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Choosing an MFA Program (2009) (2010) (2011)

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Tabby

Oct 23, 2008, 5:11 PM

Post #251 of 1018 (8071 views)
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Re: [flobelle] Whittling Down "The List" [In reply to]

Hey Flobelle,

I'd like to give you a little backup in that people applying to these crazy long lists of programs gets to feeling extreme. I applied to eight and that just about did me in (I got in two). What about having a life? What about time to write? Sure, put out as many applications as you can stand, but isn't there a point where it gets a bit maniacal? It feels as though people are scurrying around with GRE vocab cards and losing sight of the real goal: the work.

Now I'm curious. Is there anyone out there who applied to 12- 15 progs and then got in one, making it all worthwhile?

http://www.kellykathleenferguson.com

unsaid78

Oct 23, 2008, 5:28 PM

Post #252 of 1018 (8064 views)
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Re: [Tabby] Whittling Down "The List" [In reply to]

In Reply To

To each his/her own!

I'm applying to a lot of schools and I have a life, my writing sample has been complete, and I'm a GRE vocab card carrier as well. Since my focus is "the work" I am applying to as many MFA programs as I can so I can focus on that work and improve it.

I just don't understand all the criticism of those of us applying to 12-15 (or slightly more) programs. Why the need to imply anything about the talent or dedication of those of us who really want an MFA bad enough to apply to 12-15 great programs? I have multiple publications and an award for my work so it should be no surprise that I would put as much dedication into getting into a program as I put into my writing because it's all the same to me.

If it's not your thing, it's not your thing but seriously...let me do my thing in peace.

www.mfachronicles.blogspot.com - Follow us as we begin our 1st years in MFA programs!

Raysen

Oct 23, 2008, 6:11 PM

Post #253 of 1018 (8043 views)
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Re: Whittling Down "The List" [In reply to]

There's no point in trying to convince Flobelle (and others similarly inclined) that applying to 15+ schools is The Way. When people read these threads and posts, they get a clear view of the picture. Of the MFA application landscape. If they want to apply to only one or two, that's fine with me!

When I applied to undergrad, I had good objective data to know which schools I could get into. So I applied to 4 schools -- two top-notch, one solid, and one safety. As it turned out -- I got into all of them. For law school, same thing because we all know they use mostly objective data like GPAs, LSATs, and your list of accomplishments. I applied to four law schools and got into three of them. For MFA, I'm not too certain of anything because the admissions decision is NOT based on objective data. It doesn't matter what your GPA or GREs or list of accomplishments are -- to a certain extent. What matters is the writing sample and the mood and aesthetic leanings of the Admissions Committee members AT THE TIME THEY READ YOUR WORK. Very subjective. I can see myself getting into ALL schools as well as NO schools. Frankly, I'll just be happy with one acceptance.

Tabby

Oct 23, 2008, 6:50 PM

Post #254 of 1018 (8030 views)
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Re: [unsaid78] Whittling Down "The List" [In reply to]

Unsaid78,

Sorry! I actually came back to delete after experiencing a bout of "poster's regret," but then you had replied. Last night I met someone who applied to twelve programs and didn't get in one. (I haven't read her writing but she seemed very smart, well-read and had attended writer's programs). She felt like she had lost a year of her life, and she hadn't written since. I saw the flip side of investing so much of yourself in something that, whether you put in 5, 15, or 50 applications, boils down to a subjective process.

I admit, it's easy for me to be cavalier about how I applied because everything worked out. At the time, I thought eight was this insanely high number of applications. Maybe what I meant to say is that if you aren't up for this large number of apps, because it is going to stress you out and cost too much money and take over your life and keep you from writing, it's also okay to just send a few apps out to programs you really care about and see what happens. Maybe that's heresy in this forum. I don't know.

But ultimately, Unsaid78, you are right. The number of applications a person chooses to manage is a personal call.

http://www.kellykathleenferguson.com

unsaid78

Oct 23, 2008, 8:50 PM

Post #255 of 1018 (8003 views)
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Re: [Tabby] Whittling Down "The List" [In reply to]

In Reply To

I admit, it's easy for me to be cavalier about how I applied because everything worked out. At the time, I thought eight was this insanely high number of applications. Maybe what I meant to say is that if you aren't up for this large number of apps, because it is going to stress you out and cost too much money and take over your life and keep you from writing, it's also okay to just send a few apps out to programs you really care about and see what happens. Maybe that's heresy in this forum. I don't know.

It's cool, Tabby! I see what you're saying and I'm inspired by your success at getting in, finishing, and moving on to a PhD (I think :-) )!

I've seen posts where people are applying to a smaller amount of schools for financial reasons. I totally get that. Even to apply to fewer schools just because those are the only schools you'd be interested in is understandable. But, to do so with a negative attitude toward applicants not doing the same is, apparently, more than my nerves can handle! lol

www.mfachronicles.blogspot.com - Follow us as we begin our 1st years in MFA programs!

captaintodd
Todd Thomas

Nov 2, 2008, 11:17 AM

Post #256 of 1018 (7816 views)
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Programs in the UK? [In reply to]

I'm looking into the creative writing MFA options in the UK, specifically at the U. of Edinburgh. Has anyone researched these programs? I'm looking to understand the plus/minuses of attending a program abroad.

luvrbuoy

Nov 3, 2008, 7:56 PM

Post #257 of 1018 (7704 views)
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Withdrawing from current program? [In reply to]

"At the patron's request, this post has been deleted."

(This post was edited by motet on Nov 28, 2008, 6:42 PM)

__________

Nov 3, 2008, 8:10 PM

Post #258 of 1018 (7701 views)
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Re: [luvrbuoy] Withdrawing from current program? [In reply to]

Wait a sec -- you are enrolled in a US MFA program...with two instructors and a dept. chair...and you are spending a semester abroad?

six five four three two one 0 ->

luvrbuoy

Nov 3, 2008, 8:19 PM

Post #259 of 1018 (7696 views)
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Re: [Junior Maas] Withdrawing from current program? [In reply to]

"At the patron's request, this post has been deleted."

(This post was edited by motet on Nov 28, 2008, 6:42 PM)

luvrbuoy

Nov 5, 2008, 10:04 AM

Post #260 of 1018 (7595 views)
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Re: [luvrbuoy] Withdrawing from current program? [In reply to]

I'd be grateful to hear from others who had to leave their program before completion. Has anyone out there successfully transferred? If I can't transfer would a semester's credits on a transcript look good for admissions to another program next year?

thanks a lot,
luvrbuoy

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Nov 5, 2008, 10:33 AM

Post #261 of 1018 (7591 views)
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Re: [luvrbuoy] Withdrawing from current program? [In reply to]

I knew a couple of people in my program who had transferred from someplace else. At the very least, I don't think they would hold it against you -- and they would probably transfer the credits.

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/

germericanqt

Nov 5, 2008, 12:43 PM

Post #262 of 1018 (7563 views)
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Getting close! [In reply to]

I've got my manuscript finished and printed out for each of the schools. I have some of the application fees paid and the rest budgeted to be paid by Nov. 22nd. I have the packets all organized and nothing left to do but wait for the last of the LOR's, pay the fees, and then ship out the packets. I'm excited! Is anyone else getting to this point?

Couple of questions:

1) Does it really make a difference if you send your manuscript early or closer to the deadline? I would hope it wouldn't, but I've heard a couple of (contradictory) opinions on this, and I want to know what you think.

2) Is anyone else having last minute regrets about programs they didn't apply to? Which ones? I'm wondering if I should have applied to Iowa (I mean, it's IOWA) and also if I should have applied to my one true safety school even though I have no desire to go there. Also I'm second-guessing myself about going for Syracuse instead of Cornell. Oh well. Not going to ask my recommenders for yet another letter.

v1ctorya

Nov 5, 2008, 1:44 PM

Post #263 of 1018 (7540 views)
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Re: [germericanqt] Getting close! [In reply to]

I should start admitting that applications are final and pay and stop obsessing about the statements of purposes and such.

I'm waiting on 2 LOR so freaked about that.

re-freaking over an application story.

Also continually freaking over my selections. Should I have added that school and not this one? Just the general application anxiety I suppose

HollinsMFAer
Luke Johnson

Nov 5, 2008, 2:34 PM

Post #264 of 1018 (7529 views)
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Re: [luvrbuoy] Withdrawing from current program? [In reply to]

We had someone transfer to Brown in my first year at Hollins. It's my understanding that credits probably won't transfer (there may be some exceptions to this, I'm not sure). Essentially transferring is starting over in a new place. That said, if it's starting over at a place with decent funding it may not be a bad thing. Most important is finding a place you're happy.

http://www.lukejohnsonpoetry.com

Linzetta

Nov 5, 2008, 4:23 PM

Post #265 of 1018 (7502 views)
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Re: [v1ctorya] Getting close! [In reply to]

wow you both are way ahead of me in the application process, which makes me nervous!!

I've got my creative submission done, and have also sent out packets to my recommenders and begun the online apps. Still so much to do though of course. Ordering GRE scores and transcripts. Hammering out a Statement of Purpose. A critical essay. An autobiographical essay. Gulp!

Is anyone applying to Utah?

I read on their website that the deadline was Dec. 15, but the Graduate offices says that the application has to be in at least a month prior to the deadline for processing. Can someone tell me if there's some cushion with this and also what the point of a an alleged deadline is, if it's not the actual deadline?!

mr.shankly

Nov 5, 2008, 6:22 PM

Post #266 of 1018 (7479 views)
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Re: [Linzetta] Getting close! [In reply to]

I'm pretty behind in the process as well -- but I applied last year, so I'm hoping the process is a bit easier this year.

I'm trying to find programs that have community outreach possibilities, i.e. working with youth literacy groups. I know NYU does a lot of community work. Does anyone know of other programs that take an active role in the community?

RaoulDuke
Cobra Cobachi

Nov 5, 2008, 8:09 PM

Post #267 of 1018 (7447 views)
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Re: [mr.shankly] Getting close! [In reply to]

SIU-Carbondale has opportunities to teach creative writing to kids of all ages, I think it's called Saluki Young Writer's program. No requirements at all to do it, just willingness.

Rick

unsaid78

Nov 6, 2008, 3:24 AM

Post #268 of 1018 (7407 views)
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Re: [Linzetta] Getting close! [In reply to]

Don't worry...I'm right with you as far as apps go. No info on Utah though.

When I'm awake, I have no reservations about the schools I'm applying to at all. I will admit that I've had two dreams about being accepted to schools I do not plan on applying to. No lie. I re-researched the schools and ultimately decided I still wasn't going to apply. One of them was Oregon and I can't remember the other one. I know that's crazy but I mention it in case I'm, somehow, not the only one whose had odd dreams.

I'm starting my apps this week and sending out transcripts.

I have a question. If I'm going to graduate in December, is it okay to send out my transcripts now? I'd like to do this for 2 reasons: 1. my GPA is great right now. 2. my GPA won't be as great after this semester because I've been slacking since it's my last semester :)

My guess is that I can just send them now and then if I get accepted maybe they'll ask for proof that I graduated at that point? I don't know. Most of the deadlines for the schools I'm applying to are after my transcripts would be updated to say I graduated anyway. Any veterans of the application process got any info on this?

www.mfachronicles.blogspot.com - Follow us as we begin our 1st years in MFA programs!

HopperFu

Nov 6, 2008, 8:10 AM

Post #269 of 1018 (7398 views)
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Re: [unsaid78] Getting close! [In reply to]

Absolutely send your transcript now. It's fine. They may very well ask for some documentation later that you actually graduated, but even that is doubtful (believe it or not, a college degree is not necessarily a prerequisite for all graduate programs).
High GPA is better than low, but it doesn't matter anyway. Unless your GPA really sucks, it will have no bearing on your application.

unsaid78

Nov 6, 2008, 12:58 PM

Post #270 of 1018 (7352 views)
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Re: [HopperFu] Getting close! [In reply to]

Thanks for your response, Hopper! I'm going to go ahead and send them now.

www.mfachronicles.blogspot.com - Follow us as we begin our 1st years in MFA programs!

Katevey

Nov 9, 2008, 6:39 PM

Post #271 of 1018 (7216 views)
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Re: [unsaid78] Getting close! [In reply to]

This section has been great. Utah just went off my list because I can't apply any place whose deadline is earlier than January 4th; money is the reason. Noone looks at you until the fees are paid. It's also the reason I'm apply almost exclusively to fully funded programs, with a couple exceptions. U. of Ala is still #1, followed by Montana, Arizona, U. Ill/Chambana, U. Ga., Va. Commonwealth; all have great faculty. It's been suggested I apply to Iowa, even the fantasy-think I'd be one of the few who gets full funding for them hasn't been enough. Realized it wouldn't be feasible to apply to any low-res. I still may be the oldest person living in a tent along the river.... Any of you inner considering about applying to vast numbers of schools, the rest of us are simply jealous you're able. I'm working on having "better" recommenders this year. I don't mind being the oldest kid on the block but everyone really qualified died, quite a while ago. I've completely revised my application statement and re-worked a couple poems I'll again include and added newer/different ones.
And I have "a life," including full-time job and having queries out for a children's book. I'm looking only at MFA poetry programs. Note: getting older can be an advantage, I send out queries up to how old I am. In the numbers game, the odds are now with me. :)
If anyone can list schools that would allow one to send apps and pay the fee in January, please let me know.

unsaid78

Nov 9, 2008, 6:56 PM

Post #272 of 1018 (7206 views)
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Re: [Katevey] Getting close! [In reply to]

Hey Katevey,

Here's a list of the January 15 deadline schools I've looked into. I'm also going for pretty good funding:

University of Florida
University of Houston
Southern Illinois, Carbondale
Boise State

January 22: Vanderbilt

March 15: Virginia Tech

Hope that helps!

www.mfachronicles.blogspot.com - Follow us as we begin our 1st years in MFA programs!

flobelle

Nov 9, 2008, 7:02 PM

Post #273 of 1018 (7205 views)
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Re: [Katevey] Getting close! [In reply to]

I say, go for it. I think that being older can be to your advantage. There are a lot of people in MFA programs who are older. Sometimes they are the best writers, and othertimes, they're the worst, which I take to be a sign of some kind of balance.

I recently decided not to go. You might see my snit fit with half the people here some pages back...I decided it's not for me. If you've decided that this is it, you should try your best to make it happen. Good luck:)

PS Apply to Iowa. Iowa City is a great place to live and work out the kinks of "being a writer." Also the Writers' Workshop funds people, contrary to popular belief, or at least I know people who have been recipients of such funding.

umass76

Nov 9, 2008, 8:04 PM

Post #274 of 1018 (7190 views)
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Re: [Katevey] Getting close! [In reply to]

Hi Katevey,

Not sure where you got your information from--nearly everyone at Iowa is either fully-funded or within a hair's breadth of full funding. As the program moves toward full disclosure of all its financial aid offerings, in the next official funding ranking it will probably rank in the top 10 nationally funding-wise.

Best,
Seth

mr.shankly

Nov 12, 2008, 10:11 AM

Post #275 of 1018 (7052 views)
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Re: [mr.shankly] Getting close! [In reply to]

In case anyone else was looking for similar info, I contacted directors at a few programs, and here's a list of schools who place an importance on community outreach:

UNC Wilmington
VCU
Alabama
NYU

Not involved, and didn't seem to show any interest in ever being involved:
Hollins

If anyone knows of other places (preferably East coast) with outreach work, I'd love to hear about it. I need to finalize my list soon soon soon.

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