This in from Mark, about Vanderbilt's MFA program...
Hey Tom,
Just writing in to let you know about something I saw the other day.
Vanderbilt, whose MFA program is only a few years old, has edited its
website to suggest full funding + stipend for all students. As late as
Jan. 1, the website said "Some funding is available on a limited
basis." Now, University Fellowships make it so "Full funding is
offered to all students admitted." The stipend is an additional
$6,000.
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/english/mfa
Just thought this is interesting--after only a couple years,
Vanderbilt must be eying a slot in the top tier.
13 comments:
Thanks for the info! Looks like I'm not done applying after all...
Does this mean it's basically free?
I applied at the last minute. I'd checked Vanderbilt out before, because my sister was an English major there, but the lack of funding made it impossible for me to consider. But now that the program looks well-funded, I'm very interested.
The application was free too. The only problem is that I have no idea how many applicants they get, or how many they accept. This is definitely a wild card.
How did you guys get letters of rec at the last minute?
Vanderbilt allowed online recs, so I just sent an email to my recommenders asking if they could upload their LORs just one last time...
Most places are concerned first w/getting the writing sample. If the LORs, official GRE scores, and transcripts come later, it's usually not a big deal.
My letter writers used the online system, but I talked to someone in the department this afternoon, and she mentioned that the letters didn't necessarily have to come in by the application deadline. (The online system didn't work for one of my letter writers so I called to have the email resent.)
In case anyone was curious, approximately 100 people completed applications, and there will be 6 spots total in the writing program. Also, I can report that the people I spoke to in the English and MFA departments were very nice and helpful.
Urgh...now I regret not applying.
Oops! I meant six people admitted this year, not six people total in the writing program.
Wow, good info. I also applied to Vandy, a little earlier, so I was happy to see the funding announcement. Without that I don't think I could swing it.
Tony Earley's "Here We Are in Paradise" is one of my favorite collections.
(Not that that's my reason for applying...I just thought I'd throw it out there. 'Charlotte' and 'The Prophet from Jupiter' are stories I think of quite often.)
Anyone know when this program was established? I gather it's rather new, but can't find anything specific.
I think this will be the second or third year for the Vanderbilt program.
Alex--"Charlotte" is the only story I've read by Tony Earley, but I agree--it's so good.
thanks, malcontent.
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