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hazelmotes

Nov 16, 2005, 5:16 PM

Post #1 of 154 (8761 views)
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Montana MFA Program	Can't Post

Does anyone here know about the Montana program? I've been planning on applying (it's pretty high ranked, and appears to be fairly well-funded) but I find that their application pages say almost nothing about the program, and talk almost solely about teaching fellowships. This makes me feel that their only focus is getting cheap creative writing teachers for their undergrads. I actually want to teach, but I'd like the time to write as well.

Anybody heard anything?

(This post was edited by motet on Mar 15, 2006, 8:46 AM)

the wind

Nov 18, 2005, 1:28 PM

Post #2 of 154 (8725 views)
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Re: [hazelmotes] Montana Program? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Hazel,

I was accepted there and was ready to go last year. If I was a little bit younger, I probably would have been up for the adventure. Everything sounded stimulating and challenging, plus I heard Missoula is beautiful and rent was cheap, relative to other places. I spoke with a number of returning students and incoming ones, and they sounded on top of things.
As for funding, I think only half of the students receive the teaching fellowship, but it was comprehensive, paying tuition and a stipend. On the UM website, there is an article (http://www2.umt.edu/comm/w99/writers.html) about the program from a local paper and it talks about the tradition of the program, how it's the oldest in the west I think.
I considered it a big-time acceptance and was flattered they took me. Kate Gadbow, the director, was nothing if not helpful and kind and answered all my questions by phone. Ultimately though, I decided to stay in southern California for the weather, the diversity, and my family.
Good luck to you, and love your name btw

the wind

hazelmotes

Nov 18, 2005, 1:37 PM

Post #3 of 154 (8721 views)
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Re: [the wind] Montana Program? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks, that helps a lot. You know, they are well-ranked and they have a great faculty, and I do love Montana, but I think they just have a bad website.

Thanks for the compliment on the name. I have this moniker on another site and nobody gets it. but here, I've been complimented a few times.

Where did you go in SoCal? Now I'm doubting my choices, but it's too late. I've already sent out my envelopes, etc... to my recommenders and I don't want to ask anything else from them. I live in CA, and keep thinking I should've applied to Irvine or Riverside or SOMETHING, but I live up north anyway, so the only school I applied to here was SF State.

the wind

Nov 18, 2005, 1:57 PM

Post #4 of 154 (8718 views)
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Re: [hazelmotes] Montana Program? [In reply to]	Can't Post

(Since you are a californian)
duuuuude, or dudette
read my post a little below on riverside, it is the bomb, and they have money for fellowships. i am there now and applied a little late and got in with tuition and stipend. depending on what you do and what you write, this place could be perfect for you. it is for me. i love our faculty. they are all award winners (big ones) but young, so less known, but i know their second books are going to be on fire and really invigorate the program. they are so smart and kind and talented and 4 of the 5 fiction writers are below 40 so we can kick it with them too.
it was fate i'm here cause i just happened to call, happened to have extra transcripts and letters of rec, re-printed my samples and statement, and BAM here i am. i also got into sf state, but there's no funding and no guarantee of finishing in 2 years. my friend and i relocated from the bay, and miss it, but LA has its own thing going on, very different, but cool (maybe too cool) nonetheless
good luck
enoch aka the wind

(This post was edited by the wind on Nov 18, 2005, 2:11 PM)

hazelmotes

Nov 18, 2005, 2:47 PM

Post #5 of 154 (8711 views)
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Re: [the wind] Montana Program? [In reply to]	Can't Post

1. Is your name really Enoch? Because that's wierd, what with the whole Hazel Motes thing.
2. I'm female
3. SFState is like $2k per year for in-state people. Which means I could practically pay out of pocket. But I've heard some bad things about it-- just that classes are hard to get into, etc.. It wasn't until recenlty on this board that I'd even heard of the program at Riverside (maybe from you?) and it sounds so great. But unless I can do it without asking my recommenders for anything else, I'm not going to. It's kind of down to the wire anyhow. Of the schools I'm applying to, the only ones I'd think of cutting are SFSU, and Michigan, but Michigan gives full funding to all of its students. I'll give riverside another gander, though. It sounds good. Thanks. Can you tell I'm totally stressed?

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Mar 14, 2006, 1:07 PM

Post #6 of 154 (8659 views)
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Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

So this is one of my prospective MFA programs!

Anyone know anything about it?

What about the style of writing done there?

I got interested in the program because Andrew Sean Greer graduated from Montana, and his Confessions of Max Tivoli was my favorite book last year.

Also because a short story I liked in the Best American series was written by J. Robert Lennon, another Montana graduate.

augustmaria

Mar 14, 2006, 2:22 PM

Post #7 of 154 (8641 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm accepted at Montana, as well! I'm assuming you're in for fiction, same as me.

I didn't know Andrew Sean Greer is a Montana grad. Oh man, The Confessions of Max Tivoli was so damn beautiful!

I actually applied to Montana mostly because of its location--I didn't know anything about the faculty, though I had a vague impression of its prestige. After I was accepted (I got an e-mail on March 1st, how about you?), I started looking into it more and I read a lot about Kevin Canty, who is now my number one reason why I want to go. His style writing is basically what I'm trying to accomplish, and his latest book is even based on (sort of) the same theme as my writing sample, which I'm currently turning into a novel. I so hope I get full funding, but I'm nervous about it because I'm only twenty-one and I feel as though they might not give me an assistantship because of my age? Probably a dumb fear. I dunno. But anyway! I'm so excited about Montana! I'm not sure about the overall style of writing done there, but Canty's is careful, beautiful minimalist prose with uncomfortable scenes that make the reader cringe--my most favorite sort of writing. :)

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Mar 14, 2006, 3:24 PM

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Re: [augustmaria] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

This is so exciting! It's great to meet someone else interested in the school.

I'm 22 years old, so I know what you mean about the age.

I guess you're still in undergrad? I just graduated last year.

Are you going to visit the school? I'm going early April. I've never been in that area before. It's a bit far for me, but distance is not an issue.

In terms of my style, I like to think of myself as a romantic. Confessions is almost exactly my style, except Greer is a bit more spare than I am. He uses a lighter brush. I like Nabokov, Steven Millhauser, writers like that. I get criticized for being too flowery all the time.

Im going to get something by Canty soon. Maybe Winslow in Love, or his short stories.

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Mar 22, 2006, 2:32 PM

Post #9 of 154 (8507 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Does anybody know what Missoula is like?

I heard it has the harshest winter in the US.

augustmaria

Mar 22, 2006, 2:45 PM

Post #10 of 154 (8502 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Harshest winters in the US? No way. I grew up in northern/central Maine and am currently going to school in the mountains of western Maine. Missoula's average temps and precipitation seem to be "better" than ours--higher temps, less snow. And Maine winters are, from my understanding, relatively "nothing" compared to Buffalo's or Michigan's. I wouldn't worry about the weather too much, but this is coming from a girl raised in the snow and ice, so take it for what it's worth.

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Mar 22, 2006, 7:13 PM

Post #11 of 154 (8462 views)
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Re: [augustmaria] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the response! This is very good to hear. I went to undergrad in the northeast, so I know all about harsh winters!!

I don't have a problem with them, just not anything too much worse than what I've known.

(This post was edited by rapunzel1983 on Mar 22, 2006, 10:32 PM)

augustmaria

Mar 22, 2006, 8:27 PM

Post #12 of 154 (8438 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just curious, since I'm going a little nutty waiting--have you received your letter yet? I was notified of my acceptance through e-mail and am still waiting for the post part of it to come. Also, have you heard anything on funding? If I get no funding, I can't go. :(

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Mar 22, 2006, 8:46 PM

Post #13 of 154 (8433 views)
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Re: [augustmaria] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I haven't received my letter yet either!!!!!!!!

I e-mailed Kate Gadbow the other day, and she told me that they should be arriving any day now. I noticed that some other students received rejections and acceptances via postal service.

This is so bizarre. I think I might e-mail the graduate school since it's not the department's fault.

I was called the other day, and I received a teaching assistantship.

Why don't you e-mail the professors and ask them where you stand in terms of funding? I don't think it's rude at all. You can mention how much you like the program and sort of subtly insinuate that funding is impt to you.

I really really hope you get to go! Then, at least I'll know someone (in this vague internet way) when I get there.

I'm going to visit next week.

augustmaria

Mar 22, 2006, 9:22 PM

Post #14 of 154 (8426 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I e-mailed...erm...someone (the secretary is, I think, the one who notified me) a couple weeks ago and asked about the letters and about funding. I was told that the letters would be coming in a couple weeks, i.e., now, and that funding decisions would be made mid-March. Congratulations on getting an assistantship! I want one, I need one, hopefully I will get one! I've become completely infatuated with the idea of working with Kevin Canty, so I'll be pretty heartbroken--not gonna lie--if it doesn't work out.

But! If it doesn't, something will work out next year. The stuff I'm writing now is ten times better what my writing sample consisted of, so I'm confident.

(This post was edited by augustmaria on Mar 22, 2006, 10:20 PM)

rocky_fona

Apr 4, 2006, 9:38 PM

Post #15 of 154 (8364 views)
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Re: [augustmaria] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Missoula is *not* that bad in the winter. It's kind of protected by the landscape.

And it's beautiful all year long.

Damn.

Looking back, if I could do everything over again, I'd have applied to study at Montana. Fiction. Amazing. Perfect western town, perfect college town, perfect place. Inexpensive. Progressive, artsy, funky...I miss it. Congrats to all you young studs who get to live there. I'm real jealous. Fantastic faculty, as well.

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Apr 10, 2006, 10:19 PM

Post #16 of 154 (8305 views)
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Re: [rocky_fona] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am sad about this...!! I was really really really ecstatic to hear from Montana. It was my first acceptance and in some ways, my first choice--I still have the answering machine message saved. I won't be able to attend, though, mostly because it's too far from the northeast for me. But I love the school and the region and the faculty so much. it just kills me to make this decision. for about 3 weeks, I was definitely going... and I built up a lot of loyalty to the school during that time.

but the good news is--if anybody is waiting for a teaching assistantship, hang in there!! or if you're on the waitlist.

I hope my decision will make someone else happy (I feel like I'm giving up my firstborn son for adoption).

__________

Apr 10, 2006, 10:34 PM

Post #17 of 154 (8300 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

That's too bad. Where have decided to go? I know you've been accepted to many great places...

six five four three two one 0 ->

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Apr 10, 2006, 10:48 PM

Post #18 of 154 (8295 views)
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Re: [Junior Maas] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm going to Notre Dame. In the end, it just came down to comfort level.

augustmaria

Apr 10, 2006, 11:06 PM

Post #19 of 154 (8288 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. :(

But you have given me hope with the assistantship! I'm going to hold off my other schools for a couple of days and hopefully hear good news from Montana (my first choice, once & always).

rapunzel1983
Marisa Lee

Apr 10, 2006, 11:27 PM

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Re: [augustmaria] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

It's okay--I am very happy about my offer at Notre Dame and can't wait to start life there. it's just greed that makes me want to hold on to everything! best wishes for you at Montana, augustmaria. I really think you have a chance with the TA, but I won't jinx.

sambrunel

Apr 10, 2006, 11:37 PM

Post #21 of 154 (8274 views)
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Re: [rapunzel1983] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Good luck, AM...I hope you get to go to you #1 choice. When do you find out about the assistantship? Did they tell you the latest you might find out?

jmmacleod
Jason Michael MacLeod

Jun 15, 2006, 9:22 AM

Post #22 of 154 (8184 views)
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Re: [sambrunel] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi, All. Just saw this thread. I'm a current Montana MFA student so if anyone has any specific questions, just let me know and I'd be happy to answer.

(Oh, about the weather--I've experienced worse winters in Iowa).

Jason Michael MacLeod

FinishTag

Dec 31, 2006, 12:47 AM

Post #23 of 154 (7973 views)
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Re: [Hamlet3145] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have a question about the Montana application: I paid $46 online when i completed the grad school application. The English website says I should send them a check for $45. Do I have to pay both of these?

Has anyone already asked the English Department this question, and I can avoid bothering them?

Thanks!

ecphraticknolls

Dec 31, 2006, 9:32 AM

Post #24 of 154 (7960 views)
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Re: [FinishTag] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

I hope not... let me know if you find out.

jmmacleod
Jason Michael MacLeod

Dec 31, 2006, 1:10 PM

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Re: [ecphraticknolls] Montana MFA (new post, because the other thread died) [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi There. You just pay the fee to the grad school. Good luck!

Jason Michael MacLeod

(This post was edited by Hamlet3145 on Dec 31, 2006, 1:14 PM)

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