 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

David-
I guess I don't really have a question, I just wanted to hear from other people who could only go to a low-res program.

I would like to hear all about everyone else's experiences at their low-res programs. I'm also going to go through that one thread and read all about the programs there, but I think I have to set aside a good two weeks to do that.
I've only ever met one person in a low-res program; she went to Warren Wilson and loved it.

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Sep 12, 2005, 1:38 PM

Post #41 of 184 (5919 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've written at length in the other thread about my experiences at Goddard.

For the first year I was a full-time student, and much preferred that, but for the second year I had little trouble in maintaining a part-time job (25 hours a week) and keeping up with the MFA work. The household just had to know when I could be interrupted and when I couldn't, so I had guaranteed hours of work and concentration at home.

(Where in New York are you? I was in Cold Spring.)

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/

elli
Ellen Meeropol

Sep 12, 2005, 6:15 PM

Post #42 of 184 (5904 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I suppose I could have applied to a regular program - there's a well-respected one close by - but I liked the idea of low-residency and really needed to keep working. I liked the idea of writing essentially on my own during the semester, but with the regular feedback of a faculty mentor. I love the residencies - not everyone does; they are incredibly intense. Low-residency was the right choice for me.

I'm in my last semester at Stonecoast, at the University of Southern Maine. It has been wonderful - the faculty, the residencies, and the other students. These programs create a community that both nurtures and challenges, and it really works. For me, anyway.

Good luck, amarier, in deciding how to move forward.

Ellen

www.ellenmeeropol.com

amarier

Sep 13, 2005, 3:35 PM

Post #43 of 184 (5882 views)
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Re: [elli] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

David- Well I'm in Tarrytown now (actually, the south of France by tonight!), but probably moving much further north in Westchester, or maybe into Connecticut, soon.

And I thought of a question- perhaps it belongs in the other low-res thread- but since there's this one, I'll ask here...

I'm sure it depends on the writer and how good the writing samples are, but when applying to low-res programs, how many have you applied to and how many have you gotten into ('you' being whoever decides to reply to this). If your writing samples are strong, and you apply to, say, six schools, is there fair reason to believe you'll get into half of them? Are they much more or less competetive than full residency programs? sorry for such broad questions.

willbell
Will

Sep 13, 2005, 3:54 PM

Post #44 of 184 (5876 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I applied to 4 and got into 2.

The programs you listed in your first post (Warren Wilson, Bennington) are extremely competitive.

The low-res thread was a great help to me when I was applying....esp. in gaging my changes and estimating a response time.

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Sep 13, 2005, 5:13 PM

Post #45 of 184 (5869 views)
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Re: [willbell] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I applied to one and got into one.

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/

darredet
Darren A. Deth

Sep 13, 2005, 5:49 PM

Post #46 of 184 (5866 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I applied to two and got into both.

Darren

jdelargy

Oct 15, 2005, 10:26 PM

Post #47 of 184 (5474 views)
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Bennington - entering nonfiction writers (2006) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi,

I was accepted into the low residency MFA program at Bennington. I would like to get in touch with
anyone who will be starting in January, 2006, in nonfiction.

If anyone has any recent experience, that would be welcome also.

Thanks,

jeff

ElRi

Oct 18, 2005, 2:16 PM

Post #48 of 184 (5788 views)
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Re: [amarier] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

Does anyone have any opinions regarding the low res program at Fairleigh Dickinson University? I haven't seen much mention of the program on the boards recently.

rooblue

Oct 18, 2005, 2:54 PM

Post #49 of 184 (5785 views)
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Re: [ElRi] Low-Residency MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I know of someone who started there and didn't finish. But that's just one person, and a program should not be judged by just one person's experience.

sarandipidy

Oct 24, 2005, 2:24 PM

Post #50 of 184 (5749 views)
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low-residency programs (goddard, ww) [In reply to]	Can't Post

hi everyone,

i am interested in doing low-residency MFAs at goddard, bennington or warren wilson. i realize that these programs are very competitive but they are really what i'm looking for i think. i was wondering if anyone who had graduated from one of these three programs (i remember ponog had done goddard) could maybe talk with me through email about them, and possibly look at a couple poems to let me know if i should even bother (based on what their fellow graduates were writing, i mean). please respond to this post if you can.

thank you

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