Living with parents crippled with the debt of 4 years at a private college in Providence, which I live very near. Rhode Island unemployment is killing me because everyone in RI is coming to MA looking for work and increasing my competition for good local jobs I am not ridiculously overqualified for. I work a "part-time temp" position, which is really full-time indefinite, and another part-time job for weekend evenings. I don't have the energy/heart to write most days. For the love of God, something needs to change.
Suddenly very depressed and no longer just joking about misery.
Self-pep talk time! It will all be OK because I'm going to score a multi-million dollar deal talking to the person sitting next to me at some event some place (like a baseball game or a concert or the Apple-Peach festival). Or I can fall back on my old plan of being a Trophy Wife.
Life experience is an interesting concept when it comes to writing. When I'm confused about some aspect of writing, I always find myself turning to Rilke's letters. His take seems to make the age argument irrelevant, but rather whether we possess or not the ability to cull from any of our experiences something to write about--whether those experiences be climbing the Alps or dancing in a disco in Spain, working at Starbucks or getting a bachelor's degree. From Letter Number One:
"...write about what your everyday life offers you; describe your sorrows and desires, the thoughts that pass through your mind and your belief in some kind of beauty - describe all these with heartfelt, silent, humble sincerity and, when you express yourself, use the Things around you, the images from your dreams, and the objects that you remember. If your everyday life seems poor, don't blame it; blame yourself; admit to yourself that you are not enough of a poet to call forth its riches; because for the creator there is not poverty and no poor, indifferent place."
@Ratliff, We can do this! All we gotta do is keep faith and keep moving forward. I've started to find little ways to make myself happy and to think of positively. For instance, I picked up a new hobby (bookbinding), taught myself how to do it from youtube videos, and used supplied found in my house (particularly innovative, I think, was the use of dental floss for thread...it's pre-waxed, and strong, haha!).
Little things. And I've also started writing every day again, even if it's just to account how unhappy I am. ("blah blah blah...it rained...I'm sad.")
@Courtney, thanks for the Rilke. Very helpful. Gotta keep it in mind. I'm a strong believer in printing stuff like that out, as well. I'll put it on my inspiration board. (Yes, I have one. No one judge me. It's pretty awesome.)
Long-timer lurker here. Courtney, you got me with your Rilke there. I'm going to print it out and tape in in front of me for every time I get the but-I'm-only-26 blues.
Thanks so much for your honest replies. If I were considering attending school outside of my already comfort zone, as it seems some of you are, I would feel a bit different. A bit more excited. A bit less hesitant. Moving is an experience in itself, one which I would not be sharing as I only applied to NYC schools (I attended Fordham in NYC and grew up in NJ). While I've lived shortly in san fran and italy, I felt obligated to consider only nyc schools (my family and all). Now I'm thinking, hell, why not try something different man? And working in a park sounds awesome.
I laughed. It felt good. :) I used to make jewelry while watching TV when I was in college. It was a way to feel productive while otherwise wasting time, and I had lots of gifts for my friends when the holidays came around.
The worst part about not writing is that my mentor has offered on numerous occassions for me to submit my new work to him, and I've had nothing because I've been so mopey or unenthused or just plain tired after work to do anything. I feel like I need to be accountable to someone in order to be pushed to write everyday through this. I've made tons of promises to myself and totally broken them all. I've been a wicked lame duck.
Hi Violet. Just curious how you found out your position on the fiction waitlist at Hopkins. I'm on it, too, but don't really know any more than that. Any other details (number admitted, length of waitlist, etc)? Good luck to you!
@Ratliff, I'm currently trying to figure out how to coordinate an online writing group so I have people to hold me accountable to submit work each week or so. I'm okay with self-motivation, but I'd never finish something if I didn't have a deadline...
I'm glad I could make you laugh. Jewelry making is fun! You should do that again! Or, take up knitting, if you don't already. Good way to keep your hands busy. I have friends who bring their knitting with them everywhere, even out to the bar and to movies! Haha.
I lived in Seattle with my parents for 6 months (June-December), taking premed classes I had no intention of ever using, applying to MFA programs in semisecret, and missing my boyfriend who was then 3,000 miles away.
I wish I could call up some of my writing from that period (I'm at work right now), but most of it sounded just like Chrissy's ("Wah, I'm bored and poor and miss my boy"). Some of it didn't entirely suck, though. The longer I was there, the more I found I was able to use what I had (my stupid physics classes, my job at the video store) to really, really write. I also took up parkour, which helped (my writing, not my joints or hamstrings). Am I glad to be somewhere else (even if I moved here sight unseen)? Hell yes. But was I "uninspired" until I got here? No. It's there, I promise.
Also, Ratliff, if you're in the Boston/Cambridge area, we should have a party.
I got a call from one of the faculty members this morning. I found out I was on the waitlist a week or two ago, but didn't know my place on it until today. The only other thing I know is that they had 225 applicants and accepted 5 students for 5 spots (this is all for fiction). They don't overaccept, which bodes well for all of us on the waitlist.
I'm guessing we met, but if not (or if so and I can offer any additional help or information about UW) feel free to e-mail me at sethabramson[@]yahoo.com. I've spoken with a number of UW admittees at length and am happy to do that with others, too. (And/or via phone if you prefer).
@Nadiya
I know I owe you an e-mail! It's coming.
@Whoever asked about Miami
I wouldn't say it's a low-ranked program--you have to keep in mind where it started out when the rankings project was initiated in 2007 (in total obscurity; the program was ranked last nationally in 1996) and that now it's threatening to enter "Honorable Mention" category (programs ranked #51 to #60). I like the program and see it increasing significantly in popularity and acclaim over the next 2-5 years. Good funding, good location if you like the heat, &c &c.
Would it be possible to include me on the online writing group?jimmyjames[at]phreaker[dot]net.
PS - Google Groups makes this really easy to do; you just need dedicated writers. I've got one going for some friends in South Florida, but my friends are off doing brilliant things, so traffic has been slow.
PPS - Also, I promise my writing isn't complete crap.
I turned down a spot in CNF and the director of admissions email me back today. Hopefully someone will hear from them soon, but unfortunately I wasn't offered any funding, so that isn't opening up for anyone.
@Ratliff--so happy to see another Zumba fan...it's fantastic. No word from Bennington yet. You probably don't want to hear this, but I think you should try Fairfield:)
@Sud - I'm going to Zumba after work, and yes, it's the best work out for me. Bora Bora (if that's spelled right, if not I apologize! My instructor just said it quickly and knows it's what I like) is my favorite. Ditto on no Bennington News. I knowwww and I believe in your awesome advice- I DO! I'll put some serious thought into it tonight and give my mentor a call tomorrow to figure things out.
Many of you have mentioned having multiple un-funded offers and trying to decide whether to accept one or not.
I'm also looking at two un-funded offers, and I'm starting to realize that the idea of getting an MFA with full tuition waiver and a decent living stipend... was a bit naive on my part. I know a lot of people get this kind of offer. But it seems like at least just as many people, if not more, DON'T get this kind of offer. A lot of people have told me not to get an MFA without the best-of-the-best kind of funding, but for me I just think that's unrealistic. I think I'm a decent writer, and I think I can benefit a LOT from an MFA, but I don't think I'm a best-of-the-best kind of writer, and I don't think I'm going to get into that kind of place just from working on my portfolio for another year. It seems like, with such fierce competition for a few beautifully-funded spots, it's an unrealistic goal for me.
I personally am not a fan of going into debt for an MFA, just because I know myself and I know my work history and I think I could easily struggle to pay off loans. But I have been looking into other ways to get myself through an MFA program: working part-time, applying to every little micro-scholarship from the Rotary Club, etc, under the sun, using my pitiful little savings. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think there's a middle ground between going into massive, unpayable debt and refusing to go to an MFA program without a free ride and a living stipend. For some people, only the latter will be worthwhile. But for me... I mean, of course I would have preferred not to have to work while getting my MFA, but is working part-time really fundamentally different than working as a TA? To me, it's still work.
So, just wanted to chime in and say that I, too, will probably end up taking an unfunded offer, and for me, I really think this is the best choice, not a desperate choice.
1) I think that if you're getting in anywhere, you have a chance of getting in somewhere that provides funding.
2) There's also a big difference between certain unfunded offers. My unfunded offer at Memphis would cost me scads less than my unfunded offer at Boulder. And as far as TA'ing vs. PT work, it really depends. TA'ing can be fundamentally different from a job if you're working with the same subject matter as your degree. But a PT research position could be quite similar. Also, it depends on how much the TAship pays. My TAship at UCSC was ridiculously well paid. I was making several hundreds more a month working part-time there (with health insurance) than I make now working 32 hours a week with no benefits.
I haven't heard anything from Oregon and they already sent out acceptances, rejections, and waitlists weeks ago. I call, but there is no answer. What should I do? Is this a bad thing or good thing?
Do you think it's possible for you guys to send me an email at scribble87 at gmail dot com in regards to the Phd in creative writing? I've grown a huge interest in this, and was hoping to gain some perspective on it. Thank you!
@Gummy Bear Sacrifice I definitely wouldn't assume you've been rejected from Columbia just because you haven't heard anything yet. I feel like I say this over and over, but...Columbia is super disorganized. I found out today I'd been accepted, but apparently I was supposed to find out a few days ago and they, um, forgot to call? Might be worth an email if you haven't heard anything in a few days?
Is there anybody who wants to go to UMSL (Missouri-St. Louis)? Or who has information about fiction acceptances there? I saw a poetry one on DH last week and I'm a little edgy. (To say the least.)
woah people are assuming rejections from columbia already? I was under the impression they'd possibly be making calls all week....? so not ready to give up.
new school, where ARE you? just let me go if its bad news please... i'm IN NEW YORK. how have I not gotten any mail from them??
Here are some words that I, a native Chicagoan, never thought I'd live to say: I've just landed in Detroit-Metro airport. Don't get me wrong, Chicagoans love our northern neighbors. And I have visited cute little ol' Ann Arbor many times. But we drive here. Hitting Detroit Rock City on an airplane just feels so wrong.
@Chrissy - I am CRAZY for bookbinding! I make many different types of handmade books -- perfect bound, saddle-stitched, origami-inspired folded chapbooks -- and, when I had the space, I also made handmade paper. I have a high-power blender that is exclusively for my paper projects. I just love books and printing and paper. To the point where people who have had workshop with me can recognize my handouts by the feel, because I use distinctively toothy paper.
For any of you who are looking at Columbia College Chicago, I got into bookbinding and papermaking when I was a gradeschooler in Chicago, through a summer class CCC hosted, where they brought us ghetto kids in and gave us amazing arts classes. I was a book nerd, so I took the book arts class. I recently found out, that CCC offers a book arts MFA. So, prospective CCCers may be able to take book arts classes with the MFA students in that program. How awesome would that be?! Right?!
At Alabama, CW MFAers are definitely allowed to take book arts classes. Apparently, in the past, some CW MFAers have, after completing their writing coursework, spent their fourth year in the program taking only book arts classes.
A guy in Iowa's Center for the Book got a Genius Grant, either last year or the year before, $500,000 for his work with lost papermaking techniques. So it seems like a few of the schools that people are considering have wonderful book arts programs.
I also got into Tx State (poetry), and I'm pretty sure I'm going to accept the offer. I live in Austin, so I can offer some insight, though I don't know as much about San Marcos itself. If anyone would like to chat about the area or the program, my email is onatreehouse (at) gmail dotcom
For me, deciding to wait and take time between undergraduate and graduate school had less to do with feeling like I needed "life experience" and more to do with feeling like my writing needed more work.
I was a very active writer in undergrad, and got a few small prizes. But I remember sitting in my advanced poetry class my senior year and kind of thinking, "well, I'm not bad for a college senior, but... we're ALL kind of bad!" Now, I'm sure that had a lot to do with me personally and my school - I am by no means trying to say that all younger writers aren't as skilled as older writers. I'm sure that most of the younger writers here are more skilled than me. But I personally needed to write more before I thought about applying for an MFA.
I also needed to learn better discipline. In undergrad, everything else seemed to come before writing. I wrote, but it was a much more when-the-mood-strikes-me kind of thing than it is now, except when I was taking a class.
In the years between undergrad and now (I'm 29 now, and I've been out of undergrad for almost 5 years), I've learned how to prioritize my writing, which is something I personally needed to learn. And having had 5 years to write has really strengthened my writing, too. Plus, I did things that I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to do after earning a graduate degree, especially if I come out of grad school with debt. It seems like our culture thinks it's perfectly fine to do "irresponsible" things when one is 24, 25, 26, but I worried a little that if I went to grad school right out of college, that I would cave to the pressure to get a "responsible" job immediately afterward. I don't know if that was a realistic fear or not but it was something I thought about.
Before college, I took a year and traveled and worked in Africa - and figured out that I really wasn't qualified to do anything, and went to college. Then in the middle of college I took a year off and worked because I didn't have any money. After college, I worked a shit-paying job for a year, wrote stories in my head while I worked and wrote them all down at night, lived with my parents and saved every cent, then went to Europe and got a tiny, adorable apartment and wrote every day. When I eventually came back, I found a way to work part-time and still feed myself, so that I would have time to write every day.
Personally, I needed this time because my writing wasn't up to snuff. A lot of you who are younger are clearly not in this position. But, even so, I think I got a lot out of that time between undergrad and grad, and got a lot out of it that I probably wouldn't have thought necessary when I was 24. I'm just throwing that out there for those of you who *do* think maybe you need more time - it's not always a bad thing to wait to get an arts degree.
I completely agree with you; obviously there can be a big difference between certain PT jobs and certain TA fellowships. But some TAs pay very little - not enough to live on - and some PT jobs pay much more.
I was simply trying to point out that I personally don't think it always has to be an all-or-nothing kind of thing. It seems like the advice I've heard is that everyone should always hold out for a perfectly-funded program. And some people will have no choice but to follow that route, and some people will think that's really important. But I think that there are other ways to get an MFA that don't leave one in horrible debt, and I don't personally think these should be tossed out automatically simply because they are not the "ideal."
I'm right with you. I live right outside of Manhattan and I haven't got anything. I've read here that a lot of the rejections have gone out already - but I wouldn't read into my observation. What do you think?
That is precisely where my head is at--what you did instead of jumping into grad school is so cool. Getting a "serious" job at 25 or 26, when--if I get in--I graduate, seems like the "right" thing to do. These doubts only came about once I started receiving spots on waitlists; beforehand, I was more than excited, ready, thrilled to attend school in the fall. I have in the past year (I applied last year to TNS and was rejected) really worked on my writing. I feel like I do have so so much improving to do. But perhaps, after getting an MFA I can go to France and land some sort of teaching job a bit easier. That is if I don't meet Mr right in grad school and get married and settle down and have kids! Ahhh
If you're out there - I found out that we are from the same historic literary town! I only found this out after using all your help on the blogs, so it seems quite...serendipitous? I've used your blogs and information to get accepted to an MFA program, so hopefully someday I can add my name to the list of famous writers (including you of course) from our town on Wikipedia. :)
Thank you and good luck! Hopefully we'll both hear something soon. I'm really psyched to have a decent program here in town that seems to be a great fit for part-timers. Hopefully if I say enough good things about them then karma will kick in.
Just a word to the wise, you will not be able to get a job in France, with or without an MFA, unless you have some kind of freakishly wonderful skill that no one else in Europe possesses. France has a law that they MUST hire EU residents over Americans unless no one else in the EU can fill the position. :) Doesn't mean you can't still work in Europe, though, or live in France and work under the table. Or marry an EU citizen, that works, too. Or work for an American company that has an office in France (you could start your own travel-writing business!)
And if the Mr. Right that you meet in grad school is really Mr. Right, then I'm sure he'd be game to moving to France with you post-MFA, kids and all. :)
I never thought about this because I had an engineering job straight out of college. But I guess if I majored in one of the non-commercially viable liberal art majors -- yeah, you know what they are: Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Political Science, Medieval Renaissance Studies, Religion Studies, Art History -- I'd look into working for National Parks, too. But on a recent trip to Yellowstone, I talked to a Park Ranger and apparently, they do EVERYTHING on site. And I mean EVERYTHING. Clean the toilets? Yep.
Hey all, I called Notre Dame and was told that I was "very low" on the wait list, but dude, I'm super psyched to be on there at all, so no pity needed. It's certainly no guarantee that I'll get accepted next year either, but at least I know that they like my "style" and that something caught their eye. She also told me, via voice message, to take any offer given to me and to tell her about it so that she can document it and deliver it to "someone" (don't know who) so that they could "open up more spots for next year, because they are losing talented writers to other programs." I don't have an offer, heh, so it looks like I'll be applying again there next year :D But it would be nice if there were more openings next year! Didn't they used to be a bigger program? Something like 10 spots per genre? God, that would be fab...
I think I'm going to be physically sick. A couple hundred posts ago I was trying to not panic and give into hysteria because I had 10 rejections and only 6 schools left. I said I really wanted to be on someone's waitlist, anyone's really. I just wanted more than anything to feel not entirely deluded about my chances of getting into grad school. I know I might not get accepted anywhere the first go round, but all the rejections were making me rather defeated.
As per today's mail I have a total of 11 rejections and ONE WAITLIST! I have been waitlisted at The University of Washington, which is interestingly enough, 5 minutes from my house. I'd be delighted to attend! I've left a message inquiring as to where I am on the wait list. Don't get me wrong...I'd love to be going there this fall, but it might be enough to just be on a list for now. I'd literally given up all hope and was already starting to make plans for the following year.
I'm certainly relieved to know I don't totally suck 16 times over, that no one wanted me altogether. It's nice, just having my name on a list somehow makes me feel better.
Still waiting to hear from:
Minnesota Bowling Green Hollins Penn State
I know it's not an acceptance, but I really was in desperate need for some good news. I'm hoping I'm high on the list, and hopefully someone opens up a spot for me, but for today it's just great to be on a list.
Congrats, Jenpopa! I know exactly what you mean, by the way, since all of my schools have notified (still waiting on official word, yea or nay, from three). I'm on two wait lists, and while it looks like neither will be fruitful and I'll have to apply again next year, it really, really helps to have those wait lists. It's like a big, non-patronizing pat on the head, like you were so close, but not close enough!
@Trilbe, YAY BOOKBINDING! I saw that you're visiting U of Michigan right now...I live in the just outside of Ann Arbro, and there's a great bookbinding shop there! Hollanders! You should look it up if you're so inclined. They're very well known!!
I hope you're enjoying Michigan! Ann Arbor is a beautiful city that is very dear to my heart. And we had great weather today...hopefully it stays nice for your visit.
P.S. When you flew into DTW, did you stop and watch the fountain? That's my favorite part of the airport. But, well, it also means I'm home so...
What I hated most about the University of Michigan during my four years there was the shuttle ride between Ann Arbor and DTW. Blech. They'd drop me off in front of the Michigan Union and I'd have to haul my baggage all the way to Washtenaw down South University. If I had any friends with cars, I'd have exploited them, oh yeah, but unfortunately, they were all out-of-staters like me. Just thinking about it makes me shudder. Oh, my aching my back.
@Woon, Re: Ann Arbor and DTW -- Well, seeing as I grew up here, I always had a ride. My whole family (adult siblings and all) still live in the area. Always had a ride. So, regrettably, I've never had to walk home from the Union. That would've been a really long walk for me...
Oh, and P.S. To all the folks that wanted to be in on my online writing group...I'll keep you posted once I figure out how it's going to work. I've made a list of who wants in. Thanks for the interest!!!
I have two cousins that live in Austin and all they talk about is how great it is. One of them is in law school at UT and the other works for Apple; she's a recent grad with a BA in Communications. There's also an article in the most recent TIME magazine all about how Austin is going to experience job growth. Texas's population is booming and it has been economically strong even through the depression. All I have ever heard about Austin is that it is full of opportunity and awesome.
SF State is supposedly letting people know right about now. They are going to be closed next week and plan on sending out emails today, tomorrow, and Friday.
The girl who answers the phone there is really nice.
Just wanted to let you know that your comments were very much appreciated. I'm sitting on an unfunded offer & waiting to hear from a couple more schools.
@Chrissy re: online writing group
You've compiled a list? Like a waitlist? Do you require two LoRs or three? How heavily do you weigh GRE scores? ;)
@ everyone
Even if I lurk more than I post, I'd like to say that you've all been awesome through this whole process. It has made me neurotic (2 rejections, 1 acceptance--I viewed ALL THREE via online apps before the schools had the chance to contact me), but I like being in a club with all of you!
@LOSTies
How 'bout Richard on that horse, huh!?
@roughdraft Thanks for posting that Franco story. Not to be pretentious, but I was pretty sure I'd hate it. It wasn't bad at all, though. His metaphors only annoyed me a little. Somehow, it reminded me of Pineapple Express, which I have not actually seen. The last scene in that story was pretty great, though. SURPRISE I'M JAMES FRANCO.
I also have a funded offer from Old Dominion in fiction! Do you think you'll accept? They're my top choice right now. I'd love to compare notes with you; my email is iantcouch [at] gmail.
That goes for anyone with an acceptance at Old Dominion, or experience with the Norfolk area!
I did my undergrad there (in CW, both fiction and poetry). I also completed about a year of CW grad classes (in poetry). I am very close with the faculty (in both fiction and poetry). Ill be glad to answer any questions you have about the U of Miami program.
re: Franco. I enjoyed the esquire story too. Interesting characters he chose. It did have some resemblance to Pineapple Express, drunk/high waiting in an old car in some dark spot.
Favorite scene of Pineapple Express though is when Seth Rogen tells Franco he didn't come up with any good ideas and Franco responds...
My Vtech status still reads "out to the department". Any one who has been accepted/rejected has your status changed? Or does it still read this "out to the department" mess as well?
Hey gang. I just wanted you to know that I've freed up spots on both Boise State(poetry) and Notre Dame(prose) waitlists. I hope this bumps some of you ahead and you hear great news soon!
I know! So many of the schools that accepted/waitlisted people weeks ago have yet to notify those that are rejected. I have emailed a few programs, and except for one that said they were "holding on to my file" (limbo between waitlist and rejection), all others stated that they just hadn't gotten around to sending out rejections. The lack of etiquette, otherwise labeled false hope, definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth...
Good thing Chrissy doesn't require GREs- I haven't taken them! I'd be out of luck :(
re: LOST
My heart skipped a beat. I am so disappointed Doc Jensen's theory column on EW isn't going to be posted until Friday. What gives? Wednesday is a slow day at work, and I had nothing to read this morning except CNN's stories about the new health care bill's tanning tax. Not the most intellectually stimulating material. Anyway, I am SO excited for answers. SO excited. And sold that the MIB is a baddie. Oh, I miss having LOST parties with my friends in college. No one around where I live watches it, so I have to scream, "OH MY GOD! Don't! Don't let him smash the mirror! 7 years!" to myself.
@Woon - I've thought about it, and I don't believe you're 86.
Re. James Franco After all the comments about his article, I got curious and wanted to read it, and I found a new one: http://www.esquire.com/fiction/james-franco-fiction-0410
Hey all! I was just wondering, about Indiana - has everybody heard back from them by now, one way or another? I'm getting a little neurotic about checking my mailbox for a rejection, and just wanted to know if it's time to call the school.
When you get a chance, send me an e-mail -- you probably heard about what Trilbe did, so I'm ready and willing to help out whenever you like (totally okay to wait until the summer, too -- we'll get it done one way or another, and who knows, maybe that Notre Dame thing comes through! In which case I'll need to send some mail to Trilbe, and a big congrats to you!).
Or my personal favorite, "Why don't you super-size it, bitch."
Also, my congrats to those continuing to receive good news, and my thanks to Woon for continuing to entertain. And for reminding me how much I miss Chipotle (which I like to pronounce "Chipoodle" or "Chipatople" a la those Jack in the Box commercials).
@Seth & kaybay - I hope, hope, HOPE Notre Dame comes through for kaybay, baby! In that blessed eventuality, there's no need to send me any mail. Please just pass the kaybay bloggawebz scholarship on to another deserving candidate!
This is a tough process and I'm just glad there's some way for people who've been beaten down by the subjective nature of this game to get some feedback, some guidance to help them get to where they want to go. I know -- we all know -- how much of ourselves we've put into the application process. I don't want anybody to get to the end and then feel like they're just left with silence.
That's one (of many) irritating things about his blog. You can't REALLY delete anything. Oh, sure, if you go directly to the blog, a deleted post remains deleted. BUT, if you subscribe to the blog, you get all the posts, deleted and undeleted, directly in your Inbox.
I love your name DigAPony - I always hear the Beatles in my head every time I see it. Die-hard fan in 1994.
Oh chain food! I have a Qdoba around the corner - which is a terrible Mexican chain owned by Jack in the Box. How I WISH it was a Jack in the Box instead! Mmm Oreo shake with curly fries.
Although I live in NYC and embrace its incredible variety of food offerings, you cannot take the CA girl out of me. I know where the nearest IHOP, Cheesecake Factory, Denny's, Panda Express, and El Pollo Loco is. Chipotle is decent and increasingly everywhere, but there is a new taqueria in Union Square from some Bay area kids that is spot on.
Also - See's Candy only goes east until Chicago. Seriously - you don't miss See's Candy until you don't have access to it.
Oh, my god! Every single time I see DigAPony's name, I sing under my breath, to the tune of "I've Got a Feeling" (another Beatles song):
I dig a pony, a feeling deep inside, oh yeah OH YEAH!
The actual lyrics are to "I've Got a Feeling" are:
I've got a feeling, a feeling deep inside, oh yeah OH YEAH!
I always wondered why I keep thinking of the Beatles and "I've Got a Feeling" whenever I see DigAPony's name. But you solved the mystery! "Dig A Pony" and "I've Got a Feeling" are songs that appeared in the Beatles' "Let it Be" album!!!!
Yay! One of my favorite songs of all time. I can't say exactly why it affects me so, but...I'm not sure where this sentence is going. :)
I'm up in Washington state where they haven't heard of Chipotle. Or Peter Piper Pizza (does anyone know what I'm talking about?). Also, I probably couldn't live without a visit to the good ol' IHOP once every few months. I'm pretty sure it's dinnertime.
I would really like to get a feel for the writing types that were admitted to CNF programs. Is there anyone who is willing to send me a copy of what they submitted? I think I have a strong voice, but I have NO IDEA how my writing compares, and I just want to see what I am up against.
If you would be willing to do me this enormous favor, shoot me an email at jillianlcollett{at}gmail{dot}com
Aw shucks...I was going more for chuckles than actual congrats...but, you know, isn't that why we did all this hard work and waited all this time...to get congratulated on the blog? ;)
But thanks guys. I'm probably going to stop getting on here and start scouring the interweb for apartments in Norfolk, etc, but I'll check in from time to time.
@ red - Sourdough Jack. If you get a meal, you can upgrade to curly fries and an oreo shake.
@ Woon, DigAPony
Haha! My fav Beatles songs are Don't Let Me Down (rooftop concert!) and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. I was tempted to buy RockBand.
@ Lucas - CONGRATS!!
And congrats to everyone else who got good news. And Trilbe does rock. And I think James Franco wants some cross-genre MFA credit for portraying Allen Ginsberg in the upcoming Howl movie.
@Jillian Lauren -- I was admitted to Emerson College and CCA for CNF. You interested in my writing sample? I dunno if you were looking for people from bigger name schools. If you want to read mine, email me. CJWid87(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm curious... What was the general approach to making your application list? I'm especially curious about the fiction lists, even though I'm a poet, because I made my list by, first of all, reading some of the work of each of the faculty poets and then dropping the programs whose faculty work I didn't feel deeply drawn into. Even if I admired it or enjoyed it... If I wasn't f*ing owned by one of the poets on staff, it didn't make it onto my list.
But I was recently talking with a fiction writer and I realized that this would be a lot more difficult (maybe impossible) for fiction applicants. So, I was wondering what you guys did. How did you find your simpatico?
@Lucas OLD DOMINION -- Woot! Woot! Congrats, congrats, congrats! (or congratulations for whoever was OCD about that). Considering how many of us have heard nothing positive, you have every reason to feel so proud!
(and I know how frustrating it is to finally come out of lurker-dom and post, only to get no response), so YAY YOU!
Just received a Financial Aid Award offer from SFSU. I haven't received any other news regarding acceptance or rejection. What's the deal? Can anybody shed some light on this? Can I open another bottle of champagne or am I getting ahead of myself?
@Chrissy - if you've ever seen Suzie Templeton's short stop-motion animation film "Stanley," you'll come to appreciate...cabbages. Very erotic. "Stanley" used to be on YouTube. Now, I can't find it.
@Trilbe - your solution is the FIVE-sided die. You can find these at any store that sells Dungeons & Dragons crap. Comic book stores, for example. I've got a 32-sided die that I never leave home without.
@Woon - I'm pretty sure a five-sided die would conflict with my religion. Odd numbers on a die, that would curse my descendants for at least three generations.
I did my undergrad at Ohio University. I did not want to even stay because of the way they run the MA. It strictly is just literature courses, and then you take, maybe 3 workshops. It is not even close to an MFA, so if that is what you are looking for, well you might want to look elsewhere...Now, if you are asking when they should send out your letter, who knows...
@Benjamin Thanks for the info. I applied to 17 programs and got rejected everywhere but Ohio University. They offer a large stipend in addition to tuition waver so I'm definitely considering it, even if it's not close to an MFA...
It is all about what you want from a program...the faculty is great. The head, Joan Connor, is about the nicest person in the world and you get the capability to teach.
I recommend just going and meeting everyone, sit down on college green and get a cup of coffee from the Donkey. All in all, it would be a great experience, and then you can pursue the MFA if you want....
As for me, I really just needed to get out of Ohio for a little bit, and I was pretty tired of the lit classes, so I wanted to focus on poetry more, but that does not mean the program is not well worth checking out, just not what I was looking for...
@Trilbe -- My applications list was actually pretty simply constructed:
Step 1.) Look at a school Step 2.) Does the school offer CNF? If so, move on to Step 3.) Step 3.) Does the school offer full-funding? If so, apply there.
With CNF applicants, I am reminded of the phrase "beggars can't be choosers." Our options are more limited.
Hi, All -– congrats and high hopes all around. I committed to Virginia Tech (poetry) on Monday, giving up my spot at Arkansas and withdrawing from the wait lists from Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota.
The Indiana MFA Director was willing to shuffle me up the wait list when the time came, but I decided not to torture myself with the wait any longer.
I’m happy with VT and have been impressed with how enthusiastic the faculty have been in answering my questions and cheering me on toward accepting their offer.
ASU acceptances & waitlisters -– I’ve given butt-loads of info to Courtney and Dolores Humbert, so shoot me an email if you’d like my scoop on Tempe (I’ve been reading for their lit journal and hanging out at the Piper Center the past year) -- acupunk[nine] at yahoo.
People researching for next season’s MFA application season -– good call starting early. I'm glad I did. On my website (available through my profile) I’ve posted several of the worksheets I used during my MFA research process, including an LOR checklist to make things easier for your referrers. Click on the link for "Writer's Resources/Tools." Good luck.
Ugh, I think I should be asking for my money back from VTech because my status is still "Payment accepted, data sent, received, and confirmed!" But there is still a big yellow warning for unfished recs. I had 2 LOR writers send the letters via email because the grad school told me to after the website malfunctioned for one of them. Nobody at the CW department answered any of my several e-mails. I'm pretty sure I wasn't even considered and downright ignored (after I had already paid my fee.) Boooooo.
@WordShift--You got your CCA Financial Aid letter?! Gosh. I want mine now! Do you by chance know if they send them all at once, or does it depend on, like, when you did your FAFSA?
I'm not sure I'll end up there, but funding will really help me decide. I'm really freaked out by how expensive it is...
Frustration ensues. CCA...price tag $36,000 a year plus other fees no doubt. A $10,500 scholarship is the best they can do. Plus $1,500 in Work Study. I know I won't borrow $30,000 a year, that's crazy, besides that only leaves me with $6,000 to live on as a single mom? Me: older finished up the undergrad late, subsisted on a Cal Grant B.
Sorry for the vent. I appreciate the acceptance...BUT despite putting in my app that the only way I can make this happen is a scholarship for all or most of the tuition, the financial aid letter was a big let down.
*Pheew*
I decided I didn't want to visit the school if there wasn't a decent offer. Makes the low res programs more doable, even if one were to borrow most of the funds.
Seth: I appreciate your sage advice and I know while others may borrow an even heftier sum [Columbia] I have to think long term as you always point out. Plus I'm 40, so I think about carrying $60,000 in debt(plus $13,000 from undergrad)
Curious for those that are borrowing, do you all have a cap as to how much you're willing/able to borrow? Would you do it only for living expenses, tuition?
I just got it today, but I live in California. You might get lucky, get a full ride! Makes it more doable I think. (36K is a whole lotta' money me thinks) Plus one has to live! But that's cool you were accepted too! Happy to speak off line: louellatwist at the yahoo place.
Anybody? Any thoughts on Fin Aid Award email from SFSU that I received tonight? The award included a scholarship offer... am I being dense and not seeing the "signs" like Mel Gibson?
Commencing with drinking a lot to slow down the crazy thoughts.
re: CCA funding. I received my letter from CCA as well about funding. Similar funding to WordShift. Unbelievably expensive.
I think I am in a different position than a lot of people here so I will just say that for me (in regards to WordShift's question) going into debt isn't a big deal... err it is a big deal but not as prohibitive as it is for others. I wouldn't borrow more than 100k though, just doesn't seem right. Unless it's 2018 and you're buying a cheap house in the future housing bubble.
RE: The debt issue, I could see someone younger, single, more years to pay it back. I probably would be more flexible *sigh*
How does the scholarship offer look at SFU? I hope better! I didn't apply, is tuition similar? I'm beginning to think the CCA offer is similar across the board. But I'm surprised as my particular circumstances didn't make a difference.
From what I can tell, registration fees (tuition) is ~5500 per year. Much less than CCA. The lack of an acceptance email/letter/call has me all twisted around. I can't make use my brain properly to look at information on the SFSU site to even figure out exactly what it costs, etc.
My offer from SFSU is pretty good. Nothing like a free ride or anything but doable.
And yes, being young and single makes taking on debt less of an issue... sometimes.
YEAH! What does that MEAN? If they send me an email saying, 'Hey, you can definitely afford to go here!" but then tell me that I can't go there I'ma be pisssssed.
Sounds to me like you were accepted, but somehow hadn't gotten your official acceptance! I would call them if I were you. Congrats BTW. There's quite a big difference between 5500 and 36K! I wish I applied there. in general it seems the State Universities are more reasonable and offer more of a chance for a TAship.
Guys, I'm fracking off my rocker at the moment. One of my waitlists is definitely wooing me, without any offer yet to make it official. But I feel like if I end up NOT getting the offer from them after all this (and going to visit next week), I will be completely devastated and unable to confirm one of my existing acceptances with no funding. Mind you, it's definitely occurred to me to turn down the unfunded spots regardless if TAships don't come through, but I feel like the enthusiasm I've gotten from this one school has ruined me on all others. Suggestions? Thoughts? As my mom would say, I'm a mell of a hess.
I really hope you're right. My favorite writer is at SFSU, essentially the reason I even want to be a writer really, so if I could work with them I would be on cloud nine... or 81.
I'm in Sacramento. I applied to SFSU, CCA (pos), USF (?), St Marys (neg), Brooklyn (neg?), Hunter (neg), Syracuse (neg), Oregon (neg?), New School (neg?).
Syracuse and Hunter would have been the only schools to really get me to move out of California... so California 4 Life is how I will remain.... until I move to France that is. Ha.
It's nice to be wooed, especially if it's from a school you really want to go. They obviously want you, but there's this dance that some schools may do, waiting for someone to say no to offer you the spot. Did they tell you where you are on the waiting list. How frustrating for you! I truly hope the spot is real and will open itself like the yellow brick road. But yes, how unfair would it be for them to play with your heart.
@WordShift--I'm all the way out in Michigan, unfortunately.
I applied all over the place (Iowa NWP, Arizona, Michigan, UMass, Indiana, Hollins, Virginia, CCA, George Mason, Emerson), but I'm only in at Emerson and CCA. I got waitlisted at George Mason.
Right now, pending financial aid, I'm probably going to end up at Emerson. I love the idea of CCA, but Emerson has got me all hot and bothered. But it'll all come down to funding for me.
What about you?
P.S. Since I'll probably forget to email you, here's my email, if you want to talk off blog: cjwid87(at)hotmail(dot)com
@ Wordshift: Given the communications I've gotten from multiple faculty members, I don't think I can be anywhere but first on the waitlist. They've explicitly asked me not to accept anywhere until they know how everything is shaking down. And they have very few spots. But I think I may end up with a very poetic ulcer by the time all is said and done.
CCA does look like an interesting school, a place where you can do it all: fiction, non fiction, poetry, even art! If you can swing it, it's a viable option. But for me, alas, it is not. Commuting from L.A, with two apartments and no income and a child. Like Amanda said, "It's a mell of hess."
@Amanda--it might be too late to say this, but...try not to get too attached. I mean, I sincerely hope that they're wooing you because you're going to get in, but if that doesn't happen, you can't let yourself be heartbroken, you know?
I felt this way about Hollins. I didn't end up getting accepted, but I had gotten my hopes up extremely high, and it was my dream school. When people started hearing (and I hadn't), I was heartbroken. It was the day after I had gotten accepted to another school (Emerson), and I just felt like I should turn everyone down and try again next year for places I was in love with, like Hollins.
Of course, I slept on it for a few nights, and, you know what? I got over it. I'm now really excited about Emerson, and don't feel like I'm settling at all. Of course, it helped that I talked to my mother about it, and she pointed out all the good things I'd get from Emerson that I'd likely not have gotten from Hollins...
Anyway, if you're hopes are up, I encourage you to wait and see. You might be heartbroken initially if you don't get in, but give yourself as much time as you can to weigh your other options. You might be just as happy anywhere else.
Emerson looks like a great school, that had I lived close by I would have applied! Don't they let you study another genre? I love programs that let writers pick a second [or third] genre.
I applied to: UCSD, UC Riverside, Michigan, Hunter, Iowa and CCA. So far it's a yes at CCA and UCR. I'm now leaning towards UCR, depending on the offer (I'm hoping for a TAship) Or, I might either apply for low res programs beginning in Jan 2011, or reapply next year.
@Amanda, Oh my! It sounds like they really want you, but it's a matter of available spots and funding issues. But how frustrating for you. At some point you might want to say, XYZ school made an offer and I need to let them know, "so what's it gonna be?"
@ Chrissy: It does help, a lot actually. I think a big part of it is that it's a fully funded school also, which has made the prospect of being able to afford grad school more real than my acceptances. Also, I have gotten no phone calls from profs excited about my work, but rather pretty short form letters or emails from my acceptances. I tried not to let that bother me (I don't want to be whiny) but now I feel like I've seen the other side, with people actually listing all the things they value about my writing. Which is super gratifying and definitely lessens the impact of other schools. But you're right. I need to keep the stars out of my eyes and remember that it's really a wooing.
Seems a bit like trying to put off a hot and bothered boy looking for a one-night stand, no?
When you put things in context it makes me realize, my offers so far aren't the kinds I hoped for. The call, the courtship, the personal touch. Why is it some schools will take the time to do this and other don't?
I can understand, why you would be so torn. I have my fingers crossed for you girl!
@WordShift--UCR sounds great, too! I have my fingers crossed for you getting a TA-ship! And I'm really glad that the one thing everyone seems to know about Emerson is that they let you study multiple genres. That's the main reason I applied (and fell in love with them).
@Amanda--Oh wow, I'm crossing my fingers that you get bumped off the waitlist, for sure. Have you asked exactly where you're at on it? That would help a lot (unless they don't tell you, in which case, boo to them). And, that's such a great metaphor for your whole situation. :) I wish you the best, and please let me know what ends up happening!!
On your question of how we compiled our application list. I pretty much did the same thing as you. First, I started with the writers I love and the schools where they teach. Then, from Seth's rankings, I looked at which schools had high post grad placements. I figured if the schools are getting fellowships and awards for their alumni they must be doing something right. If I didn't know a particular school's faculty I checked out their work from the library. Most professors had story collections, so I didn't have to read dozens of novels. And only if I felt especially drawn to a writer would I apply to the program.
Thanks for the kind words! Yes UCR is more doable, tuition is 12K so not as steep as CCA, plus the commute is one hour not six (CCA) It seems we like similar programs, I don't want to get locked into only one discipline. I want to do: fiction, non fiction, playwriting and poetry. also, don't be afraid to do the off the grid road trek, it will make interesting fodder for your writing too! I've done a bit of it myself, and it is fantastico!
@WordShift--no, thank you!! I really want to studyplay and screen writing, nonfiction and poetry. I applied in both nonfiction and poetry this year, though I've only gotten accepted in nonfiction. Emerson sounds like a great fit for me and I hope UCR will be a good fit for you!
And I've done quite a bit of trecking around. I've been to four continents and lived on three. But I really want to just travel with no plans or return date. Just see where I go. Mmmm...such a good dream.
Clarification: I went to the Abramson Leslie website and the fee for reviewing submissions is listed as $335. I thought people on this site were throwing around the number $90. I probably missed the explanation of the variance here. Can you explain? Thank you!
@Megan - I would call Southern Illinois if you applied in poetry. When I called, I found out that everyone was supposed to have gotten their letters, including me. (I hadn't.) So they sent me an e-mail of my rejection letter.
Nothing like having to jump through hoops to get your rejection!
@BarryGrass - The perfect illustration of your point about CNF programs can be seen in how I ghettoized the genre in the way I phrased my question. I was, all, fictionfictionpoetrypoetry.
You'll have the last laugh, though, because you folks are gonna make all of the money, yo! Well, you're a nice guy, and super interesting, so I'm looking forward to reading your feature pieces in major publications while I'm chillin' with the other poets in our van down by the river...
@Chrissy - Awesome! Another bookbinding sister! Oh, if you feel the ground shake beneath your feet later today, that's because I'm ROCKING your town!
@M.B.Wells - The CCC curriculum is awesome! I haven't taken any classes for credit, but I've taken many, many cool @ss classes there for fun. I took a great video editing class a while back, which is where I also learned Flash. They put things together really nicely, in a more well-rounded approach to educating the student. Like, Flash goes fit really well into a video editing class, of course. But a lot of places would just offer one or the other, as if the modern world didn't so frequently combine the two.
Has anyone heard decisions from UVA, FSU or UNLV in the last couple days? Posts have indicated they'd be notifying soon. In FSU's case, notifying for waitlist acceptances/rejections.
what exactly do you mean when you say, "The Indiana MFA Director was willing to shuffle me up the wait list when the time came, but I decided not to torture myself with the wait any longer."
i am on the indiana waitlist for fiction and i would LOVE to be "shuffled" up! can you explain what that means? should i be in closer contact with them?
Ditto to inkli_11's question. I'm on the Indiana fiction waitlist, and I did e-mail the Creative Writing Secretary to see if she could tell me how long the waitlist was and/or my position on it, and she told me she couldn't. (This was nearly 2 weeks ago.) Waitlist land is so frustrating!
P.S. Right now I feel as if I'd do anything (send them cookies, do their dishes for the next three years, pledge my future children to them as indentured servants) to get off the darn waitlist!
I work during the day for a company that hires people to do the same thing I do for my second job. I've asked to do it for my day job too, but for some reason they've refused to even consider me. This morning, one of the managers for that position asked if I'd like to work for him out of the blue.
Odds of getting 2 miracle offers in 1 day? Slim. The simple fact that I got 1 miracle offer at all proves that they do happen though, so Bennington might still call!
I work at a university and was on spring break last week, checking my email and phone obsessively. Got back to work today and there was a message on my work voicemail - in at UNCG for fiction, as of the 18th! A whole week of worrying, for nothing!
Well, not quite for nothing. I spoke to Jim Clark today and it sounds like nothing has changed on the funding front as of yet. Back to the nail biting, I suppose.
And super congrats to everyone who was accepted over the last two weeks!
Driftless House is offering a spring special through which one can have a portion of one's portfolio (an excerpt) reviewed. Details at link. Full reviews are also available year-round.
I got the financial aid award offer from SFSU too, a few days ago. I think several of us did. From what I hear, sounds like it's just a standard email for anybody who filled out FAFSA. Which is really sucky - I got sooooo excited when I first got the email. I mean, I even called my parents to say I think I've been accepted. Embarrassing...
Anyway, maybe I'm wrong. I guess we'll find out one way or another soon.
Again, my fabulous and exclusive source is, you guessed it, updates to the public MFA website. Now, under faculty, not only is Beth Ann Fennelly now listed as director, a John Brandon is listed as the new Grisham fiction professor. When you try to click on the John Brandon link, it tries to send you to a news release that doesn't seem to be up yet. Anybody know anything about John Brandon? I'm about to go google him. :)
BTW, congrats to all recent acceptees and waitlisters, condolences to all receivers of rejections. I've got blinders on right now as I wait for someone to hear from Ole Miss, sorry guys. :)
VOX Literary Press Artists Series presents An Evening with John Brandon, Monday, Nov. 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Off-Square Books. The fundraiser will feature a reading by 2009-2010 Grisham Visiting Writer John Brandon whose darkly comic and critically acclaimed first novel Arkansas has been compared to the works of Raymond Chandler, Cormac McCarthy, Flannery O’Connor, and Mark Twain. The event will also include a light themed meal based on his selection.
Florida native Brandon is a Washington University MFA graduate and is among the youngest writers ever recruited for the prestigious post of John and Renee Grisham Writer-In-Residence, which was designed to embrace and nurture emerging Southern writers. Brandon’s first effort Arkansas has been described as “a whopping debut,” “a must for those who love the criminal and the stern, yet dark optimism of the existential,” and critics suggest adding Brandon “to your list of hipster-sanctioned must reads.”
SOO... looks like he's just extending his stay as the Grisham Writer-In-Residence? Or they just decided to list him finally now that they're updating the website?
has anyone been able to reach New School on email? and if so, can you give me the email of whoever you were able to reach? I just cannot get anything from them. or brooklyn (I know i know, they're done notifying. just want closure)
So I am realllly eager right now to make my decision and get excited about making plans for where I'm going to be in the fall and everything. My decision is pretty much hinging on my Emerson merit aid / financial aid letter, which I am hoping to get this week (please)! I am in North Carolina right now and asked my dad at home in RI to check the mail as soon as it comes in every day, and please call me if there is anything from Emerson!
Kati-Jane, if you want to know more about Ole Miss, I go to Ole Miss and have taken classes with every single one of the MFA faculty. I have been to a couple of John Brandon readings - he's amazing. He's a McSweeney's writer. Beth Anne is wonderful as well. I am currently working on my thesis of a collection of stories with her husband, Tom Franklin. Which, actually, I have a meeting with him at Ajax on the Square right now, so I must go.
I also could have sworn they had 10 prose spots last year, but maybe it was 5 and 5? Also, I have heard somewhere that ND, Purdue, and Illinois all have similar aesthetic ideals/there is some correlation/overlap between waitlists and acceptances at these programs. Anyone heard this/found this to be true? Could be wrong (or even if this is true, could just be good writers get accepted more?), and given how hard they are to get into, they could like your work but you'd still end up in no better a situation than this year. Still, might be something to research and consider for next year (if it comes to that, which hopefully it doesn't!).
Congrats MFAguy - I was rooting for you to get off the waitlist!
@phillywriter - I received my sad rejection via online status check as well... In my excel spreadsheet, I have a blank column where I've been writing things like "no" and "no way" and "you're funny." Time to add something to the VTech row.
From what little I know, Purdue was mostly realism in the past, but they've slowly added students who wrote fantastical/experimental stories. It's hard to say what their aesthetic is.
ND used to admit more in the past than they do now. Budget cuts? Unwillingness to accept more than they could fund (at least the tuition remission part)? I don't know. ND is supposedly experimentally inclined. However, I write mostly realistic stuff and they put me on the waitlist. So, who knows?
Thanks, it's great to know we've got an Ole Miss student on here. I second Fausto in asking if you know where folks are on the evaluation / notification of fiction applicants. Beyond that, I'd love to hear about Franklin, Pendarvis and Brandon's teaching styles. Hope your meeting goes well!
2,525 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 2201 – 2400 of 2525 Newer› Newest»Drella,
If it was a school, they'll leave a message or call back. Don't worry, they don't just say well, screw it, and move on down the list.
@Chrissy, Laura T
Living with parents crippled with the debt of 4 years at a private college in Providence, which I live very near. Rhode Island unemployment is killing me because everyone in RI is coming to MA looking for work and increasing my competition for good local jobs I am not ridiculously overqualified for. I work a "part-time temp" position, which is really full-time indefinite, and another part-time job for weekend evenings. I don't have the energy/heart to write most days. For the love of God, something needs to change.
Suddenly very depressed and no longer just joking about misery.
Self-pep talk time! It will all be OK because I'm going to score a multi-million dollar deal talking to the person sitting next to me at some event some place (like a baseball game or a concert or the Apple-Peach festival).
Or I can fall back on my old plan of being a Trophy Wife.
Life experience is an interesting concept when it comes to writing. When I'm confused about some aspect of writing, I always find myself turning to Rilke's letters. His take seems to make the age argument irrelevant, but rather whether we possess or not the ability to cull from any of our experiences something to write about--whether those experiences be climbing the Alps or dancing in a disco in Spain, working at Starbucks or getting a bachelor's degree. From Letter Number One:
"...write about what your everyday life offers you; describe your sorrows and desires, the thoughts that pass through your mind and your belief in some kind of beauty - describe all these with heartfelt, silent, humble sincerity and, when you express yourself, use the Things around you, the images from your dreams, and the objects that you remember. If your everyday life seems poor, don't blame it; blame yourself; admit to yourself that you are not enough of a poet to call forth its riches; because for the creator there is not poverty and no poor, indifferent place."
@EE26
I have lived in California, as well as eight other states... but not Massachusetts. The east coast scares the crap out of me ;)
@Ratliff, We can do this! All we gotta do is keep faith and keep moving forward. I've started to find little ways to make myself happy and to think of positively. For instance, I picked up a new hobby (bookbinding), taught myself how to do it from youtube videos, and used supplied found in my house (particularly innovative, I think, was the use of dental floss for thread...it's pre-waxed, and strong, haha!).
Little things. And I've also started writing every day again, even if it's just to account how unhappy I am. ("blah blah blah...it rained...I'm sad.")
We can do it! :)
@Courtney, thanks for the Rilke. Very helpful. Gotta keep it in mind. I'm a strong believer in printing stuff like that out, as well. I'll put it on my inspiration board. (Yes, I have one. No one judge me. It's pretty awesome.)
Long-timer lurker here. Courtney, you got me with your Rilke there. I'm going to print it out and tape in in front of me for every time I get the but-I'm-only-26 blues.
-Les
Cielo and all,
Thanks so much for your honest replies. If I were considering attending school outside of my already comfort zone, as it seems some of you are, I would feel a bit different. A bit more excited. A bit less hesitant. Moving is an experience in itself, one which I would not be sharing as I only applied to NYC schools (I attended Fordham in NYC and grew up in NJ). While I've lived shortly in san fran and italy, I felt obligated to consider only nyc schools (my family and all). Now I'm thinking, hell, why not try something different man? And working in a park sounds awesome.
@Chrissy "blah blah blah...it rained...I'm sad."
I laughed. It felt good. :) I used to make jewelry while watching TV when I was in college. It was a way to feel productive while otherwise wasting time, and I had lots of gifts for my friends when the holidays came around.
The worst part about not writing is that my mentor has offered on numerous occassions for me to submit my new work to him, and I've had nothing because I've been so mopey or unenthused or just plain tired after work to do anything. I feel like I need to be accountable to someone in order to be pushed to write everyday through this. I've made tons of promises to myself and totally broken them all. I've been a wicked lame duck.
@Violet Mai
Hi Violet. Just curious how you found out your position on the fiction waitlist at Hopkins. I'm on it, too, but don't really know any more than that. Any other details (number admitted, length of waitlist, etc)? Good luck to you!
@Ratliff, I'm currently trying to figure out how to coordinate an online writing group so I have people to hold me accountable to submit work each week or so. I'm okay with self-motivation, but I'd never finish something if I didn't have a deadline...
I'm glad I could make you laugh. Jewelry making is fun! You should do that again! Or, take up knitting, if you don't already. Good way to keep your hands busy. I have friends who bring their knitting with them everywhere, even out to the bar and to movies! Haha.
@Ratliff, Chrissy
I lived in Seattle with my parents for 6 months (June-December), taking premed classes I had no intention of ever using, applying to MFA programs in semisecret, and missing my boyfriend who was then 3,000 miles away.
I wish I could call up some of my writing from that period (I'm at work right now), but most of it sounded just like Chrissy's ("Wah, I'm bored and poor and miss my boy"). Some of it didn't entirely suck, though. The longer I was there, the more I found I was able to use what I had (my stupid physics classes, my job at the video store) to really, really write. I also took up parkour, which helped (my writing, not my joints or hamstrings). Am I glad to be somewhere else (even if I moved here sight unseen)? Hell yes. But was I "uninspired" until I got here? No. It's there, I promise.
Also, Ratliff, if you're in the Boston/Cambridge area, we should have a party.
@Matt
I got a call from one of the faculty members this morning. I found out I was on the waitlist a week or two ago, but didn't know my place on it until today. The only other thing I know is that they had 225 applicants and accepted 5 students for 5 spots (this is all for fiction). They don't overaccept, which bodes well for all of us on the waitlist.
@Sunny
I'm guessing we met, but if not (or if so and I can offer any additional help or information about UW) feel free to e-mail me at sethabramson[@]yahoo.com. I've spoken with a number of UW admittees at length and am happy to do that with others, too. (And/or via phone if you prefer).
@Nadiya
I know I owe you an e-mail! It's coming.
@Whoever asked about Miami
I wouldn't say it's a low-ranked program--you have to keep in mind where it started out when the rankings project was initiated in 2007 (in total obscurity; the program was ranked last nationally in 1996) and that now it's threatening to enter "Honorable Mention" category (programs ranked #51 to #60). I like the program and see it increasing significantly in popularity and acclaim over the next 2-5 years. Good funding, good location if you like the heat, &c &c.
S.
@Chrissy
Would it be possible to include me on the online writing group?jimmyjames[at]phreaker[dot]net.
PS - Google Groups makes this really easy to do; you just need dedicated writers. I've got one going for some friends in South Florida, but my friends are off doing brilliant things, so traffic has been slow.
PPS - Also, I promise my writing isn't complete crap.
Courtney - I love Rilke, thanks for that passage.
@Chrissy, me tooooo!
hilaryvdobel /at/ gmail /dot/ com, or find me on the Ning group. I'd love reading more of your poems :)
@ Andrew
Thanks, and congrats! I think they accepted three fictioneers and I'm about that deep on the waitlist. Fortunately I've got acceptances elsewhere.
@cielo Yes—the East Coast is a weird place. Or many weird places, really.
@ USF waitlist
I turned down a spot in CNF and the director of admissions email me back today. Hopefully someone will hear from them soon, but unfortunately I wasn't offered any funding, so that isn't opening up for anyone.
@Meredith sorry for the late reply. I called 4809653168. Don't know who it was but she was as nice as she could be. But it still sucked.
@ Oregon people. Has anyone heard about a fiction waitlist or acceptances? I heard of rejections and their number goes straight to voicemail.
@Ratliff--so happy to see another Zumba fan...it's fantastic. No word from Bennington yet. You probably don't want to hear this, but I think you should try Fairfield:)
@threes
No problem. Thanks for your congrats--and congrats to you on your acceptances. Best of luck making your choice.
@all acceptees/waitlisters...kaybay, Trilbe, et al
Big ups! Way to go!
@Sud - I'm going to Zumba after work, and yes, it's the best work out for me. Bora Bora (if that's spelled right, if not I apologize! My instructor just said it quickly and knows it's what I like) is my favorite. Ditto on no Bennington News. I knowwww and I believe in your awesome advice- I DO! I'll put some serious thought into it tonight and give my mentor a call tomorrow to figure things out.
Until then, shake your booty, Sud!!!
Hi Lilia--
Oregon notified all those accepted and waitlisted earlier this month.
-Fiction Courtney
PS...See? Rilke always makes me feel better/inspired. Glad it helped!
Re: Funding mayhem
Many of you have mentioned having multiple un-funded offers and trying to decide whether to accept one or not.
I'm also looking at two un-funded offers, and I'm starting to realize that the idea of getting an MFA with full tuition waiver and a decent living stipend... was a bit naive on my part. I know a lot of people get this kind of offer. But it seems like at least just as many people, if not more, DON'T get this kind of offer. A lot of people have told me not to get an MFA without the best-of-the-best kind of funding, but for me I just think that's unrealistic. I think I'm a decent writer, and I think I can benefit a LOT from an MFA, but I don't think I'm a best-of-the-best kind of writer, and I don't think I'm going to get into that kind of place just from working on my portfolio for another year. It seems like, with such fierce competition for a few beautifully-funded spots, it's an unrealistic goal for me.
I personally am not a fan of going into debt for an MFA, just because I know myself and I know my work history and I think I could easily struggle to pay off loans. But I have been looking into other ways to get myself through an MFA program: working part-time, applying to every little micro-scholarship from the Rotary Club, etc, under the sun, using my pitiful little savings. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think there's a middle ground between going into massive, unpayable debt and refusing to go to an MFA program without a free ride and a living stipend. For some people, only the latter will be worthwhile. But for me... I mean, of course I would have preferred not to have to work while getting my MFA, but is working part-time really fundamentally different than working as a TA? To me, it's still work.
So, just wanted to chime in and say that I, too, will probably end up taking an unfunded offer, and for me, I really think this is the best choice, not a desperate choice.
@ megan" Two things.
1) I think that if you're getting in anywhere, you have a chance of getting in somewhere that provides funding.
2) There's also a big difference between certain unfunded offers. My unfunded offer at Memphis would cost me scads less than my unfunded offer at Boulder. And as far as TA'ing vs. PT work, it really depends. TA'ing can be fundamentally different from a job if you're working with the same subject matter as your degree. But a PT research position could be quite similar. Also, it depends on how much the TAship pays. My TAship at UCSC was ridiculously well paid. I was making several hundreds more a month working part-time there (with health insurance) than I make now working 32 hours a week with no benefits.
Question:
I haven't heard anything from Oregon and they already sent out acceptances, rejections, and waitlists weeks ago. I call, but there is no answer. What should I do? Is this a bad thing or good thing?
Anyone else in the same boat?
So have people actually been rejected from Columbia? Or our we assuming based on the acceptances that have been posted?
@Seth / Anyone knowledgeable about Phd Programs
Do you think it's possible for you guys to send me an email at scribble87 at gmail dot com in regards to the Phd in creative writing? I've grown a huge interest in this, and was hoping to gain some perspective on it. Thank you!
@Lilia
I could be wrong, but I haven't heard anyone report rejections from Oregon--just acceptances and waitlists.
@Gummy Bear Sacrifice
I definitely wouldn't assume you've been rejected from Columbia just because you haven't heard anything yet. I feel like I say this over and over, but...Columbia is super disorganized. I found out today I'd been accepted, but apparently I was supposed to find out a few days ago and they, um, forgot to call? Might be worth an email if you haven't heard anything in a few days?
Is there anybody who wants to go to UMSL (Missouri-St. Louis)? Or who has information about fiction acceptances there? I saw a poetry one on DH last week and I'm a little edgy. (To say the least.)
-Les
@J. Haley I know people that heard rejections from Oregon 3 weeks ago.
woah people are assuming rejections from columbia already? I was under the impression they'd possibly be making calls all week....? so not ready to give up.
new school, where ARE you? just let me go if its bad news please... i'm IN NEW YORK. how have I not gotten any mail from them??
Here are some words that I, a native Chicagoan, never thought I'd live to say: I've just landed in Detroit-Metro airport. Don't get me wrong, Chicagoans love our northern neighbors. And I have visited cute little ol' Ann Arbor many times. But we drive here. Hitting Detroit Rock City on an airplane just feels so wrong.
@Chrissy - I am CRAZY for bookbinding! I make many different types of handmade books -- perfect bound, saddle-stitched, origami-inspired folded chapbooks -- and, when I had the space, I also made handmade paper. I have a high-power blender that is exclusively for my paper projects. I just love books and printing and paper. To the point where people who have had workshop with me can recognize my handouts by the feel, because I use distinctively toothy paper.
For any of you who are looking at Columbia College Chicago, I got into bookbinding and papermaking when I was a gradeschooler in Chicago, through a summer class CCC hosted, where they brought us ghetto kids in and gave us amazing arts classes. I was a book nerd, so I took the book arts class. I recently found out, that CCC offers a book arts MFA. So, prospective CCCers may be able to take book arts classes with the MFA students in that program. How awesome would that be?! Right?!
At Alabama, CW MFAers are definitely allowed to take book arts classes. Apparently, in the past, some CW MFAers have, after completing their writing coursework, spent their fourth year in the program taking only book arts classes.
A guy in Iowa's Center for the Book got a Genius Grant, either last year or the year before, $500,000 for his work with lost papermaking techniques. So it seems like a few of the schools that people are considering have wonderful book arts programs.
re: Texas State
I also got into Tx State (poetry), and I'm pretty sure I'm going to accept the offer. I live in Austin, so I can offer some insight, though I don't know as much about San Marcos itself. If anyone would like to chat about the area or the program, my email is onatreehouse (at) gmail dotcom
Re: Age and Life Experience
For me, deciding to wait and take time between undergraduate and graduate school had less to do with feeling like I needed "life experience" and more to do with feeling like my writing needed more work.
I was a very active writer in undergrad, and got a few small prizes. But I remember sitting in my advanced poetry class my senior year and kind of thinking, "well, I'm not bad for a college senior, but... we're ALL kind of bad!" Now, I'm sure that had a lot to do with me personally and my school - I am by no means trying to say that all younger writers aren't as skilled as older writers. I'm sure that most of the younger writers here are more skilled than me. But I personally needed to write more before I thought about applying for an MFA.
I also needed to learn better discipline. In undergrad, everything else seemed to come before writing. I wrote, but it was a much more when-the-mood-strikes-me kind of thing than it is now, except when I was taking a class.
In the years between undergrad and now (I'm 29 now, and I've been out of undergrad for almost 5 years), I've learned how to prioritize my writing, which is something I personally needed to learn. And having had 5 years to write has really strengthened my writing, too. Plus, I did things that I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to do after earning a graduate degree, especially if I come out of grad school with debt. It seems like our culture thinks it's perfectly fine to do "irresponsible" things when one is 24, 25, 26, but I worried a little that if I went to grad school right out of college, that I would cave to the pressure to get a "responsible" job immediately afterward. I don't know if that was a realistic fear or not but it was something I thought about.
Before college, I took a year and traveled and worked in Africa - and figured out that I really wasn't qualified to do anything, and went to college. Then in the middle of college I took a year off and worked because I didn't have any money. After college, I worked a shit-paying job for a year, wrote stories in my head while I worked and wrote them all down at night, lived with my parents and saved every cent, then went to Europe and got a tiny, adorable apartment and wrote every day. When I eventually came back, I found a way to work part-time and still feed myself, so that I would have time to write every day.
Personally, I needed this time because my writing wasn't up to snuff. A lot of you who are younger are clearly not in this position. But, even so, I think I got a lot out of that time between undergrad and grad, and got a lot out of it that I probably wouldn't have thought necessary when I was 24. I'm just throwing that out there for those of you who *do* think maybe you need more time - it's not always a bad thing to wait to get an arts degree.
@Les
I want to go to there.
I applied to UMSL for fiction, too, and have heard nothing. Actually, I haven't heard anything from 7 of the 9 schools I applied to...
@ Amanda,
I completely agree with you; obviously there can be a big difference between certain PT jobs and certain TA fellowships. But some TAs pay very little - not enough to live on - and some PT jobs pay much more.
I was simply trying to point out that I personally don't think it always has to be an all-or-nothing kind of thing. It seems like the advice I've heard is that everyone should always hold out for a perfectly-funded program. And some people will have no choice but to follow that route, and some people will think that's really important. But I think that there are other ways to get an MFA that don't leave one in horrible debt, and I don't personally think these should be tossed out automatically simply because they are not the "ideal."
@coreyanne
I'm right with you. I live right outside of Manhattan and I haven't got anything. I've read here that a lot of the rejections have gone out already - but I wouldn't read into my observation. What do you think?
Amanda,
That is precisely where my head is at--what you did instead of jumping into grad school is so cool. Getting a "serious" job at 25 or 26, when--if I get in--I graduate, seems like the "right" thing to do. These doubts only came about once I started receiving spots on waitlists; beforehand, I was more than excited, ready, thrilled to attend school in the fall. I have in the past year (I applied last year to TNS and was rejected) really worked on my writing. I feel like I do have so so much improving to do. But perhaps, after getting an MFA I can go to France and land some sort of teaching job a bit easier. That is if I don't meet Mr right in grad school and get married and settle down and have kids! Ahhh
Seth -
If you're out there - I found out that we are from the same historic literary town! I only found this out after using all your help on the blogs, so it seems quite...serendipitous? I've used your blogs and information to get accepted to an MFA program, so hopefully someday I can add my name to the list of famous writers (including you of course) from our town on Wikipedia. :)
@Rosanna
Thank you and good luck! Hopefully we'll both hear something soon. I'm really psyched to have a decent program here in town that seems to be a great fit for part-timers. Hopefully if I say enough good things about them then karma will kick in.
:) Les
@ Kristen,
Just a word to the wise, you will not be able to get a job in France, with or without an MFA, unless you have some kind of freakishly wonderful skill that no one else in Europe possesses. France has a law that they MUST hire EU residents over Americans unless no one else in the EU can fill the position. :) Doesn't mean you can't still work in Europe, though, or live in France and work under the table. Or marry an EU citizen, that works, too. Or work for an American company that has an office in France (you could start your own travel-writing business!)
And if the Mr. Right that you meet in grad school is really Mr. Right, then I'm sure he'd be game to moving to France with you post-MFA, kids and all. :)
@megan - re. "live in France and work under the table"
Oh my goodness!
re. working in National Parks
I never thought about this because I had an engineering job straight out of college. But I guess if I majored in one of the non-commercially viable liberal art majors -- yeah, you know what they are: Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Political Science, Medieval Renaissance Studies, Religion Studies, Art History -- I'd look into working for National Parks, too. But on a recent trip to Yellowstone, I talked to a Park Ranger and apparently, they do EVERYTHING on site. And I mean EVERYTHING. Clean the toilets? Yep.
I've cleaned many a toilet, but also climbed many a mountain. Smart move on the engineering degree though. Drat the unemployablity of humanities.
I'm also curious about U Miami. Does anyone have any experience/info/insights about the program, particularly the fiction side?
Hey all, I called Notre Dame and was told that I was "very low" on the wait list, but dude, I'm super psyched to be on there at all, so no pity needed. It's certainly no guarantee that I'll get accepted next year either, but at least I know that they like my "style" and that something caught their eye. She also told me, via voice message, to take any offer given to me and to tell her about it so that she can document it and deliver it to "someone" (don't know who) so that they could "open up more spots for next year, because they are losing talented writers to other programs." I don't have an offer, heh, so it looks like I'll be applying again there next year :D But it would be nice if there were more openings next year! Didn't they used to be a bigger program? Something like 10 spots per genre? God, that would be fab...
I think I'm going to be physically sick. A couple hundred posts ago I was trying to not panic and give into hysteria because I had 10 rejections and only 6 schools left. I said I really wanted to be on someone's waitlist, anyone's really. I just wanted more than anything to feel not entirely deluded about my chances of getting into grad school. I know I might not get accepted anywhere the first go round, but all the rejections were making me rather defeated.
As per today's mail I have a total of 11 rejections and ONE WAITLIST! I have been waitlisted at The University of Washington, which is interestingly enough, 5 minutes from my house. I'd be delighted to attend! I've left a message inquiring as to where I am on the wait list. Don't get me wrong...I'd love to be going there this fall, but it might be enough to just be on a list for now. I'd literally given up all hope and was already starting to make plans for the following year.
I'm certainly relieved to know I don't totally suck 16 times over, that no one wanted me altogether. It's nice, just having my name on a list somehow makes me feel better.
Still waiting to hear from:
Minnesota
Bowling Green
Hollins
Penn State
I know it's not an acceptance, but I really was in desperate need for some good news. I'm hoping I'm high on the list, and hopefully someone opens up a spot for me, but for today it's just great to be on a list.
Congrats, Jenpopa! I know exactly what you mean, by the way, since all of my schools have notified (still waiting on official word, yea or nay, from three). I'm on two wait lists, and while it looks like neither will be fruitful and I'll have to apply again next year, it really, really helps to have those wait lists. It's like a big, non-patronizing pat on the head, like you were so close, but not close enough!
Has anyone been rejected by FSU yet? Has anyone's online status changed?
@Trilbe, YAY BOOKBINDING! I saw that you're visiting U of Michigan right now...I live in the just outside of Ann Arbro, and there's a great bookbinding shop there! Hollanders! You should look it up if you're so inclined. They're very well known!!
I hope you're enjoying Michigan! Ann Arbor is a beautiful city that is very dear to my heart. And we had great weather today...hopefully it stays nice for your visit.
P.S. When you flew into DTW, did you stop and watch the fountain? That's my favorite part of the airport. But, well, it also means I'm home so...
re. Ann Arbor and DTW
What I hated most about the University of Michigan during my four years there was the shuttle ride between Ann Arbor and DTW. Blech. They'd drop me off in front of the Michigan Union and I'd have to haul my baggage all the way to Washtenaw down South University. If I had any friends with cars, I'd have exploited them, oh yeah, but unfortunately, they were all out-of-staters like me. Just thinking about it makes me shudder. Oh, my aching my back.
Maybe things are better now.
@Woon, Re: Ann Arbor and DTW -- Well, seeing as I grew up here, I always had a ride. My whole family (adult siblings and all) still live in the area. Always had a ride. So, regrettably, I've never had to walk home from the Union. That would've been a really long walk for me...
Oh, and P.S. To all the folks that wanted to be in on my online writing group...I'll keep you posted once I figure out how it's going to work. I've made a list of who wants in. Thanks for the interest!!!
does anyone know how long the New School waitlist is? or if it's appropriate to call/e-mail to ask?
@Ashley Brooke
I have two cousins that live in Austin and all they talk about is how great it is. One of them is in law school at UT and the other works for Apple; she's a recent grad with a BA in Communications. There's also an article in the most recent TIME magazine all about how Austin is going to experience job growth. Texas's population is booming and it has been economically strong even through the depression. All I have ever heard about Austin is that it is full of opportunity and awesome.
So, yeah. Good luck!
@Jason J --
SF State is supposedly letting people know right about now. They are going to be closed next week and plan on sending out emails today, tomorrow, and Friday.
The girl who answers the phone there is really nice.
@megan re: age & life experience
Just wanted to let you know that your comments were very much appreciated. I'm sitting on an unfunded offer & waiting to hear from a couple more schools.
@Chrissy re: online writing group
You've compiled a list? Like a waitlist? Do you require two LoRs or three? How heavily do you weigh GRE scores? ;)
@ everyone
Even if I lurk more than I post, I'd like to say that you've all been awesome through this whole process. It has made me neurotic (2 rejections, 1 acceptance--I viewed ALL THREE via online apps before the schools had the chance to contact me), but I like being in a club with all of you!
@LOSTies
How 'bout Richard on that horse, huh!?
@roughdraft
Thanks for posting that Franco story. Not to be pretentious, but I was pretty sure I'd hate it. It wasn't bad at all, though. His metaphors only annoyed me a little. Somehow, it reminded me of Pineapple Express, which I have not actually seen. The last scene in that story was pretty great, though. SURPRISE I'M JAMES FRANCO.
@Lucas
I also have a funded offer from Old Dominion in fiction! Do you think you'll accept? They're my top choice right now. I'd love to compare notes with you; my email is iantcouch [at] gmail.
That goes for anyone with an acceptance at Old Dominion, or experience with the Norfolk area!
@Jimmy James, Ahhahahaha. That's great.
No, it's just a list so I know who to email later. Unlike MFA programs, my acceptance rate is 100%. :)
Pineapple Express was actually a great movie. Kicking out the windshield scene FTW.
@Matt
I did my undergrad there (in CW, both fiction and poetry). I also completed about a year of CW grad classes (in poetry). I am very close with the faculty (in both fiction and poetry). Ill be glad to answer any questions you have about the U of Miami program.
@Nora Bee, that's good to know about SFSU.
re: Franco. I enjoyed the esquire story too. Interesting characters he chose. It did have some resemblance to Pineapple Express, drunk/high waiting in an old car in some dark spot.
Favorite scene of Pineapple Express though is when Seth Rogen tells Franco he didn't come up with any good ideas and Franco responds...
"I had two good ideas! Nowhere and Quiznos!"
Too perfect.
My Vtech status still reads "out to the department". Any one who has been accepted/rejected has your status changed? Or does it still read this "out to the department" mess as well?
Hey gang. I just wanted you to know that I've freed up spots on both Boise State(poetry) and Notre Dame(prose) waitlists. I hope this bumps some of you ahead and you hear great news soon!
@Dee
My VTech status says that as well, but I emailed them a week ago, and I was not accepted.
Best of luck.
@Abbie - Thank you. So, I guess I'll move up at Notre Dame from waitlist #7 to waitlist #6. Heheh.
@J. Haley,
Thnx, Im pretty sure I havent been accepted either. They could have been kind enough to send a rejection letter. Geez.
@Woon,
If erasing the last spot on their waitlist (read: me) helps anyone along, I hope it's you.
I know someone who was in Franco's study group at Columbia. That's my James Franco story.
@Dee,
I know! So many of the schools that accepted/waitlisted people weeks ago have yet to notify those that are rejected. I have emailed a few programs, and except for one that said they were "holding on to my file" (limbo between waitlist and rejection), all others stated that they just hadn't gotten around to sending out rejections. The lack of etiquette, otherwise labeled false hope, definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth...
Good luck to you!
@Jimmy James
Good thing Chrissy doesn't require GREs- I haven't taken them! I'd be out of luck :(
re: LOST
My heart skipped a beat. I am so disappointed Doc Jensen's theory column on EW isn't going to be posted until Friday. What gives? Wednesday is a slow day at work, and I had nothing to read this morning except CNN's stories about the new health care bill's tanning tax. Not the most intellectually stimulating material.
Anyway, I am SO excited for answers. SO excited. And sold that the MIB is a baddie.
Oh, I miss having LOST parties with my friends in college. No one around where I live watches it, so I have to scream, "OH MY GOD! Don't! Don't let him smash the mirror! 7 years!" to myself.
@Woon - I've thought about it, and I don't believe you're 86.
Re. James Franco
After all the comments about his article, I got curious and wanted to read it, and I found a new one:
http://www.esquire.com/fiction/james-franco-fiction-0410
Is he on staff?
RE: Lucas
Congratz on Old Dominion!
RE: Lucas
Oh, why, thank you, me.
Hey all! I was just wondering, about Indiana - has everybody heard back from them by now, one way or another? I'm getting a little neurotic about checking my mailbox for a rejection, and just wanted to know if it's time to call the school.
@Sister Ray
Well met!
@kaybay
When you get a chance, send me an e-mail -- you probably heard about what Trilbe did, so I'm ready and willing to help out whenever you like (totally okay to wait until the summer, too -- we'll get it done one way or another, and who knows, maybe that Notre Dame thing comes through! In which case I'll need to send some mail to Trilbe, and a big congrats to you!).
Best,
S.
@Emma - I'm rooting for you, re. Virginia and Iowa.
"I can see through my leg hole!"
Or my personal favorite, "Why don't you super-size it, bitch."
Also, my congrats to those continuing to receive good news, and my thanks to Woon for continuing to entertain. And for reminding me how much I miss Chipotle (which I like to pronounce "Chipoodle" or "Chipatople" a la those Jack in the Box commercials).
Another silent lurker here. My list for poetry:
Rejected:
U of Mich
Wash U
Waitlisted:
Brooklyn (contrary to what most people have said, I got an email this afternoon)
UNC Wilmington
No word yet:
Penn State
Ohio State
Hollins
LSU
Southern Illinois
@Seth & kaybay - I hope, hope, HOPE Notre Dame comes through for kaybay, baby! In that blessed eventuality, there's no need to send me any mail. Please just pass the kaybay bloggawebz scholarship on to another deserving candidate!
This is a tough process and I'm just glad there's some way for people who've been beaten down by the subjective nature of this game to get some feedback, some guidance to help them get to where they want to go. I know -- we all know -- how much of ourselves we've put into the application process. I don't want anybody to get to the end and then feel like they're just left with silence.
@ Woon
You clearly caught my creepy Virginia post, which I promptly deleted. I'm so ready to hear from them, either way. Sheesh.
@Emma - re. deleting posts
That's one (of many) irritating things about his blog. You can't REALLY delete anything. Oh, sure, if you go directly to the blog, a deleted post remains deleted. BUT, if you subscribe to the blog, you get all the posts, deleted and undeleted, directly in your Inbox.
I love your name DigAPony - I always hear the Beatles in my head every time I see it. Die-hard fan in 1994.
Oh chain food! I have a Qdoba around the corner - which is a terrible Mexican chain owned by Jack in the Box. How I WISH it was a Jack in the Box instead! Mmm Oreo shake with curly fries.
Although I live in NYC and embrace its incredible variety of food offerings, you cannot take the CA girl out of me. I know where the nearest IHOP, Cheesecake Factory, Denny's, Panda Express, and El Pollo Loco is. Chipotle is decent and increasingly everywhere, but there is a new taqueria in Union Square from some Bay area kids that is spot on.
Also - See's Candy only goes east until Chicago. Seriously - you don't miss See's Candy until you don't have access to it.
@ the Duchess
I've lived in CA for almost 2.5 years now, and I still haven't tried Jack in the Box. Their range of offerings makes me nervous...
@duchess - re. DigAPony and Beatles
Oh, my god! Every single time I see DigAPony's name, I sing under my breath, to the tune of "I've Got a Feeling" (another Beatles song):
I dig a pony,
a feeling deep inside,
oh yeah
OH YEAH!
The actual lyrics are to "I've Got a Feeling" are:
I've got a feeling,
a feeling deep inside,
oh yeah
OH YEAH!
I always wondered why I keep thinking of the Beatles and "I've Got a Feeling" whenever I see DigAPony's name. But you solved the mystery! "Dig A Pony" and "I've Got a Feeling" are songs that appeared in the Beatles' "Let it Be" album!!!!
@ the duchess
Yay! One of my favorite songs of all time. I can't say exactly why it affects me so, but...I'm not sure where this sentence is going. :)
I'm up in Washington state where they haven't heard of Chipotle. Or Peter Piper Pizza (does anyone know what I'm talking about?). Also, I probably couldn't live without a visit to the good ol' IHOP once every few months. I'm pretty sure it's dinnertime.
To anyone who is interested...
I would really like to get a feel for the writing types that were admitted to CNF programs. Is there anyone who is willing to send me a copy of what they submitted? I think I have a strong voice, but I have NO IDEA how my writing compares, and I just want to see what I am up against.
If you would be willing to do me this enormous favor, shoot me an email at jillianlcollett{at}gmail{dot}com
damn...tough crowd.
@Lucas - Congrats!
I used to congratulate people a lot earlier in my MFA Blog career (circa late February 2010). And then I got lazy.
@Lucas - I read your last few posts. Funny, man! Loved it!
Robert Culp. He was great in the Columbo episodes. Damn.
@Lucas - haha, I totally didn't get it... I thought there really were two Lucases, oh man. Congratulations! :)
I can't find your original post - didn't you say something about funding? In any case, congrats to you!
Aw shucks...I was going more for chuckles than actual congrats...but, you know, isn't that why we did all this hard work and waited all this time...to get congratulated on the blog? ;)
But thanks guys. I'm probably going to stop getting on here and start scouring the interweb for apartments in Norfolk, etc, but I'll check in from time to time.
@ red - Sourdough Jack. If you get a meal, you can upgrade to curly fries and an oreo shake.
@ Woon, DigAPony
Haha! My fav Beatles songs are Don't Let Me Down (rooftop concert!) and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. I was tempted to buy RockBand.
@ Lucas - CONGRATS!!
And congrats to everyone else who got good news. And Trilbe does rock. And I think James Franco wants some cross-genre MFA credit for portraying Allen Ginsberg in the upcoming Howl movie.
And yes, I got funding.
I sincerely hope everything goes the way everyone wants it to. Don't give up...I had and I did that to myself for no reason.
And, finally, to paraphrase my old man, if they don't like your stuff, f##k 'em.
@Jillian Lauren -- I was admitted to Emerson College and CCA for CNF. You interested in my writing sample? I dunno if you were looking for people from bigger name schools. If you want to read mine, email me. CJWid87(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm curious... What was the general approach to making your application list? I'm especially curious about the fiction lists, even though I'm a poet, because I made my list by, first of all, reading some of the work of each of the faculty poets and then dropping the programs whose faculty work I didn't feel deeply drawn into. Even if I admired it or enjoyed it... If I wasn't f*ing owned by one of the poets on staff, it didn't make it onto my list.
But I was recently talking with a fiction writer and I realized that this would be a lot more difficult (maybe impossible) for fiction applicants. So, I was wondering what you guys did. How did you find your simpatico?
@Lucas
OLD DOMINION -- Woot! Woot! Congrats, congrats, congrats! (or congratulations for whoever was OCD about that).
Considering how many of us have heard nothing positive, you have every reason to feel so proud!
(and I know how frustrating it is to finally come out of lurker-dom and post, only to get no response), so
YAY YOU!
@SFSU applicants...
Just received a Financial Aid Award offer from SFSU. I haven't received any other news regarding acceptance or rejection. What's the deal? Can anybody shed some light on this? Can I open another bottle of champagne or am I getting ahead of myself?
Le'me'know guys...
@Dee - My VTech status is up. "Unable to offer admission." Whoop.
At this point I'm just waiting to finish up my tally. Accepted my offer at Penn State and can't wait for August.
Good luck to everyone else still waiting!
Chrissy, I'm interested in the online writing group too!
Okay, Laura T! You're on the list! :)
Um, I just wrote a poem about onions that turned into an existential piece. My writing has gotten WEIRD.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
L U C A S
!
Seriously, though... Congratulations, bro!
@Chrissy - if you've ever seen Suzie Templeton's short stop-motion animation film "Stanley," you'll come to appreciate...cabbages. Very erotic. "Stanley" used to be on YouTube. Now, I can't find it.
@Trilbe - your solution is the FIVE-sided die. You can find these at any store that sells Dungeons & Dragons crap. Comic book stores, for example. I've got a 32-sided die that I never leave home without.
@Woon--Haha, I'll keep an eye out for it! I'm not a fan of cabbages currently, but they way you make it sound, I might be after I watch it...
Does anyone know anything about Ohio University's MA in Fiction?
@Woon - I'm pretty sure a five-sided die would conflict with my religion. Odd numbers on a die, that would curse my descendants for at least three generations.
@Emily
I did my undergrad at Ohio University. I did not want to even stay because of the way they run the MA. It strictly is just literature courses, and then you take, maybe 3 workshops. It is not even close to an MFA, so if that is what you are looking for, well you might want to look elsewhere...Now, if you are asking when they should send out your letter, who knows...
@Benjamin
Thanks for the info. I applied to 17 programs and got rejected everywhere but Ohio University. They offer a large stipend in addition to tuition waver so I'm definitely considering it, even if it's not close to an MFA...
@Emily
It is all about what you want from a program...the faculty is great. The head, Joan Connor, is about the nicest person in the world and you get the capability to teach.
I recommend just going and meeting everyone, sit down on college green and get a cup of coffee from the Donkey. All in all, it would be a great experience, and then you can pursue the MFA if you want....
Continued....
As for me, I really just needed to get out of Ohio for a little bit, and I was pretty tired of the lit classes, so I wanted to focus on poetry more, but that does not mean the program is not well worth checking out, just not what I was looking for...
@Trilbe -- My applications list was actually pretty simply constructed:
Step 1.) Look at a school
Step 2.) Does the school offer CNF? If so, move on to Step 3.)
Step 3.) Does the school offer full-funding? If so, apply there.
With CNF applicants, I am reminded of the phrase "beggars can't be choosers." Our options are more limited.
Hi, All -– congrats and high hopes all around. I committed to Virginia Tech (poetry) on Monday, giving up my spot at Arkansas and withdrawing from the wait lists from Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota.
The Indiana MFA Director was willing to shuffle me up the wait list when the time came, but I decided not to torture myself with the wait any longer.
I’m happy with VT and have been impressed with how enthusiastic the faculty have been in answering my questions and cheering me on toward accepting their offer.
ASU acceptances & waitlisters -– I’ve given butt-loads of info to Courtney and Dolores Humbert, so shoot me an email if you’d like my scoop on Tempe (I’ve been reading for their lit journal and hanging out at the Piper Center the past year) -- acupunk[nine] at yahoo.
People researching for next season’s MFA application season -– good call starting early. I'm glad I did. On my website (available through my profile) I’ve posted several of the worksheets I used during my MFA research process, including an LOR checklist to make things easier for your referrers. Click on the link for "Writer's Resources/Tools." Good luck.
@Dee
My Virginia Tech status online finally changed, too (for the worse). They said the letter's in the mail.
Regarding U Miami, could I shoot you a few questions directly? Thanks!
Ugh, I think I should be asking for my money back from VTech because my status is still "Payment accepted, data sent, received, and confirmed!" But there is still a big yellow warning for unfished recs. I had 2 LOR writers send the letters via email because the grad school told me to after the website malfunctioned for one of them. Nobody at the CW department answered any of my several e-mails. I'm pretty sure I wasn't even considered and downright ignored (after I had already paid my fee.) Boooooo.
@Ian, thank you for the Texas info! It's good to hear somewhere is doing okay right now! I also have my BA in Communications.
P.S. I have lots of catching up to do on this blog!
@ Trilbe
re: CCC bookmaking course
I saw that on this spring's course booklet, and I totally want to do it. That and The Writing Body (meditation? yoga? YES).
Still waiting for NYU rejection letter. Seriously, in this day and age, why don't they just send emails?
@WordShift--You got your CCA Financial Aid letter?! Gosh. I want mine now! Do you by chance know if they send them all at once, or does it depend on, like, when you did your FAFSA?
I'm not sure I'll end up there, but funding will really help me decide. I'm really freaked out by how expensive it is...
Frustration ensues. CCA...price tag $36,000 a year plus other fees no doubt. A $10,500 scholarship is the best they can do. Plus $1,500 in Work Study. I know I won't borrow $30,000 a year, that's crazy, besides that only leaves me with $6,000 to live on as a single mom?
Me: older finished up the undergrad late, subsisted on a Cal Grant B.
Sorry for the vent. I appreciate the acceptance...BUT despite putting in my app that the only way I can make this happen is a scholarship for all or most of the tuition, the financial aid letter was a big let down.
*Pheew*
I decided I didn't want to visit the school if there wasn't a decent
offer. Makes the low res programs more doable, even if one were to borrow most of the funds.
Seth: I appreciate your sage advice
and I know while others may borrow an even heftier sum [Columbia] I have to think long term as you always point out. Plus I'm 40, so I think about carrying $60,000 in debt(plus $13,000 from undergrad)
Curious for those that are borrowing, do you all have a cap as to how much you're willing/able to borrow? Would you do it only for living expenses, tuition?
More to follow...
@Chrissy
I just got it today, but I live in California. You might get lucky, get a full ride! Makes it more doable I think. (36K is a whole lotta' money me thinks) Plus one has to live! But that's cool you were accepted too! Happy to speak off line: louellatwist at the yahoo place.
Anybody? Any thoughts on Fin Aid Award email from SFSU that I received tonight? The award included a scholarship offer... am I being dense and not seeing the "signs" like Mel Gibson?
Commencing with drinking a lot to slow down the crazy thoughts.
re: CCA funding. I received my letter from CCA as well about funding. Similar funding to WordShift. Unbelievably expensive.
I think I am in a different position than a lot of people here so I will just say that for me (in regards to WordShift's question) going into debt isn't a big deal... err it is a big deal but not as prohibitive as it is for others. I wouldn't borrow more than 100k though, just doesn't seem right. Unless it's 2018 and you're buying a cheap house in the future housing bubble.
@JasonJ
RE: The debt issue, I could see someone younger, single, more years to pay it back. I probably would be more flexible *sigh*
How does the scholarship offer look at SFU? I hope better! I didn't apply, is tuition similar? I'm beginning to think the CCA offer is similar across the board. But I'm surprised as my particular circumstances didn't make a difference.
@JasonJ
Whoops just back peddled, you got a financial aid offer without the offer? That's crazy!
WordShift,
From what I can tell, registration fees (tuition) is ~5500 per year. Much less than CCA. The lack of an acceptance email/letter/call has me all twisted around. I can't make use my brain properly to look at information on the SFSU site to even figure out exactly what it costs, etc.
My offer from SFSU is pretty good. Nothing like a free ride or anything but doable.
And yes, being young and single makes taking on debt less of an issue... sometimes.
YEAH! What does that MEAN? If they send me an email saying, 'Hey, you can definitely afford to go here!" but then tell me that I can't go there I'ma be pisssssed.
@JasonJ
Sounds to me like you were accepted, but somehow hadn't gotten your official acceptance! I would call them if I were you. Congrats BTW. There's quite a big difference between 5500 and 36K! I wish I applied there. in general it seems the State Universities are more reasonable and offer more of a chance for a TAship.
Guys, I'm fracking off my rocker at the moment. One of my waitlists is definitely wooing me, without any offer yet to make it official. But I feel like if I end up NOT getting the offer from them after all this (and going to visit next week), I will be completely devastated and unable to confirm one of my existing acceptances with no funding. Mind you, it's definitely occurred to me to turn down the unfunded spots regardless if TAships don't come through, but I feel like the enthusiasm I've gotten from this one school has ruined me on all others. Suggestions? Thoughts? As my mom would say, I'm a mell of a hess.
@WordShift,
I really hope you're right. My favorite writer is at SFSU, essentially the reason I even want to be a writer really, so if I could work with them I would be on cloud nine... or 81.
@JasonJ Are you in the Bay Area? What other schools did you apply to?
@Chrissy same thing...
Maybe I have no right to be miffed, but I have a feeling some schools [cca] don't take everything into account, because the numbers just don't add up.
@hilary
that haiku made my day.
@WordShift
I'm in Sacramento. I applied to SFSU, CCA (pos), USF (?), St Marys (neg), Brooklyn (neg?), Hunter (neg), Syracuse (neg), Oregon (neg?), New School (neg?).
Syracuse and Hunter would have been the only schools to really get me to move out of California... so California 4 Life is how I will remain.... until I move to France that is. Ha.
@Amanda
It's nice to be wooed, especially if it's from a school you really want to go. They obviously want you, but there's this dance that some schools may do, waiting for someone to say no to offer you the spot. Did they tell you where you are on the waiting list. How frustrating for you! I truly hope the spot is real and will open itself like the yellow brick road.
But yes, how unfair would it be for them to play with your heart.
@WordShift--I'm all the way out in Michigan, unfortunately.
I applied all over the place (Iowa NWP, Arizona, Michigan, UMass, Indiana, Hollins, Virginia, CCA, George Mason, Emerson), but I'm only in at Emerson and CCA. I got waitlisted at George Mason.
Right now, pending financial aid, I'm probably going to end up at Emerson. I love the idea of CCA, but Emerson has got me all hot and bothered. But it'll all come down to funding for me.
What about you?
P.S. Since I'll probably forget to email you, here's my email, if you want to talk off blog: cjwid87(at)hotmail(dot)com
@ poets
looking to publish? newer lit mag to check out.
http://www.491magazine.com/index.html
@ Wordshift: Given the communications I've gotten from multiple faculty members, I don't think I can be anywhere but first on the waitlist. They've explicitly asked me not to accept anywhere until they know how everything is shaking down. And they have very few spots. But I think I may end up with a very poetic ulcer by the time all is said and done.
@Jason J
CCA does look like an interesting school, a place where you can do it all: fiction, non fiction, poetry, even art! If you can swing it, it's a viable option. But for me, alas, it is not. Commuting from L.A, with two apartments and no income and a child.
Like Amanda said, "It's a mell of hess."
@Chrissy
I am interested in online workshop too.
@Amanda--it might be too late to say this, but...try not to get too attached. I mean, I sincerely hope that they're wooing you because you're going to get in, but if that doesn't happen, you can't let yourself be heartbroken, you know?
I felt this way about Hollins. I didn't end up getting accepted, but I had gotten my hopes up extremely high, and it was my dream school. When people started hearing (and I hadn't), I was heartbroken. It was the day after I had gotten accepted to another school (Emerson), and I just felt like I should turn everyone down and try again next year for places I was in love with, like Hollins.
Of course, I slept on it for a few nights, and, you know what? I got over it. I'm now really excited about Emerson, and don't feel like I'm settling at all. Of course, it helped that I talked to my mother about it, and she pointed out all the good things I'd get from Emerson that I'd likely not have gotten from Hollins...
Anyway, if you're hopes are up, I encourage you to wait and see. You might be heartbroken initially if you don't get in, but give yourself as much time as you can to weigh your other options. You might be just as happy anywhere else.
My two cents...hope it was helpful?
@Drella--if you could give me your email (or email me at cjwid87(at)hotmail(dot)com) I'll put you on the list and let you know what ends up happening!
@Chrissy
Emerson looks like a great school, that had I lived close by I would have applied! Don't they let you study another genre? I love programs that let writers pick a second [or third] genre.
I applied to: UCSD, UC Riverside, Michigan, Hunter, Iowa and CCA. So far it's a yes at CCA and UCR. I'm now leaning towards UCR, depending on the offer (I'm hoping for a TAship) Or, I might either apply for low res programs beginning in Jan 2011, or reapply next year.
@Amanda, Oh my! It sounds like they really want you, but it's a matter of available spots and funding issues. But how frustrating for you. At some point you might want to say, XYZ school made an offer and I need to let them know, "so what's it gonna be?"
@Chrissy
What online workshop? I like the sound of that. I will email!
Oh, I forgot I applied to Hollins too. No word from them yet, so I assume it's a no...
@ Chrissy: It does help, a lot actually. I think a big part of it is that it's a fully funded school also, which has made the prospect of being able to afford grad school more real than my acceptances. Also, I have gotten no phone calls from profs excited about my work, but rather pretty short form letters or emails from my acceptances. I tried not to let that bother me (I don't want to be whiny) but now I feel like I've seen the other side, with people actually listing all the things they value about my writing. Which is super gratifying and definitely lessens the impact of other schools. But you're right. I need to keep the stars out of my eyes and remember that it's really a wooing.
Seems a bit like trying to put off a hot and bothered boy looking for a one-night stand, no?
Will he still want me in the morning? ;)
@Amanda
When you put things in context it makes me realize, my offers so far aren't the kinds I hoped for. The call, the courtship, the personal touch. Why is it some schools will take the time to do this and other don't?
I can understand, why you would be so torn. I have my fingers crossed for you girl!
@WordShift--UCR sounds great, too! I have my fingers crossed for you getting a TA-ship! And I'm really glad that the one thing everyone seems to know about Emerson is that they let you study multiple genres. That's the main reason I applied (and fell in love with them).
@Amanda--Oh wow, I'm crossing my fingers that you get bumped off the waitlist, for sure. Have you asked exactly where you're at on it? That would help a lot (unless they don't tell you, in which case, boo to them). And, that's such a great metaphor for your whole situation. :) I wish you the best, and please let me know what ends up happening!!
@ Trilbe
On your question of how we compiled our application list. I pretty much did the same thing as you. First, I started with the writers I love and the schools where they teach. Then, from Seth's rankings, I looked at which schools had high post grad placements. I figured if the schools are getting fellowships and awards for their alumni they must be doing something right. If I didn't know a particular school's faculty I checked out their work from the library. Most professors had story collections, so I didn't have to read dozens of novels. And only if I felt especially drawn to a writer would I apply to the program.
@Chrissy
Thanks for the kind words! Yes UCR is more doable, tuition is 12K so not as steep as CCA, plus the commute is one hour not six (CCA) It seems we like similar programs, I don't want to get locked into only one discipline. I want to do: fiction, non fiction, playwriting and poetry. also, don't be afraid to do the off the grid road trek, it will make interesting fodder for your writing too! I've done a bit of it myself, and it is fantastico!
@WordShift--no, thank you!! I really want to studyplay and screen writing, nonfiction and poetry. I applied in both nonfiction and poetry this year, though I've only gotten accepted in nonfiction. Emerson sounds like a great fit for me and I hope UCR will be a good fit for you!
And I've done quite a bit of trecking around. I've been to four continents and lived on three. But I really want to just travel with no plans or return date. Just see where I go. Mmmm...such a good dream.
Okay, now I gotta get some sleep.
I to know a website which explains all about creative writing, and that is www.creativewriting.co.cc.
it really Creates........
@Seth
Clarification: I went to the Abramson Leslie website and the fee for reviewing submissions is listed as $335. I thought people on this site were throwing around the number $90. I probably missed the explanation of the variance here. Can you explain? Thank you!
Best,
J. Haley
@Lucas
Lucas Two here:
I am late to the party, but congrats, Lucas One! At least one Lucas is going somewhere this year!
@Megan - I would call Southern Illinois if you applied in poetry. When I called, I found out that everyone was supposed to have gotten their letters, including me. (I hadn't.) So they sent me an e-mail of my rejection letter.
Nothing like having to jump through hoops to get your rejection!
@BarryGrass - The perfect illustration of your point about CNF programs can be seen in how I ghettoized the genre in the way I phrased my question. I was, all, fictionfictionpoetrypoetry.
You'll have the last laugh, though, because you folks are gonna make all of the money, yo! Well, you're a nice guy, and super interesting, so I'm looking forward to reading your feature pieces in major publications while I'm chillin' with the other poets in our van down by the river...
@Chrissy - Awesome! Another bookbinding sister! Oh, if you feel the ground shake beneath your feet later today, that's because I'm ROCKING your town!
@M.B.Wells - The CCC curriculum is awesome! I haven't taken any classes for credit, but I've taken many, many cool @ss classes there for fun. I took a great video editing class a while back, which is where I also learned Flash. They put things together really nicely, in a more well-rounded approach to educating the student. Like, Flash goes fit really well into a video editing class, of course. But a lot of places would just offer one or the other, as if the modern world didn't so frequently combine the two.
Re: FSU/UNLV/Virginia
Has anyone heard decisions from UVA, FSU or UNLV in the last couple days? Posts have indicated they'd be notifying soon. In FSU's case, notifying for waitlist acceptances/rejections.
Thanks!
sandra,
what exactly do you mean when you say, "The Indiana MFA Director was willing to shuffle me up the wait list when the time came, but I decided not to torture myself with the wait any longer."
i am on the indiana waitlist for fiction and i would LOVE to be "shuffled" up! can you explain what that means? should i be in closer contact with them?
@Sandra
Ditto to inkli_11's question. I'm on the Indiana fiction waitlist, and I did e-mail the Creative Writing Secretary to see if she could tell me how long the waitlist was and/or my position on it, and she told me she couldn't. (This was nearly 2 weeks ago.) Waitlist land is so frustrating!
phillywriter,
i hope we will meet in bloomington this fall !!
P.S. Right now I feel as if I'd do anything (send them cookies, do their dishes for the next three years, pledge my future children to them as indentured servants) to get off the darn waitlist!
@inkli_11
I hope so, too!
I'm hopeful today :)
I work during the day for a company that hires people to do the same thing I do for my second job. I've asked to do it for my day job too, but for some reason they've refused to even consider me. This morning, one of the managers for that position asked if I'd like to work for him out of the blue.
Odds of getting 2 miracle offers in 1 day? Slim. The simple fact that I got 1 miracle offer at all proves that they do happen though, so Bennington might still call!
I was accepted by e-mail last night to GCSU for poetry. Funding is up in the air (I'm on a "waitlist" for it), but I'm stoked regardless.
I would love to connect with any other potential GCSU students!
I work at a university and was on spring break last week, checking my email and phone obsessively. Got back to work today and there was a message on my work voicemail - in at UNCG for fiction, as of the 18th! A whole week of worrying, for nothing!
Well, not quite for nothing. I spoke to Jim Clark today and it sounds like nothing has changed on the funding front as of yet. Back to the nail biting, I suppose.
And super congrats to everyone who was accepted over the last two weeks!
Congrats Chrissy H!!
@J. Haley
Driftless House is offering a spring special through which one can have a portion of one's portfolio (an excerpt) reviewed. Details at link. Full reviews are also available year-round.
Best,
S.
Jason J:
I got the financial aid award offer from SFSU too, a few days ago. I think several of us did. From what I hear, sounds like it's just a standard email for anybody who filled out FAFSA. Which is really sucky - I got sooooo excited when I first got the email. I mean, I even called my parents to say I think I've been accepted. Embarrassing...
Anyway, maybe I'm wrong. I guess we'll find out one way or another soon.
Good luck!
@ Chrissy H
Congratulations! And welcome to UNCG nail biting crew. ;)
@Seth
Thank you. Both offers sound fantastic!
Best,
J.Haley
Ole Miss update:
Again, my fabulous and exclusive source is, you guessed it, updates to the public MFA website. Now, under faculty, not only is Beth Ann Fennelly now listed as director, a John Brandon is listed as the new Grisham fiction professor. When you try to click on the John Brandon link, it tries to send you to a news release that doesn't seem to be up yet. Anybody know anything about John Brandon? I'm about to go google him. :)
BTW, congrats to all recent acceptees and waitlisters, condolences to all receivers of rejections. I've got blinders on right now as I wait for someone to hear from Ole Miss, sorry guys. :)
From the Square Books site:
VOX Literary Press Artists Series presents An Evening with John Brandon, Monday, Nov. 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Off-Square Books. The fundraiser will feature a reading by 2009-2010 Grisham Visiting Writer John Brandon whose darkly comic and critically acclaimed first novel Arkansas has been compared to the works of Raymond Chandler, Cormac McCarthy, Flannery O’Connor, and Mark Twain. The event will also include a light themed meal based on his selection.
Florida native Brandon is a Washington University MFA graduate and is among the youngest writers ever recruited for the prestigious post of John and Renee Grisham Writer-In-Residence, which was designed to embrace and nurture emerging Southern writers. Brandon’s first effort Arkansas has been described as “a whopping debut,” “a must for those who love the criminal and the stern, yet dark optimism of the existential,” and critics suggest adding Brandon “to your list of hipster-sanctioned must reads.”
SOO... looks like he's just extending his stay as the Grisham Writer-In-Residence? Or they just decided to list him finally now that they're updating the website?
@Megan
Good luck with Brooklyn! What did the email say? I'm curious. I thought they were done notifying..
has anyone been able to reach New School on email? and if so, can you give me the email of whoever you were able to reach? I just cannot get anything from them. or brooklyn (I know i know, they're done notifying. just want closure)
also-- any news on american???
So I am realllly eager right now to make my decision and get excited about making plans for where I'm going to be in the fall and everything. My decision is pretty much hinging on my Emerson merit aid / financial aid letter, which I am hoping to get this week (please)! I am in North Carolina right now and asked my dad at home in RI to check the mail as soon as it comes in every day, and please call me if there is anything from Emerson!
Back in February, I remember thinking March would never get here. Now, we're already 25 days into March.
@ Kati-Jane
Kati-Jane, if you want to know more about Ole Miss, I go to Ole Miss and have taken classes with every single one of the MFA faculty. I have been to a couple of John Brandon readings - he's amazing. He's a McSweeney's writer. Beth Anne is wonderful as well. I am currently working on my thesis of a collection of stories with her husband, Tom Franklin.
Which, actually, I have a meeting with him at Ajax on the Square right now, so I must go.
Hi, Sutpen. Any idea when Ole Miss will start notifying fiction folk?
Over the moon -- accepted into Vtech for fiction!
@ kaybay (and other ND waitlisters)
I also could have sworn they had 10 prose spots last year, but maybe it was 5 and 5? Also, I have heard somewhere that ND, Purdue, and Illinois all have similar aesthetic ideals/there is some correlation/overlap between waitlists and acceptances at these programs. Anyone heard this/found this to be true? Could be wrong (or even if this is true, could just be good writers get accepted more?), and given how hard they are to get into, they could like your work but you'd still end up in no better a situation than this year. Still, might be something to research and consider for next year (if it comes to that, which hopefully it doesn't!).
Congratulations, MFAguy! :D
Congrats, MFAguy! I forget: Were you on the waitlist, or is this the first you've heard from them?
Just curious. (I've already been rejected by VTech, via an update to my online account.)
Congrats MFAguy - I was rooting for you to get off the waitlist!
@phillywriter - I received my sad rejection via online status check as well... In my excel spreadsheet, I have a blank column where I've been writing things like "no" and "no way" and "you're funny." Time to add something to the VTech row.
Hey thanks everyone. I've stopped jumping up and down now!
I was interviewed a while back and then waitlisted.
From what little I know, Purdue was mostly realism in the past, but they've slowly added students who wrote fantastical/experimental stories. It's hard to say what their aesthetic is.
ND used to admit more in the past than they do now. Budget cuts? Unwillingness to accept more than they could fund (at least the tuition remission part)? I don't know. ND is supposedly experimentally inclined. However, I write mostly realistic stuff and they put me on the waitlist. So, who knows?
I know nothing about Illinois.
Yay MFAGuy! That's SO EXCITING!
@Laura T--my patience has completely left me. I just want to get my funding info NOW! Haha.
@MFAGuy - congratulations!
@Sutpen:
Thanks, it's great to know we've got an Ole Miss student on here. I second Fausto in asking if you know where folks are on the evaluation / notification of fiction applicants. Beyond that, I'd love to hear about Franklin, Pendarvis and Brandon's teaching styles. Hope your meeting goes well!
Re: Columbia
Are there anyone who still haven't heard from Columbia?
@Danielle:
no word from columbia for me. or any NYC schools.
...I'm a broken record. =)
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