Post here and put in your two cents! Lurkers particularly, we'd love to hear where you're applying! (And for all: Helpful MFA data, including MFA rankings, is in The Suburban Ecstasies sidebar.)
This list is finalized, set in stone, et cetera, as I have already started the application process, have my writing samples sealed in their envelopes, and have received all the letters of recommendation and transcripts that I'm ever going to get, so bliggity blam, here's the plan:
Get in to--
University of Iowa (NWP)
or
University of Arizona
or
University of Idaho
or (what's up, Bay Area)
University of San Francisco
or
the ever prestigious, ranked number 1, er, wait, number 100, actually:
San Jose State University.
--and if the above does not happen, my back-up plan, which is a pretty damned good plan, I think, is to go back to my alma mater here in town and get a 2nd BA, this time in a foreign language (I would only have to do the core credits, naturally).
I remember saying that I would go to an MFA program even if I wasn't offered funding, but this back-up plan appeals to me so much that if I actually got into a program and they didn't offer me funding, a handout, a bowl of udon, or something, then I'd have a situation on my hands...
Her is my list (still narrowing it down to 6-8--guidance??). I currently attend Sarah Lawrence's Creative Writing MFA, but want to transfer. Anyone know if I can apply to both Iowa Writers Workshop as well as NWP or have to choose??
u. of iowa u. of minnesota u. of michigan u. of montana u. of oregon u. of texas at austin u. of virginia cornell brown johns hopkins ohio state university
To everyone applying to Texas State. That is where I did my undergrad. Lovely school. Lovely town. Of course doing an MFA there might be a different experience, but if you have any questions, feel free to email me. SpiritOfLosAltos@gmail.com
Hello all, I figured I'd throw my list into the mix. Getting quite nervous now actually. Not sure I have enough realistic ones. And certainly not looking forward to the long months of waiting. But I guess you just have to trust that your work and application is the best it can be. Good luck to everyone, and I hope to hear of lots of acceptances come March!
For fiction:
University of Michigan Brown University Cornell University University of Minnesota San Francisco State Sarah Lawrence Syracuse University UMass - Amherst UC Irvine University of Oregon
And even some in Europe, because, hey, why not?
University of Edinburgh (Scotland) University of East Anglia (England)
This is my second time applying. Last year I applied to 12 program, was waitlisted by 2, and accepted by 1 which I turned down because I wasn't offered funding. This time I'm only applying to 7 (in poetry).
Houston South Carolina Iowa Writers Workshop Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Brown Oregon Lousiana State
No particular order. I've started most all the apps., really just getting everything in order--going to start applying tomorrow for ones not requiring the GRE. Take the GRE Dec. 1st, so applying to others after that. Ugh. Not sure how I'm going to afford all this...
VA Tech Florida Vanderbilt Syracuse Cornell Brown Alabama LSU Penn State Arkansas
I'm going to pick one of these to apply to (haven't decided which but started apps. already.) Depends on how much I get done between now and then.
Does anyone have any insight on the MA in Creative Writing at UT Austin? I just realized this existed! I had always heard about the Michener center but didn't know about the MA. Any thoughts?
Because one of my goals is to avoid the GRE, here are the programs I'm applying to:
-Miami University of Ohio -Syracuse University -Southern Illinois University at Carbondale -Columbia College of Chicago -McNeese University (Louisiana) -Northwestern University -Roosevelt University (Chicago)(the app fee is only $25) -Rosemont College (outside Philadelphia)
I'm also planning to apply to Wright State University in Ohio to the Public History Program as a back up plan because the program will also allow me to do some writing and research in areas that I'm interested in. I also live in Ohio already and it would be convenient to stay here if I get into the program and get funding for the program, then get my MFA.
Also, if anyone else is interested in connecting online as we go through this application process together, please let me know. There used to be a social network called MFAOnline.com on Ning, but I talked to the person in charge of it and he shut it down. I see that some of us are applying to some of the same programs and it would be cool to get to know some of you, especially if we end up in a program together.
I also wanted to add one more program that I would like to apply to. Georgia College & State University. They require either the GRE or the MAT. I think I will fare much better taking the MAT, if I indeed do need to take a test.
if you're thinking of applying to NMSU (or just like warm weather and an affordable city), check out NMSU's creative writing blog at clarabellenmsu.blogspot.com for more info about the program and its people.
Final list for fiction (in order of application deadline):
Colorado State University University of Alabama University of Michigan Syracuse University University of Colorado at Boulder Iowa Writers' Workshop Hollins University University of Florida at Gainesville University of Idaho Boise State University University of Wyoming Southern Illinois University at Carbondale McNeese State University
I applied last year to seven schools (none of which are listed above), was waitlisted at two, ultimately offered one acceptance with no funding. Praying this year works out better.
Am I crazy for not applying to Iowa? I don't like constant cold and cornfields...anyway.
1. Ohio State (family full of alums) 2. Michigan- My family have all had coronaries (Ohio State rival; football) I know I said I don't like constant cold but there is at least something to do there 3. University of Pittsburgh- I hope to attend there for my BA (currently an undergrad waiting to focus on writing) 4. Portland State (On AWP's site- Gasp! ;-) 5. University of Texas
Those are my picks, and yes, as a sophomore (I am a late start- I went back to school two years ago at age 30) I am looking to matriculate, perhaps a bit prematurely, to one of these fine schools. But I wonder, Seth, about having something about faculty as a quantification in the rankings? Just a thought. :-)
Okay...So my list started out as 8 definite schools, rose to as many as 15 at one point, and is now down to only 6. Why this happened is probably too complicated to explain at this point, so I'll just post the list. This is for "fiction"
1. Iowa 2. Washington, St. Louis 3. Minnesota 4. Syracuse 5. Arkansas 6. Texas State
@The Amateur, you are not matriculating prematurely, I'm trying to pursue my MFA after being out of undergrad since 1997, so please don't feel bad (I'm 37 - I will be approaching 40 soon and want to get this dream done so I can stop stressing myself out).
Also, for anyone applying to McNeese State University. I emailed the coordinator of the program directly about the confusion of information out there. She said that what they do is solicit potential students to NOT submit an application but to submit a writing sample and letter of interest directly to their department FIRST, then if they like you and see potential, and only then, do you fill out and pay for an actual application and turn in GRE scores. They claim they don't want us to waste money paying for application fees if it seems that we won't even get into the program in the first place. They say they are revamping their website right now too so that it reflects all of this because right now, it's very confusing. On one link (from the "top 25 underrated programs article), it says nothing about GRE but on the main "mcneese.edu" website it clearly does. They need to fix that. Needless to say, I will no longer be applying (again, I'm trying to avoid the GRE - I hope that doesn't rub anyone the wrong way but if I can avoid it I'm going to.)
@The Amateur, @Kellea Tibbs: nice to see other 30-somethings on here. I'm 34 myself (undergrad '99). Better to apply & be rejected than not apply & always wonder! Best, of course, to get accepted.
For poetry in no specific order: Notre Dame Iowa State Columbia (Chicago) Vanderbilt Brooklyn College UMass (Boston) VCU Wyoming Hunter University of Miami
99% final. Want to keep it to 10 due to expense & not wanting to overburden my references. Still considering Virginia Tech and/or UNC Wilmington in place of Brooklyn or Columbia.
university of massachusetts, amherst new york university university of houston university of virginia johns hopkins university penn state university university of iowa brown university cornell university university of michigan university of north carolina, wilmington
A little embarased to admit it, but I'm a second-time applicant. Looking back, I probably shot a little too high last year (7 top tier programs, 2 second tier) so this time I'm trying to mix it up a bit more.
This is what this year's list looks like (applying in fiction):
Alabama LSU Iowa GCSU NC State Memphis South Florida Miami (FL) Florida International
Minnesota UC San Diego Colorado Michener Center UC Irvine Illinois Urbana UNC Greensboro Indiana Washington Iowa State U of Florida Texas State Houston Oregon Mississippi LSU Miami
I write a blog with a few other guys, which features short stories on a occasion and I've posted a few of mine on the site. It's just a wordpress blog, but is there any harm to mentioning it in my essay/application?
Other than the blog, I've only had one short story published and it was in a magazine that is now defunct. I guess, I'm stretching the definition of "published", but I'd rather not leave this section blank. Thanks!
I'm another 30something (just turned 31 a few days ago) and I applied to Goddard for creative writing, fiction. It is the only school I applied to. It just, felt right. I start in Jan. Not the warmest month to visit Vermont but I'm pretty excited.
Rutgers-Newark Cornell W.Virginia Maryland-College Park UVA Iowa Brown U.Mass-Amherst Illinois Johns Hopkins Old Dominion Syracuse Michigan Columbia College-Chicago
Michener Center Virginia Tech Boise State Colorado Boulder Colorado State Old Dominion Ole Miss University of Wyoming Penn State Bowling Green State
The application process is taking over my life. My cats sit on my laptop in protest. I had a dream that I went to the hospital for a cat scan and I came upon a butcher's shop on my way to the test. In the butcher's shop were skinned calves, happily blinking. I wanted to rescue one; but I was forced to accept an intact chicken. Thus begin the stress dreams.
66 comments:
This list is finalized, set in stone, et cetera, as I have already started the application process, have my writing samples sealed in their envelopes, and have received all the letters of recommendation and transcripts that I'm ever going to get, so bliggity blam, here's the plan:
Get in to--
University of Iowa (NWP)
or
University of Arizona
or
University of Idaho
or (what's up, Bay Area)
University of San Francisco
or
the ever prestigious,
ranked number 1,
er, wait,
number 100, actually:
San Jose State University.
--and if the above does not happen, my back-up plan, which is a pretty damned good plan, I think, is to go back to my alma mater here in town and get a 2nd BA, this time in a foreign language (I would only have to do the core credits, naturally).
I remember saying that I would go to an MFA program even if I wasn't offered funding, but this back-up plan appeals to me so much that if I actually got into a program and they didn't offer me funding, a handout, a bowl of udon, or something, then I'd have a situation on my hands...
That's my back-up plan, as well -- kind of. If I fail to get in anywhere, I'm planning on doing another BA -- this time in Sociology.
Okay. So I have decided to apply to only 6 six schools; in fiction.
Iowa
Syracuse
LSU
Arkansas
Texas State
Memphis
*Other schools I was considering were ASU, Montana, and UNLV.
Ok, here it is. No more, no less...
UCSD
Cornell
Michner
Houston
Iowa
LSU
Alabama
Ole Miss
Arkansas
Hunter
I wish I had the energy/time/$$ to apply to more, but c'est la vie.
Her is my list (still narrowing it down to 6-8--guidance??). I currently attend Sarah Lawrence's Creative Writing MFA, but want to transfer. Anyone know if I can apply to both Iowa Writers Workshop as well as NWP or have to choose??
1.) Iowa Writers’ Workshop
2.) Iowa (NWP)
3.) Columbia University
4.) NYU
5.) Brown University
6.) Cornell
7.) Syracuse
8.) Johns Hopkins
9.) California-Irvine
10.) Brooklyn College
11.) Vanderbilt University
12.) Hunter College
u. of iowa
u. of minnesota
u. of michigan
u. of montana
u. of oregon
u. of texas at austin
u. of virginia
cornell
brown
johns hopkins
ohio state university
i will be SO happy to get in to even one.
Well, after lurking for months, here's my list, finally, for poetry.
U of Arizona
Sarah Lawrence
Boston U
U of Iowa (Writers' Workshop)
U of Houston
SIUC
Johns Hopkins U
New Mexcio State
Pretty much final list for fiction.
Arizona state
Iowa
Cornell
U Florida
U Colorado
U Arizona
Ole Miss
Rutgers
Syracuse
Urbana
U Wyoming
Arkansas
Hi y'all,
This is my final-final for fiction. Shootin' high and praying for a miracle!
Michigan
Cornell
Iowa
Brown
Syracuse
Virginia
Minnesota
UMass
Oregon
UC Irvine
NYU
This is not in any particular order.
I'm submitting for poetry:
Wisconsin
Virginia Commonwealth
Johns Hopkins
Iowa
Michigan
Houston
South Carolina
Hollins
Virginia
Amherst
Syracuse
Sarah Lawrence
Cornell
I've already applied (in poetry) to
Brooklyn College
The New School
UMass Amherst
I may or may not apply to
George Mason University
Hollins University
San Francisco State University
hoping to finish other applications by the end of this month.
Poetry:
Brown
Iowa
Madison
Minnesota
Michigan
UMASS
FICTION-
Michigan
Minnesota
Brown
Cornell
New Hampsire
Iowa
Emerson
NYU
Syracuse
Houston
Texas State
To everyone applying to Texas State. That is where I did my undergrad. Lovely school. Lovely town. Of course doing an MFA there might be a different experience, but if you have any questions, feel free to email me.
SpiritOfLosAltos@gmail.com
Wow didn't realize people were applying to so many schools...
Here's the list in order of choice
UNLV
Johns Hopkins
U of Iowa, Writer's Workshop
Not in order, for fiction.
UNC, Greensboro
GCSU
Miami
LSU
Ole Miss
Alabama
Iowa
Washington U- St. Louis
UVA
Penn State
Hello all, I figured I'd throw my list into the mix. Getting quite nervous now actually. Not sure I have enough realistic ones. And certainly not looking forward to the long months of waiting. But I guess you just have to trust that your work and application is the best it can be. Good luck to everyone, and I hope to hear of lots of acceptances come March!
For fiction:
University of Michigan
Brown University
Cornell University
University of Minnesota
San Francisco State
Sarah Lawrence
Syracuse University
UMass - Amherst
UC Irvine
University of Oregon
And even some in Europe, because, hey, why not?
University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
University of East Anglia (England)
For fiction:
Iowa
Brown
Arizona State
Southern Illinois U. Carbondale
Wash U. St. Louis
U. Illinois - Champ/Urb
Syracuse U.
Michigan
Texas-Austin
Houston
Vandy
Final list 4 FICTION:
-Brown
-Michigan
-Cornell
-Iowa
-Minnesota
-Syracuse
-Boston
-Umass, Boston
-New School
-NYU
-Virgnia
This is my second time applying. Last year I applied to 12 program, was waitlisted by 2, and accepted by 1 which I turned down because I wasn't offered funding. This time I'm only applying to 7 (in poetry).
Houston
South Carolina
Iowa Writers Workshop
Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Brown
Oregon
Lousiana State
No particular order. I've started most all the apps., really just getting everything in order--going to start applying tomorrow for ones not requiring the GRE. Take the GRE Dec. 1st, so applying to others after that. Ugh. Not sure how I'm going to afford all this...
VA Tech
Florida
Vanderbilt
Syracuse
Cornell
Brown
Alabama
LSU
Penn State
Arkansas
I'm going to pick one of these to apply to (haven't decided which but started apps. already.) Depends on how much I get done between now and then.
*Washington in St. Louis
*Michigan
*Oregon
*Miami
List for FICTION. Sorry. Forgot that part.
Fiction
U.C. Irvine
Brooklyn College
New School
San Francisco State
Applying in nonfiction:
Iowa NWP
Alabama
Houston
Old Dominion
Florida Atlantic University
Hat tip to Seth for the list of underrated programs!
Fiction
Cornell
Iowa
Irvine
Michener
Michigan
Oregon
Steggie
Syracuse
Virginia
Does anyone have any insight on the MA in Creative Writing at UT Austin? I just realized this existed! I had always heard about the Michener center but didn't know about the MA. Any thoughts?
Cornell
Michigan
Iowa
Virginia
Brown
Syracuse
Michener Center
Because one of my goals is to avoid the GRE, here are the programs I'm applying to:
-Miami University of Ohio
-Syracuse University
-Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
-Columbia College of Chicago
-McNeese University (Louisiana)
-Northwestern University
-Roosevelt University (Chicago)(the app fee is only $25)
-Rosemont College (outside Philadelphia)
I'm also planning to apply to Wright State University in Ohio to the Public History Program as a back up plan because the program will also allow me to do some writing and research in areas that I'm interested in. I also live in Ohio already and it would be convenient to stay here if I get into the program and get funding for the program, then get my MFA.
Also, if anyone else is interested in connecting online as we go through this application process together, please let me know. There used to be a social network called MFAOnline.com on Ning, but I talked to the person in charge of it and he shut it down. I see that some of us are applying to some of the same programs and it would be cool to get to know some of you, especially if we end up in a program together.
I also wanted to add one more program that I would like to apply to. Georgia College & State University. They require either the GRE or the MAT. I think I will fare much better taking the MAT, if I indeed do need to take a test.
One more comment! I forgot I'm planning to apply to a couple of low-residency programs as well:
(These have some funding opportunities)
-Warren Wilson College
-Naropa University
-Antioch University of Los Angeles
Also going to consider one more traditional program:
-The University of Maryland College Park
OMG! I'm sorry for all of these posts but I kept forgetting info.
I'm applying to the MFA programs as a Poetry concentration.
That's it!
if you're thinking of applying to NMSU (or just like warm weather and an affordable city), check out NMSU's creative writing blog at clarabellenmsu.blogspot.com for more info about the program and its people.
Hi all,
Final list for fiction (in order of application deadline):
Colorado State University
University of Alabama
University of Michigan
Syracuse University
University of Colorado at Boulder
Iowa Writers' Workshop
Hollins University
University of Florida at Gainesville
University of Idaho
Boise State University
University of Wyoming
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
McNeese State University
I applied last year to seven schools (none of which are listed above), was waitlisted at two, ultimately offered one acceptance with no funding. Praying this year works out better.
Best,
Matilda Frankenstein
p.s. Does anyone know what McNeese State University's application deadline is?
In fiction, I'm hitting up and crossing fingers for...
1. Iowa
2. Montana
3. Michigan
4. Oregon
5. Hunter
6. Brooklyn
7. NYU
Vanderbilt
Florida
Texas
LSU
Alabama
Iowa
Purdue
Optimistic, yes, but I can't go into further debt for a non-professional degree.
Final Fiction List
Montana
Arizona State
Wyoming
UNLV
Iowa
Kansas
UC Irvine
Oregon
University of Oxford
only this one,I'm not confident at all, but I'll try my best!
Poetry:
Iowa
Wisconsin
Michigan
Brown
Cornell
U.Mass
Syracuse
Alabama
J.Hopkins
Hunter
Maryland
U.Va.
Am I crazy for not applying to Iowa? I don't like constant cold and cornfields...anyway.
1. Ohio State (family full of alums)
2. Michigan- My family have all had coronaries (Ohio State rival; football) I know I said I don't like constant cold but there is at least something to do there
3. University of Pittsburgh- I hope to attend there for my BA (currently an undergrad waiting to focus on writing)
4. Portland State (On AWP's site- Gasp! ;-)
5. University of Texas
Those are my picks, and yes, as a sophomore (I am a late start- I went back to school two years ago at age 30) I am looking to matriculate, perhaps a bit prematurely, to one of these fine schools. But I wonder, Seth, about having something about faculty as a quantification in the rankings? Just a thought. :-)
Okay...So my list started out as 8 definite schools, rose to as many as 15 at one point, and is now down to only 6. Why this happened is probably too complicated to explain at this point, so I'll just post the list. This is for "fiction"
1. Iowa
2. Washington, St. Louis
3. Minnesota
4. Syracuse
5. Arkansas
6. Texas State
@The Amateur, you are not matriculating prematurely, I'm trying to pursue my MFA after being out of undergrad since 1997, so please don't feel bad (I'm 37 - I will be approaching 40 soon and want to get this dream done so I can stop stressing myself out).
Also, for anyone applying to McNeese State University. I emailed the coordinator of the program directly about the confusion of information out there. She said that what they do is solicit potential students to NOT submit an application but to submit a writing sample and letter of interest directly to their department FIRST, then if they like you and see potential, and only then, do you fill out and pay for an actual application and turn in GRE scores. They claim they don't want us to waste money paying for application fees if it seems that we won't even get into the program in the first place. They say they are revamping their website right now too so that it reflects all of this because right now, it's very confusing. On one link (from the "top 25 underrated programs article), it says nothing about GRE but on the main "mcneese.edu" website it clearly does. They need to fix that. Needless to say, I will no longer be applying (again, I'm trying to avoid the GRE - I hope that doesn't rub anyone the wrong way but if I can avoid it I'm going to.)
For Fiction:
Montana
Purdue
Notre Dame
Iowa
Syracuse
Brown
Southern Illinois
Illinois
Texas
Vanderbilt
@The Amateur, @Kellea Tibbs: nice to see other 30-somethings on here. I'm 34 myself (undergrad '99). Better to apply & be rejected than not apply & always wonder! Best, of course, to get accepted.
For poetry in no specific order:
Notre Dame
Iowa State
Columbia (Chicago)
Vanderbilt
Brooklyn College
UMass (Boston)
VCU
Wyoming
Hunter
University of Miami
99% final. Want to keep it to 10 due to expense & not wanting to overburden my references. Still considering Virginia Tech and/or UNC Wilmington in place of Brooklyn or Columbia.
"final-final" for poetry....
university of massachusetts, amherst
new york university
university of houston
university of virginia
johns hopkins university
penn state university
university of iowa
brown university
cornell university
university of michigan
university of north carolina, wilmington
Absolutely no more editing final list (in order of application deadline, 'cause that's how it's listed on my Grad School App Spreadsheet O' Doom):
UMass Amherst
Minnesota
Irvine
Michener
Alabama
Ann Arbor
Syracuse
Indiana
Iowa
Emerson
Florida (Gainesville)
Oregon (Eugene)
ASU
Houston
Vanderbilt
LSU
McNeese
I seem to remember a point a long, long time ago when I had firm plans to keep my list down to twelve. C'est la vie -- six apps down and eleven to go!
--My list, below, is for poetry.
Univ. of Wisconsin
Univ. of Michigan
Univ. of Iowa-Writers Workshop
Univ. of California-Irvine
Arizona St.
Univ. of Oregon
W. Michigan Univ.
final listage in poetry:
UofMichigan
UofHouston
UofAlabama
Florida Atlantic U.
McNeese
UofArkansas
UofColorado
West Virginie U.
A little embarased to admit it, but I'm a second-time applicant. Looking back, I probably shot a little too high last year (7 top tier programs, 2 second tier) so this time I'm trying to mix it up a bit more.
This is what this year's list looks like (applying in fiction):
Alabama
LSU
Iowa
GCSU
NC State
Memphis
South Florida
Miami (FL)
Florida International
Fiction--
Minnesota
UC San Diego
Colorado
Michener Center
UC Irvine
Illinois Urbana
UNC Greensboro
Indiana
Washington
Iowa State
U of Florida
Texas State
Houston
Oregon
Mississippi
LSU
Miami
What a great blog! I probably discovered it a little too late, but here's my list anyway.
Virginia
Michigan
UC Irvine
Iowa
Hollins
George Mason
Cornell
Boston University
San Francisco State
Brown
Arizona
Syracuse
Colorado
*my genre is fiction
My "lucky seven" for Poetry:
1. Houston
2. NYU
3. Wisconsin
4. Iowa
5. UCSD
6. Cal Arts
7. Oregon State
All low res here:
Vermont
Bennington
Spalding
Lesley
Goddard
Oh, and I'm applying in nonfiction.
I write a blog with a few other guys, which features short stories on a occasion and I've posted a few of mine on the site. It's just a wordpress blog, but is there any harm to mentioning it in my essay/application?
Other than the blog, I've only had one short story published and it was in a magazine that is now defunct. I guess, I'm stretching the definition of "published", but I'd rather not leave this section blank. Thanks!
Hello All:
I'm another 30something (just turned 31 a few days ago) and I applied to Goddard for creative writing, fiction. It is the only school I applied to. It just, felt right. I start in Jan. Not the warmest month to visit Vermont but I'm pretty excited.
My kinda long list for fiction...
Rutgers-Newark
Cornell
W.Virginia
Maryland-College Park
UVA
Iowa
Brown
U.Mass-Amherst
Illinois
Johns Hopkins
Old Dominion
Syracuse
Michigan
Columbia College-Chicago
I'm applying to ten poetry programs:
Michener Center
Virginia Tech
Boise State
Colorado Boulder
Colorado State
Old Dominion
Ole Miss
University of Wyoming
Penn State
Bowling Green State
The application process is taking over my life. My cats sit on my laptop in protest. I had a dream that I went to the hospital for a cat scan and I came upon a butcher's shop on my way to the test. In the butcher's shop were skinned calves, happily blinking. I wanted to rescue one; but I was forced to accept an intact chicken. Thus begin the stress dreams.
Poetry
Minnesota
Iowa
Cornell
CU Boulder
Pittsburgh
Penn State
Michigan
Indiana
Purdue
PhDs
Missouri
Ohio
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