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jerry u

Mar 20, 2007, 10:45 AM

Post #1476 of 2528 (6561 views)
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Re: [naristy] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

Naristy,

Glad to hear you were able to clear up your issues. I've yet to hear from anywhere, but I only applied to three programs and the deadlines haven't even past yet for two of them. It seems like the notification comes as a phone call if accepted or a letter if rejected. Since I am at work all day, there's no way for me to find out until I get home at night. It makes getting stuck on the subway all the more annoying after work. How have you been coping?

naristy

Mar 20, 2007, 2:35 PM

Post #1477 of 2528 (6520 views)
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Re: [jerry u] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

How have I been coping? Very badly. I spent all morning volunteering at my daughter's preschool so I could get out of the house and think about something other than not getting in anywhere. I've seen on this and other blogs that people have been notified by three of the schools I applied to. I haven't heard a word so I am not very hopeful these days. I got waitlisted at my local university (actually kind of a coup for me) but I'm really only interested in low-res. Help! No matter how much I look at it, my phone still won't ring....

koh1977

Mar 20, 2007, 2:57 PM

Post #1478 of 2528 (6511 views)
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Re: [naristy] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

Still waiting to hear from Hamline, Vermont, Lesley, and Pine Manor...I *think* I should hear back from all of them within the next couple of weeks, but I know it's going to kill me next week being on Spring Break myself and being out of town for a good portion of the week...I can check voice mail and e-mail, but I don't know for sure that they would leave a message or send an e-mail! :-/

jerry u

Mar 20, 2007, 3:21 PM

Post #1479 of 2528 (6500 views)
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Re: [naristy] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

There can be a number of reasons of why you haven't heard while others have: 1) your application may not be complete (e.g., Lesley); 2) since there are a number of different readers at each school, the ones assigned to your writing sample may be taking a longer time than the others; 3) since most low-res programs don't have official waiting lists, you may be on an "unofficial" one, and the notification will be sent out after they hear from those that have been accepted. The important thing to remember is that you have not gotten a rejection letter, as others have. No matter how incredibly frustrating it is (and believe me, I know), you are still in the running. And it'll all be decided in a couple weeks, just maybe not this one.

And again, good luck.

naristy

Mar 20, 2007, 3:49 PM

Post #1480 of 2528 (6489 views)
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Re: [jerry u] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am going to tape your post on my computer screen so I can read it every time I feel myself getting whiplash from all the stress of waiting. (No kidding. That was last night.)

Thanks for the encouragement and good luck to you to. I am, however, thinking up alternate plans so that I can have something to get excited about should all fail....

koh1977,

Good luck with your wait too. I feel you're vacation pain! I am going on vacation in a couple of weeks and I just hope that I know something by then.

jerry u

Mar 20, 2007, 4:30 PM

Post #1481 of 2528 (6477 views)
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Re: [naristy] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

This is my thinking: If we get accepted, we'll need to submit something for the workshops at the first residency, so we'd better start writing. If we get rejected, we'll need a new writing sample if we're going to re-apply, so we'd better start writing.

koh1977

Mar 20, 2007, 11:02 PM

Post #1482 of 2528 (6426 views)
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Re: [jerry u] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in at Lesley for children/YA!! I got a message on my phone tonight! Now I'm going to contact the other programs and check my status so I can weigh all options...

naristy

Mar 20, 2007, 11:05 PM

Post #1483 of 2528 (6424 views)
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Re: [koh1977] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

Congratulations Koh! That's great. Lesley's seems like such an interesting program. Let us know how it shakes out and what you decide.

jerry u

Mar 21, 2007, 8:09 AM

Post #1484 of 2528 (6403 views)
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Re: [koh1977] Lesley [In reply to]	Can't Post

Congratulations!

sfische

Mar 21, 2007, 10:56 AM

Post #1485 of 2528 (6372 views)
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And now for something completely unrelated [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi, congrats to all on their acceptances and if you're waiting to hear, good luck! Lesley sounds like a wonderful program. Good luck!

I need some (more) advice on partial residencies versus full residencies. I've been admitted to one partial residency MFA program (Antioch) and one full residency MA program (SFState), which I guess often leads to the MFA program. What an exciting decision to be making.

I am also dropping out of my PhD program in PoliSci because I hate my PhD program in Polisci. However, this means I won't already have a job. My question is: How practical is it to join a partial residency program when you don't already have a job?

So, Antioch's social justice emphasis seems awesome to me, and I can't help but notice how responsive they are to their students and how many good things I've heard from people who've gone there. SFState seems to be a bigger program and hence a little less responsive, but they have a great reputation and offers the opportunity to spend not 2, but 3 to 4 years in a dirt cheap MA and possibly MFA program where I can just work on my writing surrounded by some of the best writers around in the heart of San Francisco.

My gut seems to be pointing towards Antioch because of their responsiveness, but without a job, I'm unsure if I can get hired in a place that will agree to give me that time off. First, has anyone else been in a situation like this? Is getting a job like that possible? Their loans aren't enough to cover me just working part time, unfortunately, but even getting a part time job that'll give me that time off seems hard. SFState gave me more loans and less tuition and even workstudy, which I didn't know they gave to grad students.

Advice?

Thanks!

naristy

Mar 21, 2007, 12:29 PM

Post #1486 of 2528 (6347 views)
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Re: [sfische] And now for something completely unrelated [In reply to]	Can't Post

Congratulations! Well I'm certainly no expert on the subject, but the common wisdom seems to be to go where you will shell out less money. From what you say, that seems to be SFSU. I do, however, understand Antioch's social justice/diversity appeal as that is why I applied there myself. Is it possible for you to visit both schools prior to commiting? I think you said you live in NY so that might be hard. Bottom line: go with your gut. Everything is negotiable before you accept a job. You may need to take a lesser salary but a lot of places are willing to trade money for time off. My husband for instance gets 6 weeks vacation a year because he works for a nonprofit and negotiated it that way. Good luck with your decisions!

jerry u

Mar 21, 2007, 1:49 PM

Post #1487 of 2528 (6330 views)
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Re: [sfische] And now for something completely unrelated [In reply to]	Can't Post

sfische: First of all, congrats on your acceptances. A few things to keep in mind, while making your decision: The MFA is a terminal degree whereas the MA is not. I don't know anything about the SFState program, but in general, an MFA requires more practical coursework, while an MA is more theory-based. A lot depends on what you want to do with the degree. If you want to teach on the college level, you should pursue the MFA, unless you are planning to go for a Ph.D., in which case the MA is a better route, as more of those credits will be accepted and applied to the Ph.D.

Loads of jobs will allow time off if they don't have to pay you while you're gone. It all depends on the industry. Can't really be of more help unless I know the industry and location.

Good luck.

koh1977

Mar 21, 2007, 4:20 PM

Post #1488 of 2528 (6298 views)
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Pine Manor [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just got accepted via e-mail (and missed phone call and letter is on its way) to Pine Manor College (children/YA)!! Now I have OPTIONS!!! :-) Woohoo!!

sfische

Mar 21, 2007, 10:41 PM

Post #1489 of 2528 (6242 views)
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Re: [jerry u] And now for something completely unrelated [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks to both of you for your advice!

Yes, I understand the MA is meant more for community college teaching and MFA is meant more for 4 year college teaching. I think MA students at SFState often go on to get their MFA after their MA, and who can argue with an extra year in San Francisco? However, there's always the chance I won't get into the MFA even after the MA, which would be a bummer.

As for my field, my resume is tailor-made to be some sort of activist/organizer/shill for a politician, all of which I don't want to do anymore and are totally stressful and complete timesucks. So really, I can do whatever else those things might qualify me for that does not eat all your time, which I haven't really figured out yet. I'll be moving to the Bay Area no matter what. If that brings anything else to mind, I'd be happy for your advice.

Good luck to both of you.

Seth

Moonshade

Mar 21, 2007, 11:45 PM

Post #1490 of 2528 (6225 views)
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Re: [koh1977] Pine Manor [In reply to]	Can't Post

Congrats, Koh1977! It's sweet to have options. Both are solid programs. If you have the time after you start the program, let everyone know what the program/curriculum for Children and YA lit. is like.

koh1977

Mar 22, 2007, 7:19 AM

Post #1491 of 2528 (6208 views)
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Re: [Moonshade] Pine Manor [In reply to]	Can't Post

What do you know or have heard about either program? Any insight would be welcome as I try and make a decision in these next couple of weeks!

Thanks!

xofari

Mar 22, 2007, 8:24 AM

Post #1492 of 2528 (6197 views)
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Queens or Sewanee? [In reply to]	Can't Post

For fiction low-res, would you choose Queens in Charlotte or Sewanee? Why?

jerry u

Mar 22, 2007, 9:08 AM

Post #1493 of 2528 (6189 views)
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Re: [koh1977] Pine Manor [In reply to]	Can't Post

I suggest that you ask the program directors if they can hook you up with any current or former students, and then pick their brains. The ones that have been through it, or are going through it, would have the best advice for you.

jerry u

Mar 22, 2007, 9:12 AM

Post #1494 of 2528 (6189 views)
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Re: [xofari] Queens or Sewanee? [In reply to]	Can't Post

xofari, I guess a lot depends on your schedule. Sewanee, as I understand it, is several intensive weeks each summer, with no real distance learning component, while Queens is a one-week residency, and distance learning throughout the rest of the semester.

When did you hear from Queens?

jacarty
Jessie Carty

Mar 22, 2007, 10:21 AM

Post #1495 of 2528 (6169 views)
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Re: [xofari] Queens or Sewanee? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm at Queens in poetry and I really love the program so I can only speak from my experience.

The fiction group is the largest at Queens and I have met some really great people in that group. It is pretty intense during residency and I would imagine during the distance learning component as well because there is a lot of work w/ critiquing as well as writing your own work.

I'd be happy to tell you more about the program if you post questions or send me a private message (although I am at my day job so can't get into my messages as often as I like).

Hope to see you at the May residency :)

http://jessiecarty.com

xofari

Mar 22, 2007, 12:14 PM

Post #1496 of 2528 (6142 views)
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Re: [jerry u] Queens or Sewanee? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jerry, I got a phone call last week.

Thank you both for your replies. Jacarty, I may message you. Thanks!

Moonshade

Mar 22, 2007, 5:23 PM

Post #1497 of 2528 (6089 views)
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Re: [jerry u] Pine Manor [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Koh1977, I second this advice.

What do I know personally of the programs? Only what I've researched online--I don't have inside knowledge. You're much further along in this process than I am. For my own personal preference, I like VC's program best.

naristy

Mar 22, 2007, 6:37 PM

Post #1498 of 2528 (6074 views)
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Re: [jerry u] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Waitlisted at Antioch via post. The letter is dated MARCH 7!!!! This one really hurts as it is the one I thought I'd have a better shot at getting into and I was really excited about their diversity/social responsibility aspect. The letter starts "The MFA Admissions committee was very impressed by your creative work, and as a result we have placed you on a waiting list of strong applicants...." ?! It furthers the mystery of what the hell they're looking for. I'm proud of what I sent and am confident in its quality. Whatever. I'm clearly going to be going through the anger phase for a few days.

Two notifications and two waitlists. This process needs to end.

(This post was edited by naristy on Mar 22, 2007, 6:41 PM)

jerry u

Mar 22, 2007, 7:16 PM

Post #1499 of 2528 (6061 views)
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Re: [naristy] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I hate to sound like a cheerleader, because I'm really not -- I'm usually a glass half-empty type, and assume everyone is out to get me (which they probably are, but I won't get into that right now). If Antioch bothers to have a wait-list, it means that they expect enough people to turn them down and go somewhere else. As far as the writing sample, it's totally subjective. The same exact writing sample gets different responses. Maybe they thought you weren't "diverse" enough for an outright acceptance, but thought you were "socially responsible" enough for the wait-list. All you can do is write what moves you -- and find the audience that is moved by it. Quick anecdote: Rick Moody is on the faculty at Bennington this year, and Dale Peck, who is on the faculty at the New School, called him "the worst writer of his generation." Subjective. So, I guess my rambling point in all this is go ahead and get angry, but don't take it personally.

naristy

Mar 22, 2007, 7:23 PM

Post #1500 of 2528 (6054 views)
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Re: [jerry u] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I guess that's what hurts: I am the poster child for diversity and my writing reflects this. But maybe it's the other way around and they didn't find me socially responsible enough. Guess working for nature conservation around the world ain't enough. Or, we could just go back to the writing sample....

Thanks for the Rick Moody/Dale Peck anecdote. I know all about the subjectivity of these things but it did help to bring it home once again...and maybe I won't be so disappointed if/when I get rejected by Bennington.

Thanks for your cheerleading Jerry. I hope you get some answers soon.

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