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snaggletooth

Sep 12, 2011, 9:13 PM

Post #2401 of 2528 (5208 views)
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Re: [PeteCT] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

That's great news about Pacific, congratulations. Those were fast turnarounds from both Pacific & VCFA. I haven't heard anything yet and had just hunkered down for the wait.

mkinp17
Maggie K

Sep 15, 2011, 3:55 PM

Post #2402 of 2528 (5143 views)
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Re: [PeteCT] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Accepted at Bennington and Vermont (fiction), rejected from WW. Heard from Bennington first so I emailed the other schools to let them know the situation. They both got back to me within 24 hours.
Now comes the agonizing decision-making part. Does anyone have advice/opinions/made this choice themselves and why?
Thanks and good luck to everyone!

KaseyRayStokes
Kasey Ray-Stokes

Sep 15, 2011, 5:08 PM

Post #2403 of 2528 (5134 views)
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Re: [susanjoy] Low-Residency MFAs [In reply to]	Can't Post

I was in the first class of MFA graduates from Converse College this summer. It's a great two-year low-res MFA program in Spartanburg, SC. The application process was easy (letters of recommendation, writing sample, statement of purpose), and I didn't wait too long to hear back that I had been selected. I even received feedback about my writing samples from the committee. I had two wonderful mentors during my stint at the college -- Susan Tekulve and Dan Wakefield -- they were both nurturing and warm and available to talk to me during the semester. I was able to carve my own path of study, along with my mentor, so I could customize my degree to what interested me. I really loved the residencies. I hung out with the faculty just as much as I hung out with the other students. There were older students and younger students, so nobody felt "out of the loop." We had great guests come every residency, like agents, accomplished writers, and editors of major print and web publications. We averaged around 6 students to one mentor. It was very nice there. I wish it didn't end so soon! I felt like I was going to a fun summer camp every June. If anyone would like to ask me questions about Converse, feel free to email me at kasey_savannah (at) yahoo.com.
Kasey Ray-Stokes

LynRiddle
Lyn Riddle

Sep 16, 2011, 11:56 AM

Post #2404 of 2528 (5091 views)
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Re: [susanjoy] Low-Residency MFAs [In reply to]	Can't Post

After spending 30 years as a newspaper reporter and editor and teaching journalism at Furman University, I decided to shift gears and learn how to write a novel. I chose Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, largely because it was close, was low-residency and I had to keep a real job. Even though it was a new program, I knew it would be first-rate because I knew the reputation of the undergraduate creative writing program. What I found far surpassed my expectations: faculty with proven success in their fields, mentors who are caring yet demanding, creative and interesting students from various parts of the country. This summer, I was in the first graduating class. I realize how much this program helped me as a journalist in addition to the intended goal of learning about fiction. It was a truly inspiring experience.

Gabrielle
Gabrielle Freeman

Sep 16, 2011, 12:39 PM

Post #2405 of 2528 (5081 views)
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Re: [esylvia] summer only residencies [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am in my second semester at Converse and I absolutely love it. Check out the testimonials from some of the students, both current and graduates: http://www.converse.edu/spif-story/mfa-alumnae-testimonials

jreneecummins

Sep 17, 2011, 11:47 AM

Post #2406 of 2528 (5040 views)
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Re: [PeteCT] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have not heard from WW yet....
J

greenpenquills

Sep 21, 2011, 12:16 PM

Post #2407 of 2528 (4909 views)
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Re: [jreneecummins] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone else here was transferring from a current low res program. I'm also here for more information about the programs I'm considering transferring to. I've already gotten the green light from Spalding that I can attend their Spring residency next year, and I've reactivated my application to Goddard for the Port Townsend option for Spring. I've also contacted Bennington and Lesley, the other two I was also accepted to, to see what my options are.
I'm leaning toward Goddard at the moment (assuming they admit me), but I'm hoping to get as much info as possible to make a good decision because I won't be able to leave again if I don't like it. I've also given though to applying to a few additional programs, although I'd rather not spend the time and money if I have good options that have already accepted me.
Of course, I still have some reservations about leaving my current program because of its reputation and excellent faculty despite all the problems I've had thus far. But I'm pretty much decided on leaving because there are some core issues with the program I can't see getting past. Anyone else have this experience?

PeteCT

Sep 21, 2011, 8:44 PM

Post #2408 of 2528 (4878 views)
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Re: [greenpenquills] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

What didn't you like about your program? I read back in the archives and I think I know which one you're talking about... I'm surprised it hasn't worked out, given all the raves. What happened?

greenpenquills

Sep 21, 2011, 10:03 PM

Post #2409 of 2528 (4871 views)
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Re: [PeteCT] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't think it's fair to go into it on a public forum, but if you're really interested, I could PM you with more about it.

PeteCT

Sep 22, 2011, 12:21 PM

Post #2410 of 2528 (4837 views)
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Re: [greenpenquills] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

greenpenquills - yes, if you don't mind...

gmiller1122

Oct 4, 2011, 6:50 PM

Post #2411 of 2528 (4703 views)
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Re: [greenpenquills] Low-Residency MFAs - Winter Residency 2011/12 [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I don't think it's fair to go into it on a public forum, but if you're really interested, I could PM you with more about it.

Yes, if you don't mind. I'm interested to know which program you're leaving and why. I'm in the process of researching programs.

Thanks,

"Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved." - Willam Jennings Bryan

jrschrecongost
jeffrey schrecongost

Oct 24, 2011, 1:36 PM

Post #2412 of 2528 (4572 views)
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Re: [susanjoy] Low-Residency MFAs [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am a recent graduate of Converse College's Low Res. MFA program. The program is outstanding in every way. Excellent faculty. Challenging and rewarding individual semester plans. A wonderful experience. Highly recommended!

Risercise
Wendy Riser

Dec 2, 2011, 6:42 PM

Post #2413 of 2528 (4340 views)
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Re: [jrschrecongost] Low-Residency MFAs [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sorry this is off-topic, but apparently I can't post a new thread.

Can anyone tell me whether Warren Wilson offers an MFA-level CNF track?

Their website lists faculty in Fiction and Poetry, yet P&W lists three genres--I assumed the other was CNF.

Thanks to anyone who can answer this question!

pongo
Real men bake bread.

Dec 2, 2011, 11:06 PM

Post #2414 of 2528 (4332 views)
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Re: [Risercise] Low-Residency MFAs [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't know about Warren Wilson, but it is true that you cannot start a new thread. That is an idiosyncrasy of the MFA area, since there are way too many threads already.

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/

Mary Gannon
Mary Gannon

Dec 7, 2011, 4:28 PM

Post #2415 of 2528 (4274 views)
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Re: [Risercise] Low-Residency MFAs [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't think that Warren Wilson offers creative nonfiction. Here's from their website: "Students are able to choose between genre-specific workshops that include poetry, fiction, novels or a "mixed group" that discusses both forms." Here's the link to Warren Wilson in our MFA database: http://www.pw.org/content/warren_wilson_college. Good luck!

In Reply To

Mary Gannon
Editorial Director
Poets & Writers

loosestrife

Jan 9, 2012, 11:49 PM

Post #2416 of 2528 (4091 views)
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Re: [Mary Gannon] Low-Residency MFAs [In reply to]	Can't Post

There's no nonfiction track at Warren Wilson -- just poetry and fiction -- but there are plans for a new optional, extra semester option in creative nonfiction for interested students.

Andrea

sanssouci

Jan 11, 2012, 9:19 PM

Post #2417 of 2528 (4059 views)
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Re: [Gi] Summer 2011 Acceptances [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Congrats on Bennington!!! It's a great program. I had originally applied only to find out they don't take international students, unfortunately. I wish they had mentioned it on their website or when I contacted them, but oh well.

Noooooo! Does this mean Bennington only accepts applications from US residents? Can Canadians apply? I can't find any info about it on the MFA program page or the application.

GFirmino

Jan 20, 2012, 12:52 PM

Post #2418 of 2528 (3960 views)
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Re: [sanssouci] Summer 2011 Acceptances [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm sorry for taking so long to respond to you. But I would definitely check with the program director. Last year she mentioned she was fighting to change this. So, I'm not sure where they are at right now. Good luck to you!

jitall
jenniey

Jan 22, 2012, 3:38 PM

Post #2419 of 2528 (3927 views)
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Re: [sanssouci] Summer 2011 Acceptances [In reply to]	Can't Post

I really don't know much about Bennington, but, according to their October 2011 newsletter-thing it would appear that they enrolled international students in the writing program: "We have students coming in from—among many other places—Taos, New Mexico; Paris, France; Portland, Maine; Honolulu, Hawaii; Oveida, Florida; Lovely Arlington, Vermont; and Hong Kong. Both coasts are well represented, as is the ample American midsection."

It took me a while to find this, but I have a friend in Canada planning on applying there, so I am very curious. If you do find out different, please do post it. They definitely enroll international students in their undergraduate program.

jenniey tallman

sanssouci

Jan 22, 2012, 5:41 PM

Post #2420 of 2528 (3918 views)
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Re: [jitall] Summer 2011 Acceptances [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Gi and jitall! I checked with the program coordinator this week and she confirmed that they are now accepting applications from international applicants. I'm thrilled, though I'm sure it's next to impossible to get in ;)

ncmiller
Noel Miller

Jan 27, 2012, 9:48 AM

Post #2421 of 2528 (3854 views)
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Converse College Low-Res MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I highly recommend the Converse College MFA to all of you looking at Low-Res programs. I'm a 4th semester student and proud to be part of this program. I can't imagine finding a better faculty to study under or a better group of classmates to learn with. I've been challenged, encouraged, supported, and rewarded, ultimately unveiling something of myself I didn't know existed. My writing is so much better than it was before I started and I've made lifelong writerly friends. If you're interested in getting started in a program right away, Converse is accepting applications until February 15.
www.converse.edu/mfa
Noel Miller

karin61
karin gillespie

Jan 27, 2012, 10:14 AM

Post #2422 of 2528 (3848 views)
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Re: [ncmiller] Converse College Low-Res MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just graduated from Converse College MFA low res program, and I chose it because it was considerably less expensive than a lot of the programs, and it was closet to my home. I went in as a published author (five books with S&S) and decided to get an MFA so I could have the option to teach. I wasn't sure how much I'd learn, but I was surprised at how much I got out of it. I really loved the program. The instructors were sharp, caring and extremely accessible. The work was stimulating, and I felt like I really upped my game. In addition to the regular faculty, they'd bring in amazing guest faculty like Brock Clark, Chuck Adams from Algonquin, Jeff Kleinman of Folio Literary, an editor from Atlantic Monthly and many more. It's relatively new so you might not have heard a lot about it, but it's a true quality program.
The summer res is in Spartanburg a cute SC college town with nice pubs and eateries, and the winter res is at a resort called Pine Crest in Tryon NC. Very beautiful inn with an excellent in-house restaurant and a great wine cellar.
Anyway, I can't imagine a better program.

RhondaWhite
Rhonda Browning White

Jan 27, 2012, 10:42 AM

Post #2423 of 2528 (3836 views)
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Re: [ncmiller] Converse College Low-Res MFA [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm a second-semester MFA student at Converse College. I researched programs for nearly three years (Thanks for your help, Lori May and Tom Kealey!), and Converse kept returning to my top-three list. Though I was accepted to all three programs on that list, Converse was my top choice, and I know without a doubt that it was the right choice. The professors there are encouraging, tough, helpful and honest in their critique. Even though I had been working as a writer for several years, I saw dramatic improvement in my writing (and thinking) skills in only one semester at Converse. Both during and after the workshops and lectures, the faculty are available for both serious writing help and general conversation--things important to help new writer grow in her networking skills. Likewise, during the semester the professors are always available to offer guidance in writing, in career advice and to answer questions about the course and assignments. Dr. Rick Mulkey, the MFA program director, is equally available and helpful, which is something I didn't find in some of the programs I contacted. (Note: If the program director can't make time for you before you've enrolled, he won't make time for you once you're a student, either).

The brief residencies are intense, inspirational and packed full of amazing seminars, lectures and workshops. My cohorts at Converse quickly became like family to me, and I'm in touch with members of my workshop group several times each week on an informal basis. They are a constant source of encouragement to me!

If you're looking for a low-res program, be sure to check out this one. It'll be the one to which you'll compare all others (and likely the one you'll choose)! Hope to see you next semester!

CherylR
Cheryl Russell

Jan 27, 2012, 10:53 AM

Post #2424 of 2528 (3830 views)
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Re: Converse College low-residency program [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm a third semester fiction student at Converse College and just wanted to post a few thoughts about the low-res program.

The faculty is fantastic to work with. They are interested in making the students better writers and take the time to do that--in planning semester plans geared to individual students, making time to chat with students outside of classes as well as during the semester. Their critiques are honest, but not cruel.

The cost is relatively low and access is easy to both residencies. I've both flown and driven and each has its advantages and disadvantages, but both are doable.

Admission is not overwhelming and I received feedback on my portfolio pieces .

I'm glad at Converse--what I've learned and continue to learn will give me a solid foundation for my writing in the future.

The fiction group--since that is my experience--goes out of its way to welcome new fiction students and give them guidance and familiar names before that first residency.

Those are just a few reasons I'm glad I chose Converse. So if you're looking at a low-residency program, give them a look and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Next deadline is Feb. 15th for Summer/Fall term.

Converse low-residency program.

katkins
Kris Atkins

Jan 27, 2012, 11:09 AM

Post #2425 of 2528 (4413 views)
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Re: [CherylR] Converse College low-residency program [In reply to]	Can't Post

Another recent grad of the fantastic Converse low-res program here.The first word that comes to mind is, WOW. I had many expectations of an MFA, and Converse exceeded all of them.The faculty are not only talented writers but they are passionate teachers (see list here: http://www.converse.edu/...ams-other-fields/m-8). Before starting the program, I wasn't sure how much I would learn about actual writing. I worried that the lack of daily classroom instruction would hinder me. Not in the least. My skill grew tenfold in the first semester alone. It's a combination of the thoughtful critiques from your fellow students during the residency, the instruction from faculty during the residency, and the poignant critiques from your professor during the semester. I chose the program because of its low cost and because I was familiar with Converse College (I'm an SC native). I am so happy with my decision. The one-on-one attention you receive from the faculty--and not just your personal professors, but I had in-depth conversations with every teacher in the program, whether they were in my genre or not--is incomparable. I knew that the professors care about each and every students as individuals. There's a tremendous sense of community that I miss now that I'm done. It truly feels like a team, which is nice to have since writing is such a solitary affair.I'll regret many things in my life. My experience at Converse will never be one of those.

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