@ Benjamin and Courtney: YAAAY! March radness indeed! Big congrats to both of you!
@ Henry:
I have a Nook. Everyone said not to get it because it's "first generation" technology, but Barnes and Noble WAS my cute local bookstore before they turned into a monster chain, so I've always been more comfortable with their website, etc (as opposed to amazon or some of the others).
I'm a total technophobe - I still use CDs in my car, I've never owned a digital camera, I only JUST learned how to back up my files to one of those little key-chain type thingies... so I wasn't sure at all about making the jump to electronic books. But I've had it for over a month now and so far there's nothing I don't like about it. I love that I can bring five books with me on a weekend trip without actually having to carry five books. I love that if I finish one book at 2 am and really NEED to start another one I can buy a new one without leaving my bed. Etc. etc. I was a huge skeptic but now I'm converted.
As a poet, I re-read, re-read, re-read and re-read a small canon of poetry books I think are particularly strong, usually the poet's first entry into maturity, and then, if different, that poet's seminal work/s. As I get closer to producing my own first mature work, I'll be gradually dispensing with the similarly entry stage work of these poets. This is all an attempted regulation of the pressure of influence, between the now-graspable, and the still-unreachable. This method tends to produce higher grade work, but long periods of frustration and block because of its forced overwhelm. So, this continues.
As a more general reader, I just finished "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" today (something I had apparently missed in childhood), and I couldn't help but thinking Carroll was occasionally bored by his own writing - the cloy of the ending, with its rubbery lyricism, was a particularly surprising failure - it's a weird re-rooting attempt.
Other than that, I had just finished McCarthy's "The Road", which is going to stand well in one hundred years, and have paralleled Carroll with J.M. Coetzee's so-far snoozefest, "Slow Man" - as the blurb from "The Times" reads on the front of it, it's "Another exemplary tale of suffering", but so far more for me than Paul Rayment with his one leg.
Next up beyond that? John Banville's "The Sea", and then a slow release of poetry I haven't had the chance to read. This may sound a little strange to Americans also, but I've also left "Moby Dick" until I feel ready for it - that'll be later this year I figure.
Congrats to everyone with acceptances!!! Must be such a relief!
@ Courtney - I believe you are the person with a Bath Spa acceptance on here. I just got an e-mail from the program director asking to arrange a telephone interview. Seeing as how I tend to make myself sound like an idiot in interviews, I thought I'd check with you to see what they asked/discussed during yours.
The rational part of me knows that I am a good writer, one who has made much progress but also has plenty of room to improve.
But it blows my mind that I still, to the same degree I did ten years ago, between "I may improve but I'll never be good" and "I will be remembered as the first great novelist of the 21st century."
Just last night I looked at my novel's first chapter (revised fifteen times or so) and I spotted clumsy wording, superfluous clauses, and similar embarrassments all over the page. I felt so godlike about this version a few months ago.
beedeecee, Don't give up! Because I pretty much had and now OMG. But if I don't get funding, I'm not sure whether I'll go or not, so there is still a chance I'll be back on these boards again. We'll see.
Melissa, Don't give up yet! I only got a voicemail and they didn't say anything about how many they'd taken or if they were done yet. I do know that yesterday I felt defeated when a call was mentioned and I didn't have mine... Who KNOWS what is going on. You aren't out until it's official!
@klairkwilty This might be already over, but I thought I would chime in on the issue of asking Arna to look at his/her writing sample. To me, writing is all about sharing. Writers get inspiration from other writers that they read and it is this big sharing back-and-forth transaction that goes on. Of course, that is just me and I respect any writer who wants to keep their stuff to themselves. Especially during this process, I can understand why someone might be a little hesitant. But, that is why I asked so that in case Arna doesn't mind, I might be able to take a look at a sample that is obviously very good. I am always looking to read different things and to learn a thing or two about writing. I have a feeling that I can learn something from Arna.
If you're already a fan, you really should give Craig's book a try. It's not "writerly" in that Carver/Hempel kinda way- so some literary-minded folks might feel better about themselves for snubbing it- but it is good storytelling... clever in the right ways, subtle when necessary, has a weirdly winding plot (with just a dash of CF's hilarious social commentary), and was actually pretty touching. I laughed... I cried... I read it aloud with cheap puppets.
@megan...
Thanks! I'm not ready to purchase anything yet, but I appreciate the info. I'll keep the Nook in mind. How's the screen look? Any glare issues? Pretty comfy?
I just spoke with UNCG's Graduate Department, and was told that the financial aid e-mail that many of you received went out by mistake. I called because I didn't get one, and the story goes that the grad. school caught themselves halfway through sending out the e-mail, which is why some of us got it and some didn't. It shouldn't be taken as a reflection on your application's standing in any way.
I really dug the book, myself. Anyone else get the sense that it was Beckett-lite? I could almost see the reduced calorie label on the cover--not that I'm saying that's a bad thing, bringing that vision to a wider readership.
I enjoyed The Road much more when I found out about Cormac's young son (he fathered him at something like 66), and realized that the book was really founded in his own fear that he was probably not going to live to see his son grow up.
Thanks to whoever left the information about Iowa's decision letters, because I too, like everyone else, need to hear it from the horse's mouth before I can put that dream to rest. I called them yesterday and the woman--who i don't think was happy to be fielding phone calls--told me they weren't going to send letters out until friday, so it's a happy surprise that they went out today.
one note though: i asked the woman on the phone if phone calls were made to every candidate who was admitted or if some people would find out in the mailings...and she said something to the effect of "im not sure how you would get the idea that we call people because we don't have any of that information on our website...but everyone gets a letter." which was both oddly defensive and confusing. insights?
i applied to 8 schools, rejected from two, waitlisted at one, assumed rejections from one or two more. it's not looking good and i'm sad.
You are my hero. I was already making plans to forego sleep tonight so that I could properly overanalyze that stinking email.
Now I don't know what I'll do. Probably just sob hysterically over the probable typos in my writing sample (that I can't summon courage enough to actually look at).
I received the same information you did about the merit scholarship. I'm wondering if TNS has other forms of financial aid based on need or positions for graduate assistantships or something. I'm just not keen on taking out $80k-plus in loans for tuition and housing/living expenses. I came out of undergraduate five years ago with zero debt. Now I'm starting to feel just a little bummed about finally having to go into debt ...
Hey Courtney-- congratulations on your acceptance at Montana. I was also accepted for fiction, and would love to email. My email: es787 at bard DOT edu.
@ Ashley Brooke, major congratulations!!! I was rooting for you.
Also re: Rutgers funding - I should've made this clearer in my last post, but Amy Ortiz, the MFA program coordinator, said that they have not yet made ANY funding decisions, and when they do make them, all decisions will go out by April 20. That's why it boggled me so much!
Already posted this at the limbo site but here's a little playlist that I've been listening to after tasting sweet victory.
http://www.mediafire.com/?mw2jwzjzyzj
MFA Limbo 'Come On Home' 1 The Foxglove Hunt - The Mayflower Compact 2 Foals - Hummer 3 Jay Reatard - It Ain't Gonna Save Me 4 The Drums - Let's Go Surfing 5 The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Young Adult Friction 6 Deastro - Daniel Johnston Was Stabbed In the Heart With the Moondagger By the King of Darkness and His Ghost Is Writing This As a Warning to All of Us 7 Mew - The Zookeeper's Boy 8 Mirrors - Look At Me 9 Summer Camp - Ghost Train 10 Magic Arm - Outdoor Games 11 Slow Club - Christmas TV
couldn't take it anymore, emailed TNS and Brooklyn to check and see if they are done notifying all acceptances. I'll let you know if I hear back. I am too scared to actually use the phone like the rest of your brave people. =)
still no word on sarah lawrence fiction, right? just poetry?
To those who are in at SAIC and VCU, do you know if they have just begun notifying acceptances? Just wondering how long I should wait before giving up hope, especially since my name is high on the alphabet...
Congrats! I think this is good news for you! So, I already posted a response about my interview and of course, I can't find it. I probably answered it best the first time, but I'll give it a go.
I spoke with the program director, Richard Kerridge, and another one of his colleagues, both of whom had read my writing samples. The interview lasted about 35 mins or so and it was a pretty casual conversation. They asked me a few questions about my writing sample, which was an excerpt from a memoir and another short story. They wanted to know the direction I saw my memoir going in, etc. They asked me sepcifically who my writing influences are and what I hope to accomplish at Bath. I can't remember any other direct questions they asked except for questions about my background. I work in a field that is very different from the arts/creative writing, so they were interested in talking about that. The main focus of the interview, oddly enough, was the two of them discussing my writing and what they found interesting about it and about me.
In terms of preparing for the interview, just be ready to discuss why you are interested in Bath, what you hope to accomplish at their program, what your focus will be, who your writing influences are, and be ready to discuss your writing sample in detail (should they ask). To me, it seemed like they were trying to get a feel for what kind of person I am, so I would say as long as you come off as a serious writer, you'll be okay. Oh, and of course, be ready to talk about yourself and anything you think they would find interesting.
Sending out some good luck vibes for you. I hope it goes well! Keep me posted!
Oh, and one more thing..I got my acceptance 3 days after the interview...they said they would let me know within a week. I hope to see an acceptance post :)
Good news phone call from University of Florida. Not an official acceptance, but it seems like a good situation. I'm really happy right now. For all who have applied, I was told that they will be officially notifying acceptances next week.
Congrats, Courtney, Benjamen, Ashley and everyone else who heard good news today.
I'm currently reading Raymond Carvers' bio. It details his time at Iowa in 1963; he left the program before receiving his degree. Just when I think I have it bad, poor Ray had it so much worse.
I'm wondering the same thing about SAIC; I also saw where someone got an e-mail about an interview for the MFAW program on the results page of GradCafe.com. Even though I already got in to CCC, I still want to know where I stand.
I just got an e-mail from Brown. I was rejected “officially” from the MCM program. I already knew this, but it was a strange moment. Like, this is it! And then, oh, I already knew that.
The decisions for Brown’s MFA should be coming soon. I dropped them an e-mail earlier this week. They already forwarded their choices to the graduate program and when they’re done the grad school sends out an e-mail telling students to go check their embark account (I just did this for the MCM program). The Creative Writing program does everything through this because they graduate school needs to approve their decisions. Hope that helps anyone else waiting to hear from Brown.
I'm fiction too. They said that I would either be accepted or placed high on the waitlist. They have yet to finalize their decision, and will let people know next week. I had the opportunity to ask some questions about the program, which was great, although I was a bit frazzled.
Good luck to you! Where else did you apply? Here's my list, in case you're curious:
Hunter (Unofficial acceptance) Montana (accepted) Alabama- (assumed rejection) Michener (rejected!) Sarah Lawrence Iowa Irvine Virginia UNCG
Very cool on CCC! Sadly, SAIC was one of my biggest hopes since the sample I sent them was stronger than the others. But if I go by when other people have been accepted, then my list just shrank from 12 to 4 (including the 4 formal rejections I've received; just waiting for the official word from the other 4 schools). I think I need an emergency IV of ice cream. This is a lot of bad news for one day.
CONGRATS to everyone with acceptances, waitlists, etc., today!
I've hit a major low today. I had a terrible day at work and can't imagine spending another year at my job or living where I am. My Plan B was to stay where I am and keep doing what I'm doing. Now I think I need to come up with a new Plan B. Feeling very hopeless and down.
But coming on here always makes me excited for everyone who got good news. Plus, none of my programs notified today, so I'm okay on that front.
Oh, and got my official rejection from Michigan today. The phrasing is ridiculous, but the paper it was printed on is lovely. I've placed it second out of my three rejection letters so far. :)
Are people getting Columbia emails today? I haven't gotten any. Bad sign? Who knows. Last year, Columbia 'invited' me to their booth at the AWP Conference, I went thinking it was a good sign, spoke to an incurious, unfriendly student who looked like she didn't want to be there, and then I got rejected a few weeks later.
I can't wait to assess the paper on my Michigan rejection letter...the Umass Amherst one was not impressive.
But really though, I feel you. For those of us who haven't gotten any outright acceptances...it feels horrible. But remember, what makes you a writer is writing. So don't stop!
And congrats to all of you who've been accepted somewhere or another!
I haven't gotten any emails from Columbia today, either. As I think I've already expressed on this blog, though, I think Columbia is a disorganized mess when it comes to these things, and wouldn't read into anything that comes from them.
I also got a call from them a month ago saying they never received my recs. My boyfriend is a grad student at Columbia, so I hear all the time about what a mess they are. I asked the guy if he was sure, and if maybe they could have gotten mixed in with the apps for another genre? He said it was entirely possible. Ten minutes later he called back to tell me he had my recs. None of this, of course, has anything to do with the program itself. But administrative stuff at Columbia is always a huge headache...
yeah, it was interesting. after i talked with her i started brainstorming possible solutions to her problem. and i thought to myself...why don't they just put up a message machine that says something like:
"if you're a fiction or poetry applicant to the workshop, we're working really hard to make this anxiety-producing process easier for you. we'll update this message with more specific information when we have it."
because i bet the reason she's crabby is because we're all calling her!
@Aaron Apps Thanks for the Brown info. I'm sorry to hear about the rejection - sounds like a cool program.
When life gives you no MFA acceptance news, you make more playlists.
The Go-Time Mix 1. Intro - the XX 2. Song 2 - Blur 3. Push It - Garbage 4. Howl - Florence + the Machine 5. It's No Good - Depeche Mode 6. Wake Up - the Arcade Fire 7. June Evenings - Air France 8. Daniel - Bat for Lashes 9. I'm Not Your Toy - La Roux 10. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen 11. Sing - Travis 12. There is a Light That Never Goes Out - the Smiths
You think UMass-Amherst was bad? My Iowa Nonfiction Writing Program rejection letter was on even worse paper. But I've still ranked it #1 because of the gentle and kind phrasing. UMass is my #3. Haha...I'm a rejection letter connoisseur...
Being the one that asked Arno if I could see his writing, I will answer for myself. Why is it rude to ask and to see someone else's work? Is this not a community? I think I would benefit from reading Arno's work or as a reader simply enjoy reading Arnos work (that would be a sin I know). I'm not asking because I don't trust the programs that Arno was accepted to...I didn't even apply to them. I'm simply interested in what he/she is writing. I assume since Arno (and Arno, I don't mean to speak for you), will be allowing others to read his/her writing in the workshops that he/she is attending, he/she wouldn't mind being sharing with others, but if Arno doesn't want to, he doesn't have to. I was simply asking.
Would it be rude of me to ask a writer who got into a "not as good" program to read their work or is it only rude to ask someone who got into a "good" program.
I would have to be highly insecure to ask a writer to read his or her writing for the reasons that you indicated. And I don't appreciate being called rude. I'm happy with my writing, have worked my butt off to get where I am and though I didn't get into a "good" program as your remark seems to suggest, I'm incredibly happy with it and my accomplishments.
@ Emma - congrats on the GNP from Florida, yeah! Knowing that you got into Montana made me wonder about schools tending toward certain aesthetics. One of my profs at Montana suggested I apply to Florida (which I did) because he said they'd had quite a few Montana undergrads get into the program and really like it. Montana-Florida connection, mayhaps? Any other schools that routinely overlap?
it might not be rude to ask someone for their sample it's just a bit awkward considering this is the internet, the place where no one knows who they're actually talking to, the place where people invent fantasy lives.
but for someone like arna (who is a male), who obviously has high quality material, you must be careful where or who you send your work.
carol oates is completely nuts when it comes to this. at parties she watches people, afraid if she speaks they will steal her ideas.
To all those concerned about not getting Columbia e-mails today: I've gotten at least three today and I didn't apply to their MFA program. I think I got them because I was considering taking a writing class there last summer. I don't think those e-mails are anything to read into.
@ Courtney - Thanks so much for the Bath Spa interview info! Sounds like they were pretty thorough. My interview isn't until the end of next week, but I will definitely let you know the outcome.
Any advice on wait list time lines? Has anyone here been accepted from a wait list? How long does it usually take to hear back about your status? Are we all waiting until April and beyond to know our fates?
@Lauren - I wasn't referring only to you with my post, but since you responded...
I think it's rude to ask because it implies two things: 1) doubt, and 2) jealousy. This isn't to say I think you, personally, are doubtful or jealous, but when someone posts an acceptance and immediately people are like "Let me read what you sent" it seems sort of, I don't know, tacky.
Another way of looking at it. Maybe the reason people ask to see the writers' work is because they want to see what it takes to get into a specific program(s). This doesn't make much sense, though, because the whole process is subjective. There aren't any rules to follow. My acceptances baffled me because I felt that my materials were underprepared. However, someone else might spend months revising a story to submit, only to be rejected.
In short, I just don't see that anything can be gained from reading someone's work, especially the work of someone you don't know, will probably never know, and will likely forget all about after this MFA season has run its course.
I know it sounds rough, but it's just how I feel. Like if someone won the lottery and you ask to see the ticket.
@cecil - I agree with that. And I also love love LOVE JCO gossip. Personally, I believe she has a sweat shop filled with fledgling writers who compose her writing for her. They have terrible living conditions.
Re: Florida Ahhh! I'm so envious, but seriously, congrats! I was accepted into Minnesota a few weeks back, and the only school that honestly would have made me hesitant and reconsider UM's offer was Florida.
To anyone waiting to hear from Sarah Lawrence, I received a letter a few weeks ago saying they would be sending out their notifications on March 17...a while off, but hopefully that helps.
Also, did anyone else hear from The New School as far as rejections? Should I assume a rejection at this point if I haven't heard anything? I am so tempted to be that person who calls them and asks what the heck they are thinking sending out emails about "come visit us" when they still haven't said yes/no about getting in...!
CONGRATS EVERYONE ACCEPTED!!! And Courtney, my God woman, you are on fire!! Goodness!!! Keep prayin' that rosary 'cause Mary must love ya ;)
@Klairkwilty I think I ♥ you. Seriously.
On a side note, I got my official Alabama rejection. It was a really bad letter, something like "we look at every element of every application and sometimes people who meet the minimum requirements don't get in. You didn't get in." That has nothing to do with creative writing! It was a form letter sent from the grad school. Ick. The "signature" was all pixelated and stuff, ha.
I'd like to jump into this discussion of asking people for their writing samples. Way long ago someone asked to see mine, and I didn't know what I thought about it - so I didn't respond at all. Sorry about that, not trying to be rude.
A few years ago someone on the Speakeasy (a guy who'd gotten into Iowa) offered up his sample with the caveat that it wasn't his *best* work, but simply his best work at the time. No offense meant to this person - who very generously shared with the community - but I wasn't all that impressed with the story. It was well-written, flowed nicely, all of that, but it didn't "spark" for me. If anything, it made me realize how much this process really comes down to the right person seeing your sample at the right time.
I guess what I've ended up realizing is that the blog is to blame. If we were in a forum - like the Speakeasy - where people could PM or email others privately, it wouldn't seem as "rude" as klairkwilty thinks. I can understand his position on this - it doesn't come across all that well when 20 people suddenly ask to see a sample that's gotten into Michener. But I know you're all good people with harmless intentions, which makes me think it's just the public-ness of this blog.
In support of Arna, though, I reckon that anyone wanting to read his sample should just buy a copy of the Bat City Review, since it has just published the story that he is sending around for free. We know where to find it - why not support the lit mag that found it first?
Oh, by the way, I don't think it's rude to ask for Arna's sample, I ♥ Klairkwilty for something he said a long time ago but I can't remember what he said and it will take so long to go look for it.
Thanks so much for the congrats! Minnesota is fabulous, so right back at you. It might interest you to know that Florida only accepts 6 people for the 6 spots. While it seems that those people are being contacted today, their policy makes the waitlist a great one to be on.
Oh, and Trilbe!! I once had a short flight with the Jacksonville State team. It was niiiiiiiiice. I was a little voyeuristic though and kept watching one of the guys because he was acting weird. I think he was afraid of flying and kept crossing himself periodically throughout the flight. He had also apparently taken a sleeping pill and could fall asleep in seconds only to wake up because of some turbulence, cross himself again, and then fall asleep. True story. He was handsome and tall. But also balding. So, you win some and you loose some.
I dunno, writing is meant to be shared. I understand if someone didn't want to share their sample, but if I got into Austin and Iowa, and someone asked me for it, I would be flattered. I don't think it's weird or crazy or unnatural, I think it's genuine curiosity.
I don't think looking at someone else's sample can really "show" us how to get into Iowa, but I do think sharing work is natural and good. That's what workshopping is all about.
These good news emails/phone calls are really pissing me off. Do they call EVERYONE they want to accept/waitlist??? If we don't get one, can we assume we are rejected? I don't understand!! Why would they do this??
@ kaybay - I don't get it either. Emma, can you shed light on this? Were they calling to gauge your interest in Florida? Why call with a pseudo-acceptance while at the same time telling you that you might end up on a waitlist?
@kaybay - Two years now applying and I stand by no-phonecall, no-acceptance. There are lots of exceptions--some schools email, some spray paint it on your garage door--but really, I've never been wrong in my assumption.
It's okay, I never thought I'd actually get into Florida. FML. Seriously, I'm turning into a super sourpuss from this whole thing. What did I do wrong?? I researched programs forever, spent several months on my writing sample. Yes, it's not perfect, but I've gotten good feedback from it. Is it my GRE score? My toes? WHAT IS IT?!
I got the impression that they wanted to put a voice to the people they're considering, and get a feel for them. That's really it! It does increase the suspense, but I also respect that they want to go on more than the application.
@kaybay I know exactly how you feel. Though I am second guessing my writing sample like no ones business. That they looked at the summary on the first page and decided not to read it because it contained words that "scare" most people. *sigh*
Well, if they wanted to call me they would find out that I really am a lovely lady, with big blue eyes and a heart of gold. I might even get them coffee and wear a nice fragrance as I float around the English department. I would smile perpetually and balance my workshop comments with nice, positive comments. Really, I'm quite the spectacular human being, something they would find out if they CALLED ME!
I'm just kidding, btw, I'm not really that lovely. Just sort of lovely.
First time poster and finally some good news to report: I'M IN AT TEXAS STATE FOR FICTION! I'm ecstatic! Am still waiting to hear from American and Hollins. Any news?
I hope my negativity doesn't sound like I'm not happy for you, Emma, I really am, and I really hope that your phone call turns into an acceptance or at least a waitlist because otherwise, that's just mean!! Seriously though, good luck! :)
Weeks later, I e-mailed one program and asked if they could recind my sample if I sent in another one. The person said yes, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone and send that new sample to other programs that took in hard-copies with a letter attached asking them if it'd be OK if they recinded the first one and checked out this one instead. The wording on the letter was fancier, so was the font.
So yeah, it was a bonehead move, but I couldn't help myself.
When I was interning at a lit mag last summer, writers would often do that same thing, and the editors would always allow it (most of the submissions were rejections, anyway, so it wasn't a big deal).
Houston has been moved up to #2 nationally in funding -- and the current financial aid data comes directly from the program itself.
Also, we all know Mark Doty has left UH, but we now know that he has been replaced on faculty by Maurice Manning and Ange Mlinko. If you know poetry you know that these additions to the UH faculty are tremendous.
While the teaching load can be somewhat high, certainly everything else at UH looks great -- particularly for poets. And assuming you don't mind the heat. (NB: Houston was #11 in 2010 in poetry, and #34 in fiction; with this new data those figures, and the program's overall ranking, are likely to rise substantially this year and next).
If anyone hasn't posted their application list and would like to, I'm all ears -- also, any admissions data re: selectivity is always welcome. E.g., anyone who has admissions data for Colorado State I would love forever.
I would think that if the second sample was better, it was a good move. I wouldn't worry about that if I were you. By the time it got to readers, I doubt they would care your sample was switched up before it got to them. But what do I know?
@Kaybay
Thanks. I don't post too often, but I follow the blog. I'm rooting for you all the way.
@Seth Thank you for the Houston update. I didn't apply there, but Indiana is my dream school. Does this mean that Maurice Manning will no longer teach at IU?
Here's my list: FICTION- Vanderbilt (accepted) Wash U (waitlist) Wisconsin (rejected) Hunter Brooklyn Columbia NYU UVA UNC Greensboro Cornell Brown Johns Hopkins definitely quite a few assumed rejections in there...
NONFICTION- (also, am I the only one indecisive enough to apply in more than one genre?) UNCW-accepted Hollins New School Sarah Lawrence
haven't seen anyone else report this in fiction yet, so: accepted at Pitt on March 2. just got back from traveling and saw the email, wooh! no funding though ...
I read work from people I don't know personally all the time and get a lot out of it. I could name a few, but just hit up the bookstore.
I think its shortsighted to say you don't gain anything from reading any work. You can gain a lot from both work bad or good. I read about 100 books a year and I don't remember all the names of the books or even the authors off of the top of my head, but it all goes into my brain somewhere and helps me develop my own style. To say someone's style is wholly independent of others is impossible unless that person has never read anything by anyone which would be pretty impressive.
Peaquah, I will def look into the bat city review. I'm all about lit mags and you are right, supporting writers in general is a great cause...thanks for the information.
That being said, since Arno is published, though may not have a book on the shelf, its possible to say that he fits in with every other writer I've read that I don't know.
BTW Lottery tickets are numbers and I don't believe you can gain anything by reading a list of numbers. And I don't believe that it is just LUCK that Arno got into the major programs...he must be doing something right.
@Kaybay---its nice to know what's coming from Alabama. Everyday, I keep heading to the mailbox. I just prefer something that says...you didn't get.
Laura T, That is kind of strange. Maybe they want to weed out the people who end up at other schools before they make those decisions? Hopefully they'd have an offer for you sooner than that! If you let them know you have other offers, maybe they'll fight for you?
linsoosoo, Congratulations! I'm also in at Texas State.
I got the lsu fafsa email.... and a letter from Alabama. I thought it was going to be the rejection I have been waiting for (I called and they said all decisions were mailed out), but alas, a letter about financial aid as well...
Congrats to everyone who has gotten good news this week!
Texas State is one of my top choices, and I don't know if I can take it much longer. Think it's a really bad idea to call them tomorrow to see if they can tell me anything?
I'm accepted at LSU for poetry and I didn't get the e-mails you mentioned. That said, I mentioned above that I wouldn't give up hope. I was the only person accepted on the blog/site/forum and I'm under the impression that more acceptances will be coming.
Sorry about the confusion. I recieved an email from LSU, about needed to file some documents for my fafsa. I don't think this means anything because it said it was for undergraduate admission (Yah, I have no idea). I also got a letter (in the mail) from Alabama, about financial aid. I was expecting that one to be my rejection, which I have not yet recieved. It pretty much said: we don't know if your in, and you're probably not but we need these documents if you are. So, nothing in the end.
@JasonJ- variety apparently is the spice of life. CalArts and Oregon are probably the two schools on our individual lists that are obviously different than the other schools on our lists.
@Woon- i'm not sure if i should be embarrassed or stoked about that. i'm still weighing out the options.
@DigAPony - Exactly, especially the clap! clap! I imagined New Mexico's stationery to be more colorful -- images of adobes, Saguaro cacti, Native American and Mexican border dwellers. Stuff like that. Hmm. Surprised.
@ Woon and DigAPony - Do either of you watch the show "Psych" on USA? Before the season premiere they did a promo with the cast performing Private Eyes in trench coats and sunglasses, instruments and all. Now I can't hear that song without thinking of that show. It was actually pretty hilarious.
and @ whoever asked about Dreux earlier, I second that. Where is Dreux ??!!?? Something's been missing from March Radness (I just had the epiphany that Radness could easily become Sadness *doh*)
@ kaybay
I. love. you. DOn't let stupid GNP's get you down! (and seriously, GNP's now?! Someone shoot me in the face. That seems like a new level of POINTLESS and mind-fuck-ish. GRRRRRRRRR!)
clarification: I didn't mean to imply any correlation between Dreux and March Sadness. Dreux coming back would be rad. Dreuxxxxxxx!!!! ::annoying wail/whine combination:: Dreuuuuuuuuuuux!!!! Come baaaaack!
By the way, word of advice to all, DO NOT purchase any thin mints while waiting on schools to notify. I've finished off a box on two days... and I'm not proud of myself.
I think I must have accidentally marked that I'm male on my FAFSA, because all the schools I applied to are sending me emails telling me I need to register for the selected service before my financial aid info can be processed.
If I had it to do over, I would have applied to Albany earlier and would have applied to the doctoral program at Amherst.
@to all the accepteds, congrats!!!
I am reading Lolita again, a fantasy novel by Jo Graham called Black Ships, the new volumes of poetry by Marilyn Hacker and Marie Ponsot, plus Red Flag by Lola Ridge, a history of the left in the '50s-'70s, a collection of poems from the women's movement and fairy tales in French. The latter is slow going but I still remember a reasonable amount. Oh, and whatever my 8-year-old wants for a bedtime story.
And Carson McCullers' The Member of the Wedding with my seniors, To Kill A Mockingbird with my juniors, and Macbeth with my sophomores. I have to tell you guys, I have one student who has totally not engaged with school and reading who VOLUNTARILY watched TKM on A&E the other night because he has been absolutely loving the book. He comes to discuss it with me outside of class. That is the greatest feeling.
@Klairkwilty Hi I beg to differ about your point that asking someone accepted into a program for his writing sample is like asking a lottery ticket winner for proof of his ticket. By this - # You completely undermine the achievements of those like Arna who have got into such prestigious programs. I strongly believe it is a reflection of their writing and not just some random process.
# Arna sent me his writing sample too and what it did - was give me a lot of encouragement to be able to rework on my writing sample and perhaps apply next year too. And if it can do the same for a few others (those who haven't yet heard from any school especially) I'd reckon it's a huge huge help.
# As someone mentioned earlier writing is truly about sharing and Trilbe sets the standards on this blog of caring and sharing and she too sent me her writing sample. I am not a poet and yet I was looking forward to read it and the day I got her email it felt so so nice - as if there is like an extended family out here on this blog.
@Seth: Thanks for everything you do. Here's my list of schools for fiction:
Wyoming: rejected Washington-St. Louis: rejected Wisconsin-Madison: rejected Eastern Washington: accepted UC Irvine: assumed rejection (too early?...) Hollins UNCG UC Riverside Oregon Sarah Lawrence LSU Boston University
Reading this blog is such a great distraction. I sit down to scan comments and a couple of hours just fly by! And it's so nice to see all the good news posted here. Congrats to all accepteds and waitlisters! Good luck to everyone!
I also applied to a library science program to keep my options open. I currently work at a public library and I enjoy it. Of course, I don't have to deal with all the little problems (and problem patrons) that crop up. I'm more interested in becoming a medical librarian, though.
I know there are some fellow EWU admits here. Holla!
@MommyJ: Good luck on the GRE! I hope you do better than I did.
@ChoiceD-I also got accepted to Carlow. Don't know too much about the program, only hearsay that the students like it. I liked the Ireland option:) Not sure where I'm going yet...I also got accepted to Fairfield University.
I'm thinking no news is bad as well. Although it seems like most of my schools have yet to start notifying yet... so maybe that pessimism is unwarranted?
I really hope to get some good news tomorrow. First Friday of March. Keeping the hope/wishing luck to everyone!
Anyone else kinda depressed seeing schools you thought you might still have a chance of getting into sink into green, rather than blue, ink on DH? Le sigh.
I didn't get an email from the New School as of yet, so I suppose it's a maybe rejection.
I applied to Maryland and American, both of which appear to have snail mailed acceptances this week and last.
Haven't heard from them.
But I still have some hope I'll get in somewhere (how is Arizona notifying again?).
This is really, for the first time since I began this process, really starting to grate on my nerves. Can't they all just reject and accept at the same time?
If anyone feels inclined, please give some insight. Are these Arizona, Maryland, New School and American acceptances coming slowly or have these ships sailed?
For a while I felt like no news was ok news - after all, it wasn't rejection - but now half of my schools have notified other people, some weeks ago, and nary a peep for me. Even in my most optimistic moods I can't convince myself that is good.
[Watch this trailer for those wondering what I'm replying to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LkhLsk8bwU ]
I loved it! I ordered Stones of Summer and look forward to seeing what inspired the film. It really goes to show how much writing and reading can change a person's life and how much of a crapshoot publishing is in terms of making NYT Bestsellers (and successful books/authors that will be remembered decades from now instead of being forgotten a couple of years later despite accolades). I think the in-depth conversations in the film also made me realize how little I've read of classic literature and that for non-academic book lovers of previous generations, really knowing a book stems from not only what's printed on the pages but also from insights into an author's life. Reading the correspondences of John Keats, for example, or the journals of Sylvia Plath definitely illuminate and provide a context for their work just like having an understanding of British History can help contextualize and give meaning to the plays of Shakespeare. Even with well-read young people today, I just don't see that same level of passion. And technology has changed the nature of journal writing, note taking, and correspondence etc. that I just don't put the same value on a printed email (assuming the relatives of a deceased writer have the passwords) from X famous writer that I would on a box full of yellowed letters. I wonder how the writers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries will be remembered? How many will be forgotten? What will they leave behind?
Somewhat related: I started reading Jonathan Baumbach a couple of yrs ago after Squid and the Whale came out. I'm certain many other people have done the same. It's amazing how another form of art (and in this case by the writer's son) can bring the work of the previous generation into the light. A similar thing happened when The House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III received a lot of attention and was made into a movie, sending many readers to the work of his father who had mostly toiled in literary obscurity.
@ Jarsh - I'm waiting on American as well. Their decision process has been odd. Poor Coughdrop got two rejection letters from them, one like a month ago and the other more recently, I think. Other than that I only know of that one acceptance on DH. So maybe there is no real logic there. Plus, they notify snail mail, so it might just take longer for some people. I wouldn't give up hope.
Driftless House does one-on-one work online that results in substantially more benefit, I think, than in-person workshops -- in which one often meets 1x/week over a six or seven-week period and gets workshopped only once (or twice, at most). I'd advise anyone looking at summer and fall workshops to consider that the new model for self-improvement may be a mentoring model (which costs slightly less and is more logistically convenient). Folks who Driftless House (nee ALC; a DH website is coming but for now the ALC site is active) has worked with have gotten in just about every place you could imagine, in part because the focus is specifically on the applicant's MFA-application writing sample (and not, as with a virtual or online workshop, just one poem by the participant). My two cents. Be well,
Like Peaquah, I have kind of mixed feelings about this... but I love her suggestion to buy the mag. When I think about it, klairkwilty's discomfort makes sense to me. It didn't strike me that way at first because neither of my sample stories were unpublished, so they were out there anyway...
UC Irvine UT Austin Arizona UNLV Portland State Iowa Wisconsin Michigan NYU The New School Columbia Hunter Brooklyn Sarah Lawrence Rutgers-Newark Cornell Boston University Florida Virginia
Hey, everybody! I finally made it out of LaGuardia Airport and into the state of Alabama -- and while I was out of touch AshleyBrooke went and got herself accepted!$!?!$! WooHoooo! Congrats, girl! I guess Texas State and SIUC have decided to take all of our kindest, most generous posters. I guess the adcomms really do read this blog... Seriously, AshleyBrooke & sahaider & KittyInACathouse, I can't imagine a workshop group that I would enjoy more than this crew.
And it looks like March Radness gave us another day of double-digit acceptances: congrats to Peter & linsoosoo & sutpen & threes & Gabrielle! Cheers to klairkwilty & missprivateeye, who each got another one! And to Courtney & Benjamin who've just proved that Montana and McNeese were not (are not?) done calling people.
Congrats to Emma on your GNP! Good luck!!!
Re:Tall Hot Black Men - This morning: St. John's basketball team. This evening: Terrance Hayes! I spent the evening talking with Terrance Hayes about writing and (to my trashy delight!) Tiger Woods, David Duchovny and a brief detour into Bill Clinton.
Don't be hatin', chicas! I guess it's just my week to get served the Venti Mochachinos -- and they are DELICIOUS!
@Adam - I thought you had a boyfriend?! So don't be eyeballin' my menzez!
Re:Manuscript Requests - I haven't asked anybody for their writing sample but I have been more than happy to share mine with anyone who wants to see it because I'm kind of a *loser* writer or maybe a *fake* writer -- I'm not trying to be overly self-deprecating here -- I'm just saying that I don't take a profession-oriented approach to the writing game and I don't expect to ever get world famous or to make money doing it. I just write poems because I want to share my vision of the world with people. I'm kind of obsessed with tying to squeeze my life experience and my take on history into my poems, HOPING that someone -- now or in the future -- will read them and get something from them.
I'm not obnoxious enough to force my poems onto my friends and loved ones who (mostly) are not interested in poetry but, if I had my f*cking way, everybody I know would be reading my poems as fast as I can produce them. Maybe it's different for fiction and non-fiction writers(?) because (in general) you can expect to get paid and you want to get paid for your work product(?) For me, in specific regard to my own body of work, writing is about ego, not commerce. It's neither a generous act, nor a commercial act, for me to feel so strongly that what I think is important and insight-filled, so much, that I want everyone to read what I write. But, again, that's very personal to me. And you all, I'm sure, have many different motives behind your drive to write.
Re:Arna's Work - I also understand the request to read some Arna because I love reading and, except for things I've been assigned to read for school, I make my reading lists based on recommendations. I've discovered almost every contemporary poet that I love based on my reading a review or hearing that this person is good.
The assessment that someone is a good poet doesn't make me want to go out and buy their book so that I can critique them or steal from them. I get the book or Google their poems because I want to read some good stuff! I guess what I'm saying here is that several committees of highly successful professional writers have, essentially, recommended Arna's work. So I completely understand that people want to pick up the Collected Works. Arna is like a French film about which critics at The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek and Entertainment Weekly have gone gaddamz crazy over! You may or may not even like it, because taste is subjective, but the critics have gone f*cking apeshit over the flick so, if you are at all interested in film, you have to see this movie.
I'm actually surprised that more people, in this setting full of avid readers, haven't asked to see Arna's work or bought copies of the journal he's in. Because, really, unless you're the kind of person who doesn't see the value of reading contemporary literature, how do you not want to read this up-and-coming young writer's work, with the reviews he's had? Subjective process or not, the reviews are strong.
Am I trashy for buying books based on recs and reviews? That's not rhetorical. I'm quite trashy in many ways... But, other than reviews, I don't know how I would sort through everything that's on the shelves.
So I just checked my University of New Hampshire status online and it now says "Waiting for Final Grad Review" ...is that a good sign? Or am I just reading too much into it? I'm probably reading too much into it. Before it said "Out to Department" and I guess the next step wouldn't be "Denied due to sucking" as that'd just be mean...and actually a little funny. Thoughts? (I'm for fiction by the way)
@Coreyann - You are far braving than me for even emailing TNS and Brooklyn! I know a lot of folks here (including me obviously!) appreciate any time someone has the guts to contact schools, no matter the form of communication. Keep us updated :)
AND HAPPY FRIDAY TO EVERYONE! We've gotten tons of acceptances this week, let's keep it up!! (Do you hear that schools? Do you???)
And one more thing - I was a lurker for awhile, and just started subscribing and commenting last week. The main thing I've taken away from this blog is the sense of community, which makes me want to get my MFA even more than before! Imagine having classes with all of the smart, funny, and critical-without-being-rude people that we interact with on this blog! You guys rock!! (okay, enough gushing. Back to work, zzz)
It least it'd be a good story...like hey guys i got rejected from this school and it simply said i just really suck. And then an animation of a smiley face throwing my sample in the trash showed up and turned to a grimace and shook it's head at me.
I got accepted there last year and I'm trying to remember the status changes. Recalling rejectees last year, I think the grad school review is a bad sign. Yet my memmory is pretty bad, so apologies if I unduly stress you out!
Hi! I've been following for a little while, thought I'd share my list (for poetry): Michener (rejected) Amherst (rejected) Iowa Brown NYU UNCG UNCW (waitlisted) NC State Florida Florida State
Congrats to the latest batch of acceptees and waitlistees. So far March has been rather dull for me. One waitlist, two rejections. C'mon committees, my phone is charged and ready.
Ugh, this one just hits so hard. I was doing so well shrugging off the other rejections (UMass Amherst, Michigan, WashU)... but this one just effing sucks. I really, really wanted to go to Brown.
2,504 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 2001 – 2200 of 2504 Newer› Newest»@ Benjamin and Courtney: YAAAY! March radness indeed! Big congrats to both of you!
@ Henry:
I have a Nook. Everyone said not to get it because it's "first generation" technology, but Barnes and Noble WAS my cute local bookstore before they turned into a monster chain, so I've always been more comfortable with their website, etc (as opposed to amazon or some of the others).
I'm a total technophobe - I still use CDs in my car, I've never owned a digital camera, I only JUST learned how to back up my files to one of those little key-chain type thingies... so I wasn't sure at all about making the jump to electronic books. But I've had it for over a month now and so far there's nothing I don't like about it. I love that I can bring five books with me on a weekend trip without actually having to carry five books. I love that if I finish one book at 2 am and really NEED to start another one I can buy a new one without leaving my bed. Etc. etc. I was a huge skeptic but now I'm converted.
@Anti.
As a poet, I re-read, re-read, re-read and re-read a small canon of poetry books I think are particularly strong, usually the poet's first entry into maturity, and then, if different, that poet's seminal work/s. As I get closer to producing my own first mature work, I'll be gradually dispensing with the similarly entry stage work of these poets. This is all an attempted regulation of the pressure of influence, between the now-graspable, and the still-unreachable. This method tends to produce higher grade work, but long periods of frustration and block because of its forced overwhelm. So, this continues.
As a more general reader, I just finished "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" today (something I had apparently missed in childhood), and I couldn't help but thinking Carroll was occasionally bored by his own writing - the cloy of the ending, with its rubbery lyricism, was a particularly surprising failure - it's a weird re-rooting attempt.
Other than that, I had just finished McCarthy's "The Road", which is going to stand well in one hundred years, and have paralleled Carroll with J.M. Coetzee's so-far snoozefest, "Slow Man" - as the blurb from "The Times" reads on the front of it, it's "Another exemplary tale of suffering", but so far more for me than Paul Rayment with his one leg.
Next up beyond that? John Banville's "The Sea", and then a slow release of poetry I haven't had the chance to read. This may sound a little strange to Americans also, but I've also left "Moby Dick" until I feel ready for it - that'll be later this year I figure.
Congrats to everyone with acceptances!!! Must be such a relief!
@ Courtney - I believe you are the person with a Bath Spa acceptance on here. I just got an e-mail from the program director asking to arrange a telephone interview. Seeing as how I tend to make myself sound like an idiot in interviews, I thought I'd check with you to see what they asked/discussed during yours.
@ miss private eye
You mean you don't bounce between both extremes?
The rational part of me knows that I am a good writer, one who has made much progress but also has plenty of room to improve.
But it blows my mind that I still, to the same degree I did ten years ago, between "I may improve but I'll never be good" and "I will be remembered as the first great novelist of the 21st century."
Just last night I looked at my novel's first chapter (revised fifteen times or so) and I spotted clumsy wording, superfluous clauses, and similar embarrassments all over the page. I felt so godlike about this version a few months ago.
My ego reliably bottoms out whenever I return to writing after an overlong break.
@Wrecking Light
I read "The Road" a few years ago and still cannot say enough good things about it. The lyricism. The darkness. The narrative.
Loved everything about it. I agree w/ your sentiment about its literary value even 100 yrs from now.
Country,
Wow congrats!
Benjamin,
Congratsulations!
beedeecee,
Don't give up! Because I pretty much had and now OMG. But if I don't get funding, I'm not sure whether I'll go or not, so there is still a chance I'll be back on these boards again. We'll see.
Melissa,
Don't give up yet! I only got a voicemail and they didn't say anything about how many they'd taken or if they were done yet. I do know that yesterday I felt defeated when a call was mentioned and I didn't have mine... Who KNOWS what is going on. You aren't out until it's official!
LOl sorry Courtney, I didn't meant to call you Country.
@AB
i totally was looking on the boards and trying to figure out who was "country".
:)
@klairkwilty This might be already over, but I thought I would chime in on the issue of asking Arna to look at his/her writing sample. To me, writing is all about sharing. Writers get inspiration from other writers that they read and it is this big sharing back-and-forth transaction that goes on. Of course, that is just me and I respect any writer who wants to keep their stuff to themselves. Especially during this process, I can understand why someone might be a little hesitant. But, that is why I asked so that in case Arna doesn't mind, I might be able to take a look at a sample that is obviously very good. I am always looking to read different things and to learn a thing or two about writing. I have a feeling that I can learn something from Arna.
Hahah, it didn't matter:
Whenever I see the word country (or courtesy, or courting), I read Courtney! Slash, I love country music. Perfectly appropriate.
Thank you everyone!!!
@Anti
If you're already a fan, you really should give Craig's book a try. It's not "writerly" in that Carver/Hempel kinda way- so some literary-minded folks might feel better about themselves for snubbing it- but it is good storytelling... clever in the right ways, subtle when necessary, has a weirdly winding plot (with just a dash of CF's hilarious social commentary), and was actually pretty touching.
I laughed... I cried... I read it aloud with cheap puppets.
@megan...
Thanks! I'm not ready to purchase anything yet, but I appreciate the info. I'll keep the Nook in mind. How's the screen look? Any glare issues? Pretty comfy?
Re: UNCG Fin. Aid E-mail
Hi All,
I just spoke with UNCG's Graduate Department, and was told that the financial aid e-mail that many of you received went out by mistake. I called because I didn't get one, and the story goes that the grad. school caught themselves halfway through sending out the e-mail, which is why some of us got it and some didn't. It shouldn't be taken as a reflection on your application's standing in any way.
Best,
K
re: The Road
I really dug the book, myself. Anyone else get the sense that it was Beckett-lite? I could almost see the reduced calorie label on the cover--not that I'm saying that's a bad thing, bringing that vision to a wider readership.
I enjoyed The Road much more when I found out about Cormac's young son (he fathered him at something like 66), and realized that the book was really founded in his own fear that he was probably not going to live to see his son grow up.
Hey EmilyA--there is a Courtney on the board with a Bath Spa acceptance--but it's not me!
I'm fiction Courtney; the other one has been rocking acceptances in CNF.
Thanks to whoever left the information about Iowa's decision letters, because I too, like everyone else, need to hear it from the horse's mouth before I can put that dream to rest. I called them yesterday and the woman--who i don't think was happy to be fielding phone calls--told me they weren't going to send letters out until friday, so it's a happy surprise that they went out today.
one note though: i asked the woman on the phone if phone calls were made to every candidate who was admitted or if some people would find out in the mailings...and she said something to the effect of "im not sure how you would get the idea that we call people because we don't have any of that information on our website...but everyone gets a letter." which was both oddly defensive and confusing. insights?
i applied to 8 schools, rejected from two, waitlisted at one, assumed rejections from one or two more. it's not looking good and i'm sad.
Kyle,
You are my hero. I was already making plans to forego sleep tonight so that I could properly overanalyze that stinking email.
Now I don't know what I'll do. Probably just sob hysterically over the probable typos in my writing sample (that I can't summon courage enough to actually look at).
Thanks!
@Anti
I received the same information you did about the merit scholarship. I'm wondering if TNS has other forms of financial aid based on need or positions for graduate assistantships or something. I'm just not keen on taking out $80k-plus in loans for tuition and housing/living expenses. I came out of undergraduate five years ago with zero debt. Now I'm starting to feel just a little bummed about finally having to go into debt ...
Hey Courtney-- congratulations on your acceptance at Montana. I was also accepted for fiction, and would love to email. My email: es787 at bard DOT edu.
@Kyle
What a ballbuster. I can't help but feel really deflated. Oh well. Another tease, yea?
@SamStod
I never knew that about McCarthy. That opens the book up to a whole new interpretation. Good stuff! Thanks for sharing
@ kyle: you are a saint.
We should start giving out prizes for people who make calls/send emails to programs and then share the fruits of their labor on this blog.
@ Ashley Brooke, major congratulations!!! I was rooting for you.
Also re: Rutgers funding - I should've made this clearer in my last post, but Amy Ortiz, the MFA program coordinator, said that they have not yet made ANY funding decisions, and when they do make them, all decisions will go out by April 20. That's why it boggled me so much!
Already posted this at the limbo site but here's a little playlist that I've been listening to after tasting sweet victory.
http://www.mediafire.com/?mw2jwzjzyzj
MFA Limbo 'Come On Home'
1 The Foxglove Hunt - The Mayflower Compact
2 Foals - Hummer
3 Jay Reatard - It Ain't Gonna Save Me
4 The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
5 The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Young Adult Friction
6 Deastro - Daniel Johnston Was Stabbed In the Heart With the Moondagger By the King of Darkness and His Ghost Is Writing This As a Warning to All of Us
7 Mew - The Zookeeper's Boy
8 Mirrors - Look At Me
9 Summer Camp - Ghost Train
10 Magic Arm - Outdoor Games
11 Slow Club - Christmas TV
Also congratulations to Courtney, Benjamin, and other recent acceptances!!!
couldn't take it anymore, emailed TNS and Brooklyn to check and see if they are done notifying all acceptances. I'll let you know if I hear back. I am too scared to actually use the phone like the rest of your brave people. =)
still no word on sarah lawrence fiction, right? just poetry?
I'm waiting to hear from:
Columbia
Univeristy of Arizona
Hollins
for CNF
Anyone heard anything from these places?
A friend of mine was also accepted at Texas State in Poetry via phone today, in case anybody here is watching for poetry and Texas State :)
Congrats to the new acceptances!
To those who are in at SAIC and VCU, do you know if they have just begun notifying acceptances? Just wondering how long I should wait before giving up hope, especially since my name is high on the alphabet...
@EmilyA
Congrats! I think this is good news for you! So, I already posted a response about my interview and of course, I can't find it. I probably answered it best the first time, but I'll give it a go.
I spoke with the program director, Richard Kerridge, and another one of his colleagues, both of whom had read my writing samples. The interview lasted about 35 mins or so and it was a pretty casual conversation. They asked me a few questions about my writing sample, which was an excerpt from a memoir and another short story. They wanted to know the direction I saw my memoir going in, etc. They asked me sepcifically who my writing influences are and what I hope to accomplish at Bath. I can't remember any other direct questions they asked except for questions about my background. I work in a field that is very different from the arts/creative writing, so they were interested in talking about that. The main focus of the interview, oddly enough, was the two of them discussing my writing and what they found interesting about it and about me.
In terms of preparing for the interview, just be ready to discuss why you are interested in Bath, what you hope to accomplish at their program, what your focus will be, who your writing influences are, and be ready to discuss your writing sample in detail (should they ask). To me, it seemed like they were trying to get a feel for what kind of person I am, so I would say as long as you come off as a serious writer, you'll be okay. Oh, and of course, be ready to talk about yourself and anything you think they would find interesting.
Sending out some good luck vibes for you. I hope it goes well! Keep me posted!
Oh, and one more thing..I got my acceptance 3 days after the interview...they said they would let me know within a week. I hope to see an acceptance post :)
Good news phone call from University of Florida. Not an official acceptance, but it seems like a good situation. I'm really happy right now. For all who have applied, I was told that they will be officially notifying acceptances next week.
Congrats, Courtney, Benjamen, Ashley and everyone else who heard good news today.
I'm currently reading Raymond Carvers' bio. It details his time at Iowa in 1963; he left the program before receiving his degree. Just when I think I have it bad, poor Ray had it so much worse.
@Nadia
Waiting on those three as well...I haven't heard a thing. It looks like they should be coming up in the next few days, fingers crossed for both of us!
Congratulations to all of today's acceptances!!
@ pretzel
I'm wondering the same thing about SAIC; I also saw where someone got an e-mail about an interview for the MFAW program on the results page of GradCafe.com. Even though I already got in to CCC, I still want to know where I stand.
@ Emma
Congrats!
Can you explain what exactly a good news phone call from them entails? They called but said nothing about being officially accepted? How did it go?
(I applied to UFlorida for fiction, if you can't already tell)
Rules of Writing:
Here's a follow up--more writers chiming in:
http://sn106w.snt106.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
I just got an e-mail from Brown. I was rejected “officially” from the MCM program. I already knew this, but it was a strange moment. Like, this is it! And then, oh, I already knew that.
The decisions for Brown’s MFA should be coming soon. I dropped them an e-mail earlier this week. They already forwarded their choices to the graduate program and when they’re done the grad school sends out an e-mail telling students to go check their embark account (I just did this for the MCM program). The Creative Writing program does everything through this because they graduate school needs to approve their decisions.
Hope that helps anyone else waiting to hear from Brown.
And major congrats to the new acceptances today!
Best,
Aaron
@ Rose
I'm fiction too. They said that I would either be accepted or placed high on the waitlist. They have yet to finalize their decision, and will let people know next week. I had the opportunity to ask some questions about the program, which was great, although I was a bit frazzled.
Good luck to you! Where else did you apply? Here's my list, in case you're curious:
Hunter (Unofficial acceptance)
Montana (accepted)
Alabama- (assumed rejection)
Michener (rejected!)
Sarah Lawrence
Iowa
Irvine
Virginia
UNCG
@M.B. Wells,
Very cool on CCC! Sadly, SAIC was one of my biggest hopes since the sample I sent them was stronger than the others. But if I go by when other people have been accepted, then my list just shrank from 12 to 4 (including the 4 formal rejections I've received; just waiting for the official word from the other 4 schools). I think I need an emergency IV of ice cream. This is a lot of bad news for one day.
...trying to stay positive is proving to be harder than anticipated. It's March. That just hit me. Silence is not welcome.
Yeah ... things seem bleaker as time goes by and the silence is deafening...
how many emails can columbia effing send out in one day??? SERIOUSLY.
yeah, the road was definitely good, but blood meridian blew my whole face off
CONGRATS to everyone with acceptances, waitlists, etc., today!
I've hit a major low today. I had a terrible day at work and can't imagine spending another year at my job or living where I am. My Plan B was to stay where I am and keep doing what I'm doing. Now I think I need to come up with a new Plan B. Feeling very hopeless and down.
But coming on here always makes me excited for everyone who got good news. Plus, none of my programs notified today, so I'm okay on that front.
Oh, and got my official rejection from Michigan today. The phrasing is ridiculous, but the paper it was printed on is lovely. I've placed it second out of my three rejection letters so far. :)
Are people getting Columbia emails today? I haven't gotten any. Bad sign? Who knows. Last year, Columbia 'invited' me to their booth at the AWP Conference, I went thinking it was a good sign, spoke to an incurious, unfriendly student who looked like she didn't want to be there, and then I got rejected a few weeks later.
@em yeu ahn - I know who you spoke with and I have spoken with her, too, and she is not very friendly.
@ Chrissy
Chin up!
I can't wait to assess the paper on my Michigan rejection letter...the Umass Amherst one was not impressive.
But really though, I feel you. For those of us who haven't gotten any outright acceptances...it feels horrible. But remember, what makes you a writer is writing. So don't stop!
And congrats to all of you who've been accepted somewhere or another!
@swann
I haven't gotten any emails from Columbia today, either. As I think I've already expressed on this blog, though, I think Columbia is a disorganized mess when it comes to these things, and wouldn't read into anything that comes from them.
I also got a call from them a month ago saying they never received my recs. My boyfriend is a grad student at Columbia, so I hear all the time about what a mess they are. I asked the guy if he was sure, and if maybe they could have gotten mixed in with the apps for another genre? He said it was entirely possible. Ten minutes later he called back to tell me he had my recs. None of this, of course, has anything to do with the program itself. But administrative stuff at Columbia is always a huge headache...
Sounds like the Iowa admin could use a Hug-E-Gram:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPoDIhTRo1k
@ klairkwilty
yeah, it was interesting. after i talked with her i started brainstorming possible solutions to her problem. and i thought to myself...why don't they just put up a message machine that says something like:
"if you're a fiction or poetry applicant to the workshop, we're working really hard to make this anxiety-producing process easier for you. we'll update this message with more specific information when we have it."
because i bet the reason she's crabby is because we're all calling her!
Congrats to acceptees today!
@Aaron Apps
Thanks for the Brown info. I'm sorry to hear about the rejection - sounds like a cool program.
When life gives you no MFA acceptance news, you make more playlists.
The Go-Time Mix
1. Intro - the XX
2. Song 2 - Blur
3. Push It - Garbage
4. Howl - Florence + the Machine
5. It's No Good - Depeche Mode
6. Wake Up - the Arcade Fire
7. June Evenings - Air France
8. Daniel - Bat for Lashes
9. I'm Not Your Toy - La Roux
10. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
11. Sing - Travis
12. There is a Light That Never Goes Out - the Smiths
http://www.mediafire.com/?n0kd5mdtgi1
@Ashley, yayyy!
And you have every reason to call because acceptances were phoned weeks ago.
I think she's just a little stressed out. Oh well.
@em yeu anh
You think UMass-Amherst was bad? My Iowa Nonfiction Writing Program rejection letter was on even worse paper. But I've still ranked it #1 because of the gentle and kind phrasing. UMass is my #3. Haha...I'm a rejection letter connoisseur...
Congratulations, Courtney!
I know I'm late, but everyone, having a drink in your honour :-)
@Klairkwilty
Being the one that asked Arno if I could see his writing, I will answer for myself. Why is it rude to ask and to see someone else's work? Is this not a community? I think I would benefit from reading Arno's work or as a reader simply enjoy reading Arnos work (that would be a sin I know). I'm not asking because I don't trust the programs that Arno was accepted to...I didn't even apply to them. I'm simply interested in what he/she is writing. I assume since Arno (and Arno, I don't mean to speak for you), will be allowing others to read his/her writing in the workshops that he/she is attending, he/she wouldn't mind being sharing with others, but if Arno doesn't want to, he doesn't have to. I was simply asking.
Would it be rude of me to ask a writer who got into a "not as good" program to read their work or is it only rude to ask someone who got into a "good" program.
I would have to be highly insecure to ask a writer to read his or her writing for the reasons that you indicated. And I don't appreciate being called rude. I'm happy with my writing, have worked my butt off to get where I am and though I didn't get into a "good" program as your remark seems to suggest, I'm incredibly happy with it and my accomplishments.
@ Emma - congrats on the GNP from Florida, yeah! Knowing that you got into Montana made me wonder about schools tending toward certain aesthetics. One of my profs at Montana suggested I apply to Florida (which I did) because he said they'd had quite a few Montana undergrads get into the program and really like it. Montana-Florida connection, mayhaps? Any other schools that routinely overlap?
it might not be rude to ask someone for their sample it's just a bit awkward considering this is the internet, the place where no one knows who they're actually talking to, the place where people invent fantasy lives.
but for someone like arna (who is a male), who obviously has high quality material, you must be careful where or who you send your work.
carol oates is completely nuts when it comes to this. at parties she watches people, afraid if she speaks they will steal her ideas.
To all those concerned about not getting Columbia e-mails today: I've gotten at least three today and I didn't apply to their MFA program. I think I got them because I was considering taking a writing class there last summer. I don't think those e-mails are anything to read into.
@ Courtney - Thanks so much for the Bath Spa interview info! Sounds like they were pretty thorough. My interview isn't until the end of next week, but I will definitely let you know the outcome.
Longtime lurker now de-lurking.
Any advice on wait list time lines? Has anyone here been accepted from a wait list? How long does it usually take to hear back about your status? Are we all waiting until April and beyond to know our fates?
@Lauren - I wasn't referring only to you with my post, but since you responded...
I think it's rude to ask because it implies two things: 1) doubt, and 2) jealousy. This isn't to say I think you, personally, are doubtful or jealous, but when someone posts an acceptance and immediately people are like "Let me read what you sent" it seems sort of, I don't know, tacky.
Another way of looking at it. Maybe the reason people ask to see the writers' work is because they want to see what it takes to get into a specific program(s). This doesn't make much sense, though, because the whole process is subjective. There aren't any rules to follow. My acceptances baffled me because I felt that my materials were underprepared. However, someone else might spend months revising a story to submit, only to be rejected.
In short, I just don't see that anything can be gained from reading someone's work, especially the work of someone you don't know, will probably never know, and will likely forget all about after this MFA season has run its course.
I know it sounds rough, but it's just how I feel. Like if someone won the lottery and you ask to see the ticket.
@cecil - I agree with that. And I also love love LOVE JCO gossip. Personally, I believe she has a sweat shop filled with fledgling writers who compose her writing for her. They have terrible living conditions.
@ Emma
Re: Florida
Ahhh! I'm so envious, but seriously, congrats! I was accepted into Minnesota a few weeks back, and the only school that honestly would have made me hesitant and reconsider UM's offer was Florida.
Anyways, here's my list:
Accepted - Minnesota (!!!!!), Eastern Washington, Idaho, Alaska-Fairbanks
Waitlisted - Wyoming
Officially Rejected - UNCW, Texas, Wisconsin
No Word - CSU, Montana, Iowa, Virginia, Cornell, Vandy, Florida, Alabama
Congrats again! Keep us posted on this Florida business. And kudos on Montana, also. One of my recommenders went there and he loved it.
To anyone waiting to hear from Sarah Lawrence, I received a letter a few weeks ago saying they would be sending out their notifications on March 17...a while off, but hopefully that helps.
Also, did anyone else hear from The New School as far as rejections? Should I assume a rejection at this point if I haven't heard anything? I am so tempted to be that person who calls them and asks what the heck they are thinking sending out emails about "come visit us" when they still haven't said yes/no about getting in...!
Thanks guys. :)
-Rachel
CONGRATS EVERYONE ACCEPTED!!! And Courtney, my God woman, you are on fire!! Goodness!!! Keep prayin' that rosary 'cause Mary must love ya ;)
@Klairkwilty I think I ♥ you. Seriously.
On a side note, I got my official Alabama rejection. It was a really bad letter, something like "we look at every element of every application and sometimes people who meet the minimum requirements don't get in. You didn't get in." That has nothing to do with creative writing! It was a form letter sent from the grad school. Ick. The "signature" was all pixelated and stuff, ha.
@kaybay - I'm single. Wanna get hitched? I'll love you forever and ever and....SQUIRREL!
I'd like to jump into this discussion of asking people for their writing samples. Way long ago someone asked to see mine, and I didn't know what I thought about it - so I didn't respond at all. Sorry about that, not trying to be rude.
A few years ago someone on the Speakeasy (a guy who'd gotten into Iowa) offered up his sample with the caveat that it wasn't his *best* work, but simply his best work at the time. No offense meant to this person - who very generously shared with the community - but I wasn't all that impressed with the story. It was well-written, flowed nicely, all of that, but it didn't "spark" for me. If anything, it made me realize how much this process really comes down to the right person seeing your sample at the right time.
I guess what I've ended up realizing is that the blog is to blame. If we were in a forum - like the Speakeasy - where people could PM or email others privately, it wouldn't seem as "rude" as klairkwilty thinks. I can understand his position on this - it doesn't come across all that well when 20 people suddenly ask to see a sample that's gotten into Michener. But I know you're all good people with harmless intentions, which makes me think it's just the public-ness of this blog.
In support of Arna, though, I reckon that anyone wanting to read his sample should just buy a copy of the Bat City Review, since it has just published the story that he is sending around for free. We know where to find it - why not support the lit mag that found it first?
Oh, by the way, I don't think it's rude to ask for Arna's sample, I ♥ Klairkwilty for something he said a long time ago but I can't remember what he said and it will take so long to go look for it.
@ Rose
Thanks so much for the congrats! Minnesota is fabulous, so right back at you. It might interest you to know that Florida only accepts 6 people for the 6 spots. While it seems that those people are being contacted today, their policy makes the waitlist a great one to be on.
Oh, and Trilbe!! I once had a short flight with the Jacksonville State team. It was niiiiiiiiice. I was a little voyeuristic though and kept watching one of the guys because he was acting weird. I think he was afraid of flying and kept crossing himself periodically throughout the flight. He had also apparently taken a sleeping pill and could fall asleep in seconds only to wake up because of some turbulence, cross himself again, and then fall asleep. True story. He was handsome and tall. But also balding. So, you win some and you loose some.
OH! It was the Tim O'Brien thing that made me ♥ Klairkwilty!!
Is that your real name, Klair? What nationality is that?
I dunno, writing is meant to be shared. I understand if someone didn't want to share their sample, but if I got into Austin and Iowa, and someone asked me for it, I would be flattered. I don't think it's weird or crazy or unnatural, I think it's genuine curiosity.
I don't think looking at someone else's sample can really "show" us how to get into Iowa, but I do think sharing work is natural and good. That's what workshopping is all about.
@kaybay - No, my name isn't Klair. But it's a rad name, don't you think?
These good news emails/phone calls are really pissing me off. Do they call EVERYONE they want to accept/waitlist??? If we don't get one, can we assume we are rejected? I don't understand!! Why would they do this??
Yes, "rad" :P
@ kaybay - I don't get it either. Emma, can you shed light on this? Were they calling to gauge your interest in Florida? Why call with a pseudo-acceptance while at the same time telling you that you might end up on a waitlist?
@kaybay - Two years now applying and I stand by no-phonecall, no-acceptance. There are lots of exceptions--some schools email, some spray paint it on your garage door--but really, I've never been wrong in my assumption.
HOWEVER, I've never had the luxury of a waitlist.
Kaybay,
I wonder if there is the occasional admissions office staff that likes to mess with people:
Grad Coordinator at Excellence U.: Hello, is this Wandering Tree?
Me: Speaking
Grad Coord: I'm glad to inform you that the weather is pretty damn nice here in college city. Yup, it's pretty damn nice.
Me: Um, that's cool?
Grad Coord: Indeed. Well, I just wanted to let you know. We'll be making decisions anytime between 9am and 5pm sometime in the spring.
@klairkwilty
No wonder I've not been accepted anywhere! I don't have a garage!
Well, I didn't really want to go to Excellence U anyway...
It's okay, I never thought I'd actually get into Florida. FML. Seriously, I'm turning into a super sourpuss from this whole thing. What did I do wrong?? I researched programs forever, spent several months on my writing sample. Yes, it's not perfect, but I've gotten good feedback from it. Is it my GRE score? My toes? WHAT IS IT?!
Bahhhhh!
@pretzel - I just laughed really loud and these Bosnians were like "WTF?" but they said it in Bosnian.
Is anybody else wondering where Dreux is?
@ Kaybay:
I got the impression that they wanted to put a voice to the people they're considering, and get a feel for them. That's really it! It does increase the suspense, but I also respect that they want to go on more than the application.
Emma, are you fiction or poetry??
@kaybay
I know exactly how you feel. Though I am second guessing my writing sample like no ones business. That they looked at the summary on the first page and decided not to read it because it contained words that "scare" most people. *sigh*
@ kaybay-- fiction.
Well, if they wanted to call me they would find out that I really am a lovely lady, with big blue eyes and a heart of gold. I might even get them coffee and wear a nice fragrance as I float around the English department. I would smile perpetually and balance my workshop comments with nice, positive comments. Really, I'm quite the spectacular human being, something they would find out if they CALLED ME!
I'm just kidding, btw, I'm not really that lovely. Just sort of lovely.
@everyone - Dunno if you guys are familiar with this website, but it's really helpful for when you are looking to submit.
http://www.duotrope.com/
First time poster and finally some good news to report: I'M IN AT TEXAS STATE FOR FICTION! I'm ecstatic! Am still waiting to hear from American and Hollins. Any news?
@everyone
Did any of you send "replacement" writing samples at the last minute?
That's what I did with the CUNY schools (excluding Hunter) and Iowa. Probably a big mistake.
re: MFA fragrances
Someone should come out with a perfume/cologne and/or aftershave called "Critique"
My damn eye's twitching...
@ Wandering Tree: that's a super idea! So funny.
@Anti: What do you mean "replacement writing samples"?
I hope my negativity doesn't sound like I'm not happy for you, Emma, I really am, and I really hope that your phone call turns into an acceptance or at least a waitlist because otherwise, that's just mean!! Seriously though, good luck! :)
Kaybay,
Specifically it would smell like PBR, constructive criticism, subdued animosity, huckleberry, latex, mac and cheese, and a dash of inadequacy.
@Emma
I sent my sample early.
Weeks later, I e-mailed one program and asked if they could recind my sample if I sent in another one. The person said yes, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone and send that new sample to other programs that took in hard-copies with a letter attached asking them if it'd be OK if they recinded the first one and checked out this one instead. The wording on the letter was fancier, so was the font.
So yeah, it was a bonehead move, but I couldn't help myself.
When I was interning at a lit mag last summer, writers would often do that same thing, and the editors would always allow it (most of the submissions were rejections, anyway, so it wasn't a big deal).
Houston Update.
Houston has been moved up to #2 nationally in funding -- and the current financial aid data comes directly from the program itself.
Also, we all know Mark Doty has left UH, but we now know that he has been replaced on faculty by Maurice Manning and Ange Mlinko. If you know poetry you know that these additions to the UH faculty are tremendous.
While the teaching load can be somewhat high, certainly everything else at UH looks great -- particularly for poets. And assuming you don't mind the heat. (NB: Houston was #11 in 2010 in poetry, and #34 in fiction; with this new data those figures, and the program's overall ranking, are likely to rise substantially this year and next).
If anyone hasn't posted their application list and would like to, I'm all ears -- also, any admissions data re: selectivity is always welcome. E.g., anyone who has admissions data for Colorado State I would love forever.
Be well,
Seth
P.S. Congratulations to all who've received good news! And best of luck to those still waiting for that first acceptance! --S.
from a lurker,
Email - in at Montana for fiction.
march 4
@ Anti
I would think that if the second sample was better, it was a good move. I wouldn't worry about that if I were you. By the time it got to readers, I doubt they would care your sample was switched up before it got to them. But what do I know?
@Kaybay
Thanks. I don't post too often, but I follow the blog. I'm rooting for you all the way.
For those of you who applied to Brown, the graduate admissions office reports that everyone should know within the next 10 business days.
Le sigh.
You ought to start a new open thread, this one's getting clogged up, and causing odd errors!
Seth,
Just sent an e-mail to Dan. He's not exactly at CSU right now... so who knows if anything will come of it.
Best,
Aaron
@Seth Thank you for the Houston update. I didn't apply there, but Indiana is my dream school. Does this mean that Maurice Manning will no longer teach at IU?
Thank you!
@ Seth
Here's my list:
FICTION-
Vanderbilt (accepted)
Wash U (waitlist)
Wisconsin (rejected)
Hunter
Brooklyn
Columbia
NYU
UVA
UNC Greensboro
Cornell
Brown
Johns Hopkins
definitely quite a few assumed rejections in there...
NONFICTION- (also, am I the only one indecisive enough to apply in more than one genre?)
UNCW-accepted
Hollins
New School
Sarah Lawrence
@ Sutpen--
congratulations on your acceptance, and keep a better eye on your french architects.
@ Seth,
I applied to:
Iowa
U. of Texas
LSU
Columbia
Alabama
U. of Arizona
Brown
NYU
U. of Florida
(Poetry)
haven't seen anyone else report this in fiction yet, so: accepted at Pitt on March 2. just got back from traveling and saw the email, wooh! no funding though ...
@JKlairkwilty
I read work from people I don't know personally all the time and get a lot out of it. I could name a few, but just hit up the bookstore.
I think its shortsighted to say you don't gain anything from reading any work. You can gain a lot from both work bad or good. I read about 100 books a year and I don't remember all the names of the books or even the authors off of the top of my head, but it all goes into my brain somewhere and helps me develop my own style. To say someone's style is wholly independent of others is impossible unless that person has never read anything by anyone which would be pretty impressive.
Peaquah, I will def look into the bat city review. I'm all about lit mags and you are right, supporting writers in general is a great cause...thanks for the information.
That being said, since Arno is published, though may not have a book on the shelf, its possible to say that he fits in with every other writer I've read that I don't know.
BTW Lottery tickets are numbers and I don't believe you can gain anything by reading a list of numbers. And I don't believe that it is just LUCK that Arno got into the major programs...he must be doing something right.
@Kaybay---its nice to know what's coming from Alabama. Everyday, I keep heading to the mailbox. I just prefer something that says...you didn't get.
Dear Lauren,
Your application has been rejected.
Signed....
Laura T,
That is kind of strange. Maybe they want to weed out the people who end up at other schools before they make those decisions? Hopefully they'd have an offer for you sooner than that! If you let them know you have other offers, maybe they'll fight for you?
linsoosoo,
Congratulations! I'm also in at Texas State.
Anyone get some jargon financial aid/FAFSA e-mails from LSU?
I applied in poetry (and correct me if I'm wrong) but I heard they'd already notified those accepted..
Yay/Nay?
I'm sick of the financial aid FOE :[
I got the lsu fafsa email.... and a letter from Alabama. I thought it was going to be the rejection I have been waiting for (I called and they said all decisions were mailed out), but alas, a letter about financial aid as well...
Fuck you, Ford dealership! No, I don't want to make an appointment for my 90,000 mile check-up!
My phone rang with a weird number and I calmed myself, thinking something amazing was about to happen. Blargh.
Congrats to everyone who has gotten good news this week!
Texas State is one of my top choices, and I don't know if I can take it much longer. Think it's a really bad idea to call them tomorrow to see if they can tell me anything?
I know it's early...but have any of you made a final decision? Wish to share?
@Falcon
Was it 'bama who had sent their notifications out or LSU?
Apparently I can't decipher complex sentences past 8pm? haha
Sorry!
I'm accepted at LSU for poetry and I didn't get the e-mails you mentioned. That said, I mentioned above that I wouldn't give up hope. I was the only person accepted on the blog/site/forum and I'm under the impression that more acceptances will be coming.
Best,
Aaron
Just got home and have an acceptance from CalArts in the mail!
@Aaron
TY for the clarification and encouragement! My fingers are constantly crossed :)
@ Elenaor,
Have you been accepted anyplace yet? What's your top choice?
Sorry about the confusion. I recieved an email from LSU, about needed to file some documents for my fafsa. I don't think this means anything because it said it was for undergraduate admission (Yah, I have no idea). I also got a letter (in the mail) from Alabama, about financial aid. I was expecting that one to be my rejection, which I have not yet recieved. It pretty much said: we don't know if your in, and you're probably not but we need these documents if you are. So, nothing in the end.
Congrats, Miss Private Eye!
Congrats MPE!! :)
Yay Miss Private Eye...
indeed, our program lists were not identical (CalArts and Oregon).
@Falcon
It doesn't help anything having to do with financial aid is in what seems a strange, foreign language.
Well, I did what they asked. Now I'll just sit here n' wait like the rest...refreshing my gmail every other second, haha.
Whenever Miss Private Eye posts, I keep thinking of Hall & Oates. Anybody else?
@Jasmine and Coughdrop- thank you!
@JasonJ- variety apparently is the spice of life. CalArts and Oregon are probably the two schools on our individual lists that are obviously different than the other schools on our lists.
@Woon- i'm not sure if i should be embarrassed or stoked about that. i'm still weighing out the options.
Congrats, miss private eye!
@ Woon
Is it like, "Miss Private Eye!" (clap clap) "She's watching you!" (clap clap) "Miss Private Eeeeyyeeee!" I dig it.
Also, unimpressed with New Mexico's rejection letter. I just opened it, and it's all pixelated and not even centered on the page.
@DigAPony - Exactly, especially the clap! clap! I imagined New Mexico's stationery to be more colorful -- images of adobes, Saguaro cacti, Native American and Mexican border dwellers. Stuff like that. Hmm. Surprised.
@ Woon and DigAPony - Do either of you watch the show "Psych" on USA? Before the season premiere they did a promo with the cast performing Private Eyes in trench coats and sunglasses, instruments and all. Now I can't hear that song without thinking of that show. It was actually pretty hilarious.
@ Woon
For the record, there are no Saguaro cacti in New Mexico. But that doesn't excuse the faded, Xerox quality rejection letters from UNM.
congrats, miss private eye!
@woon: i'll gladly accept any excuse to think about the musical genius of hall and oates, thankyouverymuch.
YAY MISS PRIVATE EYE!
and @ whoever asked about Dreux earlier, I second that. Where is Dreux ??!!?? Something's been missing from March Radness (I just had the epiphany that Radness could easily become Sadness *doh*)
@ kaybay
I. love. you. DOn't let stupid GNP's get you down! (and seriously, GNP's now?! Someone shoot me in the face. That seems like a new level of POINTLESS and mind-fuck-ish. GRRRRRRRRR!)
clarification: I didn't mean to imply any correlation between Dreux and March Sadness. Dreux coming back would be rad. Dreuxxxxxxx!!!! ::annoying wail/whine combination:: Dreuuuuuuuuuuux!!!! Come baaaaack!
I got one of the mythical Iowa fiction waitlists today in the mail . A very nice note from S. Chang. It says I am on a "very short list."
Kind of weird since this is the only fiction program I applied to. My list as it now stands:
Western Mich PhD poetry: rejected
Kansas PhD poetry: rejected
UIC PhD poetry: rejected
Missouri PhD poetry: no response (assumed rejection - they started giving admits early last week)
Iowa MFA fiction: waitlist
Iowa MFA poetry: no response
I think maybe I didn't write a good Statement of Purpose. But I'll never know.
Time to keep writing!
I ♥ you, too Meredith :D
"very short leash"???
@ kaybay: keep the faith girl! it ain't over 'til it's over!
Thanks Megan :)
By the way, word of advice to all, DO NOT purchase any thin mints while waiting on schools to notify. I've finished off a box on two days... and I'm not proud of myself.
@ Lizabeth,
I was accepted by Iowa, LSU, and U. of Arizona. Wait-listed by Alabama. Rejected by Michener Center.
Columbia would be my first choice, but their lack of funding kind of makes it unfeasible for me. Their poetry faculty is amazing!
Do you have a favorite out of the places you applied?
I think I must have accidentally marked that I'm male on my FAFSA, because all the schools I applied to are sending me emails telling me I need to register for the selected service before my financial aid info can be processed.
Me=Genius.
@Seth, my very short list:
UMass Amherst- rejected
SUNY Albany (PhD)
If I had it to do over, I would have applied to Albany earlier and would have applied to the doctoral program at Amherst.
@to all the accepteds, congrats!!!
I am reading Lolita again, a fantasy novel by Jo Graham called Black Ships, the new volumes of poetry by Marilyn Hacker and Marie Ponsot, plus Red Flag by Lola Ridge, a history of the left in the '50s-'70s, a collection of poems from the women's movement and fairy tales in French. The latter is slow going but I still remember a reasonable amount. Oh, and whatever my 8-year-old wants for a bedtime story.
And Carson McCullers' The Member of the Wedding with my seniors, To Kill A Mockingbird with my juniors, and Macbeth with my sophomores. I have to tell you guys, I have one student who has totally not engaged with school and reading who VOLUNTARILY watched TKM on A&E the other night because he has been absolutely loving the book. He comes to discuss it with me outside of class. That is the greatest feeling.
Tomorrow I take the GRE. Ugh.
Someone said over on Driftless that they emailed Cornell asking for update and was told they were rejected.
Come on Brown. Get the word out.
Does anyone know anything about Carlow or Wilkes? I was accepted to both low-res programs in fiction.
Any hints of a reputation? Faculty? Anything?
@Klairkwilty Hi I beg to differ about your point that asking someone accepted into a program for his writing sample is like asking a lottery ticket winner for proof of his ticket. By this -
# You completely undermine the achievements of those like Arna who have got into such prestigious programs. I strongly believe it is a reflection of their writing and not just some random process.
# Arna sent me his writing sample too and what it did - was give me a lot of encouragement to be able to rework on my writing sample and perhaps apply next year too. And if it can do the same for a few others (those who haven't yet heard from any school especially) I'd reckon it's a huge huge help.
# As someone mentioned earlier writing is truly about sharing and Trilbe sets the standards on this blog of caring and sharing and she too sent me her writing sample. I am not a poet and yet I was looking forward to read it and the day I got her email it felt so so nice - as if there is like an extended family out here on this blog.
@Ashely B you rock I am thrilled for you:))))
I noticed there's a U. of Arizona acceptance on Driftless House, and that Eleanor has heard positively from them ((((Congrats, Eleanor!!!)))
Does anyone have any details to share? It looks like people heard yesterday?
just got my acceptance letter for Hollins' MFA in Children's Literature program... :)
just got my acceptance letter for Hollins' MFA in Children's Literature program... :)
@Seth: Thanks for everything you do.
Here's my list of schools for fiction:
Wyoming: rejected
Washington-St. Louis: rejected
Wisconsin-Madison: rejected
Eastern Washington: accepted
UC Irvine: assumed rejection (too early?...)
Hollins
UNCG
UC Riverside
Oregon
Sarah Lawrence
LSU
Boston University
Reading this blog is such a great distraction. I sit down to scan comments and a couple of hours just fly by! And it's so nice to see all the good news posted here. Congrats to all accepteds and waitlisters! Good luck to everyone!
I also applied to a library science program to keep my options open. I currently work at a public library and I enjoy it. Of course, I don't have to deal with all the little problems (and problem patrons) that crop up. I'm more interested in becoming a medical librarian, though.
I know there are some fellow EWU admits here. Holla!
@MommyJ: Good luck on the GRE! I hope you do better than I did.
@Gabrielle that is awesome!!! Congrats
@ChoiceD-I also got accepted to Carlow. Don't know too much about the program, only hearsay that the students like it. I liked the Ireland option:) Not sure where I'm going yet...I also got accepted to Fairfield University.
i'm assuming no news is bad news, for myself, that is...
@trilbe: i just happen to be a gamblin' gal. (although it must be said that i lose lots)
I'm thinking no news is bad as well. Although it seems like most of my schools have yet to start notifying yet... so maybe that pessimism is unwarranted?
I really hope to get some good news tomorrow. First Friday of March. Keeping the hope/wishing luck to everyone!
Anyone else kinda depressed seeing schools you thought you might still have a chance of getting into sink into green, rather than blue, ink on DH? Le sigh.
RE - no news
I didn't get an email from the New School as of yet, so I suppose it's a maybe rejection.
I applied to Maryland and American, both of which appear to have snail mailed acceptances this week and last.
Haven't heard from them.
But I still have some hope I'll get in somewhere (how is Arizona notifying again?).
This is really, for the first time since I began this process, really starting to grate on my nerves. Can't they all just reject and accept at the same time?
If anyone feels inclined, please give some insight. Are these Arizona, Maryland, New School and American acceptances coming slowly or have these ships sailed?
I feel the need to get on with my life...
For a while I felt like no news was ok news - after all, it wasn't rejection - but now half of my schools have notified other people, some weeks ago, and nary a peep for me. Even in my most optimistic moods I can't convince myself that is good.
SamN,
[Watch this trailer for those wondering what I'm replying to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LkhLsk8bwU ]
I loved it! I ordered Stones of Summer and look forward to seeing what inspired the film. It really goes to show how much writing and reading can change a person's life and how much of a crapshoot publishing is in terms of making NYT Bestsellers (and successful books/authors that will be remembered decades from now instead of being forgotten a couple of years later despite accolades). I think the in-depth conversations in the film also made me realize how little I've read of classic literature and that for non-academic book lovers of previous generations, really knowing a book stems from not only what's printed on the pages but also from insights into an author's life. Reading the correspondences of John Keats, for example, or the journals of Sylvia Plath definitely illuminate and provide a context for their work just like having an understanding of British History can help contextualize and give meaning to the plays of Shakespeare. Even with well-read young people today, I just don't see that same level of passion. And technology has changed the nature of journal writing, note taking, and correspondence etc. that I just don't put the same value on a printed email (assuming the relatives of a deceased writer have the passwords) from X famous writer that I would on a box full of yellowed letters. I wonder how the writers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries will be remembered? How many will be forgotten? What will they leave behind?
Somewhat related: I started reading Jonathan Baumbach a couple of yrs ago after Squid and the Whale came out. I'm certain many other people have done the same. It's amazing how another form of art (and in this case by the writer's son) can bring the work of the previous generation into the light. A similar thing happened when The House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III received a lot of attention and was made into a movie, sending many readers to the work of his father who had mostly toiled in literary obscurity.
Thanks for the tip to the documentary.
After stalking for a bit, anyone apply to Cincinnati and hear from them?
@ Jarsh - I'm waiting on American as well. Their decision process has been odd. Poor Coughdrop got two rejection letters from them, one like a month ago and the other more recently, I think. Other than that I only know of that one acceptance on DH. So maybe there is no real logic there. Plus, they notify snail mail, so it might just take longer for some people. I wouldn't give up hope.
Also, anyone know of any good workshops going on this summer/fall?
Emily,
Driftless House does one-on-one work online that results in substantially more benefit, I think, than in-person workshops -- in which one often meets 1x/week over a six or seven-week period and gets workshopped only once (or twice, at most). I'd advise anyone looking at summer and fall workshops to consider that the new model for self-improvement may be a mentoring model (which costs slightly less and is more logistically convenient). Folks who Driftless House (nee ALC; a DH website is coming but for now the ALC site is active) has worked with have gotten in just about every place you could imagine, in part because the focus is specifically on the applicant's MFA-application writing sample (and not, as with a virtual or online workshop, just one poem by the participant). My two cents. Be well,
Seth
Congrats to today's acceptees!!
@Kaybay, that Alabama letter sounds the pits. A bit of courtesy, please? Sheesh.
Re: Asking to see samples
Like Peaquah, I have kind of mixed feelings about this... but I love her suggestion to buy the mag. When I think about it, klairkwilty's discomfort makes sense to me. It didn't strike me that way at first because neither of my sample stories were unpublished, so they were out there anyway...
@WT: I officially love you, you actually made me snort milk up my nose with that Grad Coordinator at Excellence U conv.
Don't you think snorting milk up one's nose is a strange reason to love someone?
Writers!
Congrats, Linsoosoo, Gabrielle and Miss Private Eye!
@Seth: my list
Iowa (Accepted)
Michigan Ann Arbor(Accepted)
Irvine (Nothing yet)
Arizona State(Nothing yet)
VTech (Accepted)
Wisconsin Madison (Rejected)
@ Seth
Application list for fiction:
UC Irvine
UT Austin
Arizona
UNLV
Portland State
Iowa
Wisconsin
Michigan
NYU
The New School
Columbia
Hunter
Brooklyn
Sarah Lawrence
Rutgers-Newark
Cornell
Boston University
Florida
Virginia
Hey, everybody! I finally made it out of LaGuardia Airport and into the state of Alabama -- and while I was out of touch AshleyBrooke went and got herself accepted!$!?!$! WooHoooo! Congrats, girl! I guess Texas State and SIUC have decided to take all of our kindest, most generous posters. I guess the adcomms really do read this blog... Seriously, AshleyBrooke & sahaider & KittyInACathouse, I can't imagine a workshop group that I would enjoy more than this crew.
And it looks like March Radness gave us another day of double-digit acceptances: congrats to Peter & linsoosoo & sutpen & threes & Gabrielle! Cheers to klairkwilty & missprivateeye, who each got another one! And to Courtney & Benjamin who've just proved that Montana and McNeese were not (are not?) done calling people.
Congrats to Emma on your GNP! Good luck!!!
Re:Tall Hot Black Men - This morning: St. John's basketball team. This evening: Terrance Hayes! I spent the evening talking with Terrance Hayes about writing and (to my trashy delight!) Tiger Woods, David Duchovny and a brief detour into Bill Clinton.
Don't be hatin', chicas! I guess it's just my week to get served the Venti Mochachinos -- and they are DELICIOUS!
@Adam - I thought you had a boyfriend?! So don't be eyeballin' my menzez!
Re:Manuscript Requests - I haven't asked anybody for their writing sample but I have been more than happy to share mine with anyone who wants to see it because I'm kind of a *loser* writer or maybe a *fake* writer -- I'm not trying to be overly self-deprecating here -- I'm just saying that I don't take a profession-oriented approach to the writing game and I don't expect to ever get world famous or to make money doing it. I just write poems because I want to share my vision of the world with people. I'm kind of obsessed with tying to squeeze my life experience and my take on history into my poems, HOPING that someone -- now or in the future -- will read them and get something from them.
I'm not obnoxious enough to force my poems onto my friends and loved ones who (mostly) are not interested in poetry but, if I had my f*cking way, everybody I know would be reading my poems as fast as I can produce them. Maybe it's different for fiction and non-fiction writers(?) because (in general) you can expect to get paid and you want to get paid for your work product(?) For me, in specific regard to my own body of work, writing is about ego, not commerce. It's neither a generous act, nor a commercial act, for me to feel so strongly that what I think is important and insight-filled, so much, that I want everyone to read what I write. But, again, that's very personal to me. And you all, I'm sure, have many different motives behind your drive to write.
Re:Arna's Work - I also understand the request to read some Arna because I love reading and, except for things I've been assigned to read for school, I make my reading lists based on recommendations. I've discovered almost every contemporary poet that I love based on my reading a review or hearing that this person is good.
The assessment that someone is a good poet doesn't make me want to go out and buy their book so that I can critique them or steal from them. I get the book or Google their poems because I want to read some good stuff! I guess what I'm saying here is that several committees of highly successful professional writers have, essentially, recommended Arna's work. So I completely understand that people want to pick up the Collected Works. Arna is like a French film about which critics at The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek and Entertainment Weekly have gone gaddamz crazy over! You may or may not even like it, because taste is subjective, but the critics have gone f*cking apeshit over the flick so, if you are at all interested in film, you have to see this movie.
I'm actually surprised that more people, in this setting full of avid readers, haven't asked to see Arna's work or bought copies of the journal he's in. Because, really, unless you're the kind of person who doesn't see the value of reading contemporary literature, how do you not want to read this up-and-coming young writer's work, with the reviews he's had? Subjective process or not, the reviews are strong.
Am I trashy for buying books based on recs and reviews? That's not rhetorical. I'm quite trashy in many ways... But, other than reviews, I don't know how I would sort through everything that's on the shelves.
hi seth. hi all. i applied to the following schools (in fiction). have yet to hear back from any.
boston university
emerson
brown
nyu
hunter
rutgers-newark
american
uva
florida state
ole miss
uc irvine
stanford (stegner)
congrats to those of you who have already been accepted and good luck to everyone who's still waiting like me.
Seth, here is my list: (fiction)
Texas/Michener (rejected)
Cornell (presumed rejected)
Iowa Writers Workshop (presumed rejected)
Temple
Oregon
LSU
Johns Hopkins
Brown
UC-Irvine
So I just checked my University of New Hampshire status online and it now says "Waiting for Final Grad Review" ...is that a good sign? Or am I just reading too much into it? I'm probably reading too much into it. Before it said "Out to Department" and I guess the next step wouldn't be "Denied due to sucking" as that'd just be mean...and actually a little funny. Thoughts? (I'm for fiction by the way)
Nevermind...reading way too much into it...sigh...someone just let me in please!
@Miss Parker
Isn't it strange no one has really heard a peep from UNH? I applied there too.
As much as it would break my wee heart, if my status changed to "Denied due to Sucking," I'd laugh pretty hard.
@Coreyann - You are far braving than me for even emailing TNS and Brooklyn! I know a lot of folks here (including me obviously!) appreciate any time someone has the guts to contact schools, no matter the form of communication. Keep us updated :)
AND HAPPY FRIDAY TO EVERYONE! We've gotten tons of acceptances this week, let's keep it up!! (Do you hear that schools? Do you???)
And one more thing - I was a lurker for awhile, and just started subscribing and commenting last week. The main thing I've taken away from this blog is the sense of community, which makes me want to get my MFA even more than before! Imagine having classes with all of the smart, funny, and critical-without-being-rude people that we interact with on this blog! You guys rock!! (okay, enough gushing. Back to work, zzz)
@Chelsea
It least it'd be a good story...like hey guys i got rejected from this school and it simply said i just really suck. And then an animation of a smiley face throwing my sample in the trash showed up and turned to a grimace and shook it's head at me.
RE: UNH
I got accepted there last year and I'm trying to remember the status changes. Recalling rejectees last year, I think the grad school review is a bad sign. Yet my memmory is pretty bad, so apologies if I unduly stress you out!
Hi! I've been following for a little while, thought I'd share my list (for poetry):
Michener (rejected)
Amherst (rejected)
Iowa
Brown
NYU
UNCG
UNCW (waitlisted)
NC State
Florida
Florida State
Congrats to the latest batch of acceptees and waitlistees. So far March has been rather dull for me. One waitlist, two rejections. C'mon committees, my phone is charged and ready.
@ Miss Parker
They only send applications to the grad school for review if you've already been recommended for admission by the department, no?
Not to seriously get your hopes up, but seems like a really good sign to me... Best of luck!
Just got the Brown rejection in my email - good luck everybody! (I think that may be it for me this year.)
^^Same... but very relieved to actually receive some sort of decision, even if it was a rejection.
So much for Brown :*(
I just got my Brown rejection, too. This is the first one that really hurts, guys.
Goodbye, dream school. FML.
rejected from Brown as well. sigh.
It was my dream school, too. Damn. Ouch.
@Rebels, want to drown our sorrows in alcohol and baked goods tonight?
@hilary
yes ma'am.
Count me among those rejected by Brown.
@Jasmine
I am afraid since so many of us applied, there are going to be a slew of sad postings this morning.
Ugh, this one just hits so hard. I was doing so well shrugging off the other rejections (UMass Amherst, Michigan, WashU)... but this one just effing sucks. I really, really wanted to go to Brown.
Ok, end of whining. Promise.
also a brown reject! But I am dying to see if one of our crowd gets in! Rooting for you guys! <3
And a big internet hug to my fellow rejectees. Let's keep writing, guys. And maybe get drunk drunk 'n' belligerent tonight.
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