@MisterSammie - I'm so sorry to hear that! Will you be attending Columbia then? Congrats regardless on your admissions!
For those waiting to hear from New School, I just got off the phone with admissions and they said snail mail notices were mailed last week, and should be arriving any day now. Not quite sure how that bodes in terms of chances for admission, but. It's good to know we'll have answers soon.
@Robert, I bet there's a waitlist and "MisterSammie" thought he should be nice and tell them he wanted to go somewhere else. A decent thing to do.
@MisterSammie, first, let me say that I understand your position and difficulty in deciding between these kinds of programs. When I read down the thread and saw that you tried to get the spot back, I was relieved. VERY much. It's hard for all of us to know how to balance all the factors. No matter what happens, just know that you did your best to act on the information as it came to you. That's a lot.
My next thought for you is this: ***Can you contact Irvine and ask to enter next year?***
Tell them that you have other offers (100%truth), but that you would love to wait and take up their full-funded offer next year. You really do want to enter their program and you value it enough to make this kind of offer while you have other offers. (MisterSammie, if you do want to.)
And yes. If that was an option, I do think it's worth the wait. Funding and a damn good program.
Of course, I'm listening to the everyone's thoughts, but yeah, I think the debt and stuff make Irvine worth the fight.Plus, it's Irvine. Or maybe it's worth reapps for you to pass on an unfunded program.
If you need to, tell people where you got in. I don't care, but do try to avoid debt. (Others? If in at Columbia w/out funding, would you wait and reapp?) A year is nothing. Make money, get experience.
-Can you ask some help from an mfa program staff nearby?
Of course, if Irvine agreed, you'd need some assurance of the promised delayed entry, right? Stuff like that.
Friends, have you all heard of any helpful information/real stories?
I would call/email and inquire no matter what, M.Sammie. If nothing else, Irvine learns that it was right about you and that you're serious.
And remember, respect to you for being receptive and earnestly trying to do what ever you think seems best.
Ok, I'm ready for some advice: I'm making a choice between a 2-year MA with great funding (no loans needed) or a 1-year MFA with decent funding (some loans, not a huge amount or anything). I plan to go on and get a doctorate after my masters, regardless of where I go. How important is it to be debt-free?
@lkdimmit I think this question might involve another question. *How does one get into a PhD program?* Since this is a goal, your current choice is somewhat dependent on it.
Apps prioritize the same thing as MFA process? Writing sample? Necessary publication? I think this might help direct you on this one.
I think names might be helpful here too, but up to you.
I want to say 2 year, but the Phd question is quite important. What will a 1 year masters get you outside of a 1 year masters?
Now, I ask with no tone. I bet your thinking would help me. Is it just the faster degree because you're thinking about another 4-6 for the other? The "MA" degree in faster time will not help with a PhD program if 1. your writing hasn't has time to grow or 2. people don't respect a 1 year masters. (poetry or...?) Now, you all tell me. I'm not certain. Just trying to ask the right-ish questions.
@lkdimmit i'm currently finishing up my phd dissertation, and my advice would be to go with the 2-year MA. but this also depends on which doctorate you'll be going for. if you're intention is to apply to creative writing phd programs, then i'd select the program that will most improve your writing (i.e. a smaller, more personal curriculum that attends to your writing style), whether this be the MA or MFA. however, if u intend on applying for any other phd in the humanities, then chances r the 2-year MA will be a better step toward that direction. the primary reason is that MFA's generally have fewer requirements than other graduate programs in the humanities, therefore you'll be less prepared for a doctoral program, and the admissions committees will know this. plus, a 1-year MFA program sounds a little iffy to me. i mean, how much can u really cover in just 30 weeks (15 weeks per semester)? if you're leaning toward the 1-year MFA, i would do some serious research about the program and its faculty in the next few days. any program willing to grant a masters for a single year of work is shady to me... unless a single-year masters is the norm, which i think it is for some majors, like social work and education (although i consider such masters to be more akin to professional degrees than real academic degrees, as these 1-year programs really just prepare u for your specific work environment rather than covering a broad spectrum of knowledge).
Last year 4 poets, 2 cnf, 2 f. It's a poet friendly program. Working with Laura Newbern and Alice Friman is well worth living in Millie, and as a native-Georgian-who-thought-she-knew-what-she-was-getting-into, I can say that Millie sucks, so that's all the more high praise for Laura and Alice. March 19 at 8:27pm via mobile ·
There is little to do. It's a kinda backwoods/rednecky place that doesn't even have a Krispy Kreme (backwoods/rednecky donut shop). There is a lake, but that's about it. Fair housing can be an issue, but maybe not more than elsewhere? T...here are many institutions here, prisons, detention centers, a rather large mental hospital, but even they are closing, leaving the place economically depressed. If you believe locations have memory, then Millie is an odd place. There has been a lot of suffering here, even for a Southern town. But that may help some people write. I feel a kind of peace here, that I can't explain, but that is more than likely due to my personal circumstance. It IS inexpensive to live here, so that's good. Also, Alice and Laura.See More March 21 at 5:00pm via mobile ·
2 hours from ATL. 40 min from Macon, which is small, but they have donuts at least and a used bookstore. Jud is cool. He teaches part-time, and I think he might do thesis hours? It's strange though. I always think of him as a poet. Nice guy from what I've heard, but even though he's a close friend of my undergrad mentor, I haven't spoken with him that much. March 21 at 6:24pm via mobile ·
I do like the U. There is a large international student pop, mostly of French students. If you get a TA, you will see them a lot in the WC. 3rd year, everyone teaches either Intro to CW or teaches CW capstones. First semester I was required to write 2-4 poems a week. The campus is pretty. March 21 at 6:28pm via mobile ·
@lkdimmit, a 1-year MFA? Is this an accredited program? If not, that should make your decision very easy. MFA programs usually involve more coursework (and, hence, more time) than an MA, not less. I'd be very leery of any program that's that accelerated.
(That said, this might be a great program. I did effectively no research into full-residency programs, so I don't know.)
Assuming the MFA is from a recognized and accredited school, it shouldn't affect your chances of getting into a PhD program either way. Ultimately, it will be about how you perform in whichever program you join.
However, the MFA has one huge advantage over the MA if you don't go on to get the PhD, which is that the MFA is a terminal degree. If you take a teaching job, most institutions will regard an MFA from an accredited university as the equivalent of a PhD for the purposes of salary and continuing education requirements. The difference is significant enough in the California state school system that one of my husband's coworkers has discovered that going back for a second Masters' degree will pay for itself in less than three years. He starts his MFA in playwriting in the fall.
If someone has any idea about the following schools, will you please let me know? I am dying here, and I just want to be put out of my misery.
UCF St. Mary's College of California University of Miami - I think I heard they were sending notifications out this week, but if you know anything else, please let me know. Southern Connecticut State University - app. deadline was Mar 1, so I don't really expect to hear from them anytime soon.
Thanks, and good luck and congrats to all who got in!
I have a friend who's been accepted (poetry) at UCF. I don't know about Saint Mary's, Miami, or SCSU, but I do know that UCF has sent out at least their poetry acceptances.
@kyle an MFA may require more credits, and may require more semesters than the average MA, but that's only because with MFA's u have to take 3 or 4 workshops that each must be taken in separate semesters. but MFA's r highly concentrated in their field, so it does not offer a very broad spectrum of education. compare a creative writing MFA to a comparative literature MA. the former only requires that u do the workshops, take some additional literature courses, and write a substantial creative work. the latter requires that u have knowledge of literary history, criticism, and philosophy, plus a decent grasp of two foreign languages, and for the completion of the degree, a weekend-long master's exam, and a dissertation.
and as for the MA not being a terminal degree, i'm not sure what u mean. ALL degrees r terminal or not, depending on what u choose to do afterward. there is no definite hierarchy to degrees. for instance, u can get multiple PhD's, or get a ScD after getting a PhD. you can choose to stop at an MFA, or get a PhD afterward. i think what u mean is that IN THE FINE ARTS (such as film or creative writing) most academics stop at an MFA, and do not proceed toward a PhD. but this only suggests the norm, not the ideal. yes, u can get a tenured position at a university with just an MFA, but only if u have substantial publications that r well-regarded. but it's the same deal for any discipline. if, say, u were a social scientist that only had an MA, but published several very widely read, well-received papers and books, then u can easily get tenure without a PhD.
the bottom line is this: an MA prepares u better for a broader range of PhD's. an MFA (in creative writing, which is what i'm assuming lkdimmit is going for) prepares u best for a creative writing PhD, but limits u in most other humanist disciplines.
@lkdimmit the BU MFA program is legit. i know they offer a very short program, but i know it's still pretty decent. but again, the question for u is what PhD u will ultimately be pursuing, and how sure u r about pursuing it.
Well, BU is no slouch of an institution, but I admit I know very little about their MFA program. It appears to be a 2-year program with 1-year residency, which makes a lot more sense than a 1-year degree.
Do take a look at which PhD programs you're interested in, and maybe even give a couple of them a call to see if they have any insight. I can imagine a lit-crit intensive program feeling that an MFA is too workshop-oriented and wanting some remedial coursework.
Otherwise, don't underestimate the power of debt-free. Especially in an uncertain economy with a degree that is by no means a guarantee of employment...
@radio "Terminal degree" is academia-speak for a degree which is regarded as the completion of study in a given field. Creative arts do not lend themselves to a PhD, which is a research-oriented degree, and so the MFA is regarded as achievement of expertise in that field. Naturally, one can go on to get a PhD after an MFA, but one is technically switching emphasis from creative writing to academic research by doing so. (Yes, this is regarded as true even with a creative dissertation.) Naturally, there are plenty of degrees and institutions which don't fit into those nice, little boxes, but since pay and benefits based on collective bargaining agreements require nice, little boxes, it's a fact to be aware of if you think you might want to teach.
Well, UNLV has a PhD program with creative dissertation, that's a three year program I believe. That program accepts two candidates each year, one in fiction and one in poetry. So it would be more selective simply because they only take one in each catagory. However, I don't know how many applicants they get each year.
@lkdimmit, hope all these thoughts are helpful. I def. say "2 year." I also wish you wisdom. Yeah, actually, I wish all of us that. It's that time. Wisdom, good coffee, and maybe ice cream? At some point?
@Curious: They have notified the first round of acceptances. If you haven't heard from them, you might be on their short waitlist, as I am (for poetry).
@curious. I was on the short waitlist for Cornell Fiction and was informed that all four of their initial offers had accepted their spots and thus that they won't be making any more offers. (I found out I was on the list by calling them when I'd heard nothing; not sure why they hadn't notified their waitlist as many schools do.) I don't have any information about poetry. I hope that helps.
After a solid stream of 6 rejections from other schools, it was kind of a roller coaster to hear about Cornell (one of my top picks) and then to find out that I wouldn't be getting in off the waitlist. At this point I'm only waiting to hear from UVA and UNC Greensboro. Otherwise... better luck next year?
Maybe I'll see you there. I have a few options but not many, and no serious funding as of yet. But, they're wallet is pretty loose from what I hear. Have you heard anything about funding?
@Bennett- the waitlist at Cornell is a huge achievement. If, on the off chance you don't get anywhere, you'll still know over the coming year that you're more than good enough. Good luck!
@Srta. saltarina I contacted Notre Dame's English Department a little more than a week ago, and they said that they have already notified the people they accepted into the program.
To anyone who didn't make the cut they wanted to make, there's a new MFA with an application deadline May 1st. They've pulled together faculty from the New School, Columbia, Northwestern, Rutgers, etc., etc. (National Book Award winners, the like). So if you didn't get into your top choice school, and if you aren't sold solely on the branding and name of a university, you can still work with the same faculty through this non-residents' program. First year in Dublin, the next in Barcelona.
mfa.cedarcrest.edu
I just thought I would throw it out there. I'm applying because I once did a workshop with the director. Brilliant stuff.
Quick question for you. I know I'm one of at least three people on the UVA waitlist for poetry. How often does a program like UVA dip into the waitlist? I know it's small--5 poets--and very selective, so I don't want to get my hopes up. On the other hand, it's always been my top choice and I'd do anything to attend.
I'm not sure if waitlist people have been notified but if you're really wondering, just give them a call. a lot of people on the draft start calling if they haven't heard anything.
@BLOGGGGG i called columbia just today. not sure if nonfiction runs on a similar schedule with fiction (the genre to which i applied) but i was told that all notifications will go out either this week or the next. on gradcafe i saw that several people posted acceptances (again, for fiction) in early march, so i'm guessing at this point it's not good news.
Thanks popmartyr! I have to: say one of the huge upsides of this whole process has been witnessing the tremendous support and encouragement of everyone on the blog, hearing all of our stories, etc etc. It just seems like such a fantastic community.
In other news: just got an e-mail from UNC Greensboro saying my application was "still with the committee" and asking whether I was still interested in the program. Anyone else get an e-mail like this? Thoughts about what it means? Thoughts about their program generally?
Undoubtedly, Bennett, that is a good sign. If they're not a full-funded program, it might mean that you haven't been chosen to receive funding. At worst, it means that they're seriously debating your entry. At worstest, i have no idea what i'm talking about and getting your hopes up.
Just got into San Fran State! But not going. @Bennett- Unless I get into Hunter, which is the last school left to reply, I'm probably going to Columbia Chicago. Hope you get into UNCG. I received 6 rejections and an acceptance to an MA throughout the first month of waiting. I was accepted into 3 MFA's this week, so maybe the fact that UVA and UNCG have held out on you is a good sign.
So I found this strange. I received my Wichita rejection today, which cited inadequate GPA and standardized test scores as the rationale informing their decision. They even went so far as to encourage me to take a few more classes for credit and trying again next year. What makes this odd is that my undergrad GPA is well over the 3.0 mark, and they don't even want the GRE as part of the application. Even if they did, they'd see that I scored in the 96th percentiles in both the verbal and analytical writing portions of the test. I wish that they'd be a little more precise with their reasoning. Since it was obviously the manuscript, say that it was the manuscript. Not criteria that's incidental at best and irrelevant at worst.
Anyone else get anything similar from here or anywhere else?
Thelron, I've yet to hear from Wichita. And I think you're right--that rejection sounds bogus, especially since you have a high GPA and excellent test scores. I would rather a school not give me a reason for rejection if it's going to be a bad reason, ya know?
I posted in the previous thread but I don't recall if anyone responded, so here goes again:
Rejected: Florida State, University of Michigan
Accepted: Eastern Michigan, George Mason
Haven't heard: Virginia Commonwealth
Has anyone at all here heard from VCU yet? I'm getting worried that they lost my papers or something. I know programs are all over the place with notifications, and their application was largely paper-based, so maybe they just take longer?
@Robert, I applied to VCU (poetry) and got an acceptance email around March 8 or so. I'm assuming all acceptances have been sent out, but not sure about their waitlist. Hopefully you'll hear something soon!
Gosh, I really don't want to know the answer to this, as it is my last hope for getting into a program, but has Southern Illinois notified anyone one way or the other yet?
@Gabe, I emailed SIU about 10 days ago because I was wondering too. Allison wrote me back and told me that their decisions have not gone out yet because of delay caused by a faculty search and "other matters". She said that I'd be hearing soon, but yeah, that was 10-11 days ago. I applied there for poetry.
Don't despair. This was year 3 of applications for me, and the first time I got any acceptances. Keep at it!
@Unknown
Yup, I'm fiction. As far as I know, I don't have a TAship, which is disappointing to say the least because, well, I don't have much money and I want to be teaching while I'm in school too. I am having trouble getting responses to questions, but I think they're pretty swamped at the moment.
I went to visit the program a little bit ago, and I love it; the class I sat in on was fantastic, the staff were very open about the program and answered even my most unfair questions (e.g. "Do you have a bias for accepting or rejecting certain types of writing?"), and the students I met in the program were very friendly. Northern Virginia is expensive and boring, but the campus is nice and there's lots of places within traveling distance.
I applied in fiction, so maybe that's not done yet, or there's a waitlist they're wading through? I haven't gotten a rejection either, so who knows . . . I'd just like to hear back from everyone before I make a final decision, and everything being so spread out is putting me on the edge of my seat.
@Miraclebeast Thanks for the advice. Did you email a specific administrator or just the general english grad email address at the bottom of the program info page? I emailed the latter a few days ago and have yet to hear anything.
Just got a formal BU rejection. That makes 2 rejections, 1 acceptance w/o funding, and 1 waitlist. Still waiting on San Diego State. I called, she asked for my name and said I should hear this week or very early next week. Hopefully that's a good thing. Maybe on a shortlist-- or could be a waitlist-- or a rejection list and they're just waiting to feel out initial responses and she was being nice.
@CH, I am waiting for SDSU as well. I'll send good mojo your way if you send good mojo mine...maybe I should call and check, but I don't know if that would make me feel better or worse...
@Lisa and CH. I applied to SDSU last year and was told sometime after April 10th (I think it was the 13th or so) that I had gotten in with a sizable scholarship. They are just really, really slow to get back to people, but don't take not hearing as a bad sign.
Called Wichita State Graduate School to check on status. Verbal rejection. Formal letter should be arriving any day. Reason given: rejection of manuscript. Not sure what that means. I did email my portfolio because an email address was provided with the name and contact information for submission purposes.
So I emailed JHU about my waitlist status; the reply indicated that I would hear from Professor Brad Leithauser-- which seems like a cryptic way of saying I'm on the waitlist for finding out what my waitlist status is...
Hi everyone. I am a member of the draft on facebook and am a fan/lurker on this blog.
I am finally writing something: has anyone received a rejection from SFSU? I know theres been a bunch of acceptances but any rejections? Waitlists? Is there usually a waitlist for SFSU? Any info wld help. I'm dying! Its the end of March for peakessakes!
@Peter307 UC Riverside main campus or Palm Desert? I have a friend who's already admitted to Palm Desert. I've not heard myself, but I applied a lot later than he did. No intel for you on the main campus.
@Abbey Im almost sure that those who get an answer in April are rejections. I was asking if anyone got a rejection with hope that someone did and that means I still had a chance. I know I dont but I'm getting antsy. I atill havent heard from two schools and I applied to only 4. It's ridiculous!
@blood Called Hunter today. They knew enough to tell me that it was likely I didn't get in. Maybe you could, at this point, at least find that much out. As to whether or not they've finalized their acceptances, I do not know. Good luck.
I appreciate the discussion that was spurred by your choice. I was accepted into Columbia's program two years ago, but couldn't bring myself to commit to that kind of debt - I moved to New York anyway while my husband attended Brooklyn College. I thought about applying again this year (but did not because of -tada- money). Columbia is a great University and has a lot to offer - is it the best Creative Writing Program? "No," but I think you can have an amazing experience at any school depending on how you value and treat your interactions with the faculty. I think you should go meet with them before you decide.
For me, I had a very positive experience with the faculty and students at Columbia - students were thoughtful and humble while the faculty members were patient and listened to me. That said, I still couldn't go. If you have the money, if you get along with the faculty, then I think it's worth considering. If you do go, let me know what it's like! =)
Hey guys - I've been absent from here for the past week, but I'm wondering if anyone is planning on declining a fiction spot at Kansas or a CNF spot at Iowa State? I am waitlisted at both and trying to figure out some stuff...any info would be appreciated!
If anyone not on the facebook group is looking for info on specific schools, I will do my best to try to find helpful information for you.
Hello all - looking for feedback as I am trying to decide between CalArts and Columbia. I'm well aware of Columbia's funding/size issues, but also really like their faculty... Columbia has offered some funding and I don't know about CalArts yet, but they're definitely not one of the fully funded programs... Thoughts?
@violet24 i'd say go with CalArts. their faculty is pretty great as well, and it'll cost u way less to attend the school and live in that area as compared to columbia univ (living in or near NYC is insanely expensive). also, the more famous members of the faculty at columbia aren't on campus every semester, so there's a good chance u won't get the professor u want. in addition, because the program has so many students (about 100 fiction students at any given time) and the more famous teachers only offer one course per year or so, u often have to enter a lottery system to get the class u want. and, even if u do get the class u want, because the classes r relatively large and because the teachers r so high profile and busy with their own work, it's highly unlikely you'll get any personal attention. and finally, the MFA at columbia is intensive. they make u take over 60 credits, which is way more than most other MFA programs. some people believe this is due to columbia's desire to bleed every penny out of their students (many can't complete all the requirements within 2 years, so they have to continue to pay the exorbitant tuition beyond the project 4 semesters). whatever their intentions, columbia's MFA program is so intense that it doesn't allow a lot of writing time, which kinda defeats the whole purpose of entering an MFA program. CalArts faculty, on the other hand, r very accessible, and offer way more personal attention. upon graduation, you're far more likely to receive professional assistance from CalArts faculty members than with Columbia faculty members.
@Bloodisthenewblack- I applied to both The New School and Hunter. I've heard nothing from the latter, but I did receive an email from The New School with my financial aid letter enclosed. Still have yet to receive an actual acceptance.
So two weeks ago, Boston U. gave acceptance offers and I was disappointed not to receive one. Two days ago they sent out rejections via email, I once again did not receive one (I don't know if I was disappointed or excited about this one). I confirmed that they had my application for review, so what does this mean? I called them a couple days ago, but the woman was so nice I chickened out of asking if they had my decision and just accepted her answer that I'd know by the end of next week.
I got my official rejection from UVA via email yesterday, so I guess I'll be applying again next year. Here's the final list of MFA programs that rejected me: UNCG NC State Brown FSU JHU UVA
All of them were in fiction.
I'd like to know if anyone on here got accepted to a program straight out of undergraduate school, where you went for undergrad if you did, and if you had a BA or a BFA. I'm just trying to figure out how common or uncommon getting into these programs is on your first year and I'm also looking for advice that might help me next year.
I've only been writing for about a year and half and graduated a year earlier than I'd expected(I changed majors a lot), so I went into the application process really unprepared. This experience alone has taught me so much about what to do differently next year. Thanks so much to everyone on the blog for the advice and support. It's nice to know an online community like this one exists.
@violet24 i live in NY and have a couple friends who attended columbia's MFA for fiction, and i have a lot of friends who currently attend or graduated from columbia's grad programs in general. what i know of CalArts is less direct: i've read online posts about the program from current students. in a side-by-side comparison of fees, personal attention, faculty accessibility, focus on writing, living expenses, selectivity (the quality of the students they admit into the program), and many other categories, CalArts wins hands down (but, then again, pretty much any MFA program in the top 50 beats columbia in all or most categories). the reason u rarely see people defending columbia's MFA program is because it's hard to justify their practices and results. u might see columbia MFA grads who go on to be successful, but of the vast numbers that graduate, the success stories make up a very small fraction. and again because of the high number of acceptances, it's hard to find a sense of community within the group. especially since other programs only accept a certain type of writer, while columbia accepts pretty much any genre (i know they've accepted sci-fi, zombie fiction, crime/thriller, and chick lit).
but what i find to be columbia's biggest foible is how inaccessible their faculty is. in any field you're gonna need some connections, but this is especially true in the world of publishing. one of the greatest benefits of entering a respected MFA program is that the faculty members r already ensconced in the world of publishing, and they can introduce u into that sphere. but if the faculty members have to deal with too many students and r so famous as to have too much already on their plate (as it is with many of columbia's faculty), then it's unlikely they'll have any desire to develop a more personal relationship with their students. basically, in columbia, unlike any other MFA program, you're on your own, during school AND after graduation.
@Tree #1: I was accepted right out of my undergrad. In fact, in graduate in May. My degree is a BA in English. Most schools insist that what you majored in isn't a large factor, only your writing sample. I applied to fifteen schools for fiction with one acceptance, UMass-Amherst.
@unknown- Thanks and congratulations! With so many people who are applying for their third or so year, I was beginning to think nobody gets accepted on the first try. I definitely plan on broadening my school choices. At the time, six sounded like a lot.
Finally figured out how to get rid of the unknown tag. @Tree#1 thanks for the well-wishes! And yes, I thought it was a bit much to apply to fifteen, and my list ended up being awfully top heavy, but I can't express how grateful and fortunate I feel to be accepted to one of my top choices. Keep at it, you'll get in!
I am in the midst of a difficult decision and wanted to put the circumstances out to the community for helpful, thoughtful opinions. In a nutshell, I've been accepted to one of my top MFA programs but I have also been accepted to a MA program (Saint Louis U) that allows me to spend two years in Madrid, Spain. Both very exciting opportunities. I'm not so much interested in becoming a full time tenured teacher as I am in working within literary publications and community non-profits. Of course, all while striving to be consistently published. The MFA would allow me to develop my personal writing and possibly get experience working with a publication but the MA would certainly enhance my literary senses while refining my writing. Spain could also potentially provide me with more experience and depth than any time spent in a MFA program could. I could also lead Creative Writing ESL classes as I'm certified to teach English. Suggestions? Questions?
This is a question for anyone that was admitted to SFSU: Did you receive any word on financial aid? And if so was it through your online status, email or through the mail? How long after your acceptance did you receive it? This waiting for everyhting is driving me nuts!
I just finished my B.A. in Creative Writing from Ohio University this winter quarter. I was accepted into UMD and WVU with full funding, wait-listed at JHU and UNO, and rejected from UVA and Florida. It's a pretty even distribution, really.
So yeah, it's possible, but I know a lot of people who didn't- even one of my friends who is such a good writer (but she applied to 10 schools- 7 of which were in the "top 10" on the p&w chart). I think some of my luck has to do with how I chose my schools- I didn't just look for programs that were generally awesome, I looked for programs that would be awesome for me, my writing, my style.
After the last two weeks of blissful unemployment, I kind of wish I'd taken a year off, though.
Has anyone heard from (or about) Brooklyn College or Boston University for fiction? When I check the websites, they still have the "submitted" status. I've seen that some people have gotten notified for acceptance and rejection, but I haven't heard a single word from either of them through any medium of communication.
@Tree#1 = This was my first attempt at applying to Creative Writing MFA programs. I got into 3 with full funding, was waitlisted at a 4th, rejected from 7, have yet to hear back from 2. To answer your (or someone else's) question, I have another MFA, but in Visual Art. I wasn't sure if this was going to hurt or help me in the application process.
@Violet24= Cal Arts has a great MFA program in writing, but I imagine it is very different from Columbia's program. I think it very much depends on what kind of writing YOU DO and want to keep doing. Everyone I know who has gone to Cal Arts writing program has a strong interest in (visual) art as well. It's a very "arty" program with not just hybrid genre stuff going on, but people crossing over disciplines (into media, other departments at Cal Arts, etc.). I would imagine in some ways, it has more in common with Brown than Columbia. Also, I am pretty sure one of the key Cal Arts MFA faculty, Maggie Nelson will be out a big chunk of next year as I think she's having (or just had) a baby and going to be the writer in residence at the University of Wyoming for awhile.
@TheIronCage = I never heard a peep from Boise State and assume rejection as I heard other people being notified of acceptances about a month ago.
I did my undergrad at UMass Boston and had three of the best poetry professors anyone could ask for: Jill McDonough, Lloyd Schwartz, and Joyce Peseroff. They're so supportive. They go above an beyond to help you with publishing, teaching, etc. Plus, UMass is pretty cheap as far as many MFA programs go. It's a fairly young program, but I see it gaining lots of popularity in the oncoming years.
My biggest complaints have to do with the school's administration (not the most helpful, to say the least) and parking (which isn't that big of a deal, plus the redline drops you off right at the school, practically).
And there are some incredibly talented students in the program--they're humbling to work with, have great feedback on peers' work, and make you want to become a better writer. If I didn't just graduate from there, I'd probably accept their offer in a heartbeat.
@blood and @popmartyr I'm also waiting to hear something, anything from Hunter Creative writing (memoir). According to their website (which IMO is tacky) short list should have heard back by 3rd week of March (which has now past) long list by first week if April.
I'm so jealous that you got accepted to Sarah Lawrence! That would have been my first choice if I'd gotten accepted there. I've heard so many good things about the program, and it was recommended to me by a writing mentor that I really trust. It's also very well-regarded. I'm sure UMass has a great program too, but I don't know as much about it. All I know is that it's a young program, so it's not as widely recognized, which could have its pros and cons. Of course, I'm sure you've done your research. Good luck with your decision!
No wonder I'm not getting an answer about SFSU, I just realized the only person on here who reported a San Francisco acceptance was in USF not SFSU....
I did my undergrad at Sarah Lawrence, and loved every second of it. I have two friends that recently graduated from the SLC MFA fiction program, and both, as far as I know, had positive experiences. I recommend!
Just heard I'm on the waitlist at SIUC (for poetry). That was my final school! So, in the end, 3 acceptances (Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Eastern Washington, Chatham), two waitlists (Indiana, SIUC) and 13 super fun rejections (from the usual suspects, let's not rehash them all). Good luck to the rest of you still waiting to hear from schools!
@Amy- I will be doing fiction, but I have heard great things about the support of the staff and other students at UMass Boston. Nice to hear it from someone who has been there!
@Anonymous & @Sally Jane- Thanks for your comments on Sarah Lawrence. Very helpful!
@Rice Ball, you have contacted the school and informed them of your interest in their program?(for all they know you've accepted another offer) If not, get on it asap. Assert the honor you feel as a mem. of their waitlist and if there is something else they need from you. Maybe ask if there is some indication of list placement (they know everyone is making judgments right now) Going into this, someone was nice enough to give me this kind of prep so I pass it along.
@Calgary, congrats. Heard great things about Indiana. Anyone know any students there or any info? With respect to UIUC, Brigit Pegeen Kelly is a gem. Multiple people named this program as a strong one (like Indiana). In addition, everyone told me that SIUC is highly underrated. A great program with fine people. You've got a nice set of schools checking out your goodies.
I have, in fact, attempted to call the contact person regarding admissions at least three times—but to no avail. (u,u;). But like you said, I'm going to get on it. Thanks for the 'down low', as they say, because I tend to be passive and am up to my neck in senior research and a heavy course load. Assert, I say—no excuses! (^_^)y Hope all is well with all of the fury ambling about to everyone here.
@Lia, yep, Brigit is the one who called me back in January to offer me a spot and I'm really looking forward to working with her. Of course I waited to hear back from all my schools but I've been pretty certain UIUC is where I'd end up all along...
To all y'all who are applying for the first time and feel discouraged, whether you haven't heard anything positive yet or you have gotten offers but w/ limited funding: I was in your position last year. I had to turn down offers from Montana and Mills because of funding (I shouldn't have applied to Mills/a private college not known to fully fund in the first place but I loved the faculty...). It was scary/sad to resign myself to doing the whole thing over again, but it paid off. It really is such a subjective process. Take heart and whatever encouragement you received this year and run with it for next year. You'll find a place where you are wanted.
QUESTION FOR FICTION APPLICANTS: did u guys submit chapters of a novel, a couple short stories, or both? and if sections of a novel, did u submit consecutive chapters or disjointed chapters? your answers will help a lot, thanks.
@Radio, I submitted one longer short story (about seventeen pages). For programs that asked for 20-30, I submitted a second short story about six pages long.
Radio, I applied to 10 schools, about half in fiction and half in poetry. So far, I've only received 2 acceptances(still have yet to get officially rejected from GSU and Wichita). Both acceptances were for poetry. I admit I spent more time on my poetry revisions than I did on my short stories. I sent out a total of 4 stories with my various appls (2 stories to each school), but decided which stories to send based on the school's page limit, which probably wasn't a good idea. My stories on average run about 14 to 16 pages, but for schools that wanted 20-25 pgs of fiction, I chose what I thought was my best story and paired it with a shorter piece. The shorter piece wasn't my best work, and I'm kicking myself for that now. If I had it to do over again, I'd have probaly sent only one story instead of tossing in a mediocre second one.
@radio I submitted anywhere from 2-4 short stories depending on the page limits/requirements of each department. But I used 4 short stories in a specific order, so all programs I applied to always got Stories #1 and #2 and if they allowed more, than #3 and #4. I probably should have played around with submitting these 2 here and these 2 there, but I was already so stressed, I decided to rank my stories and use that ranking for each school's application process.
For all waiting for SDSU-fiction, I just spoke with someone in the office. She didn't ask for my name, but said that first-round acceptance letters would hopefully go out next week, they'd wait for any declines, and then send another round. She also said that it would be hard copy letter unless they felt "crunched for time," in which case they would also email. I'm not sure what "crunched for time" means seeing that it's April 3rd already, but what are you gonna do? I guess we keep waiting, and I go ahead and apply for that part-time faculty position at Northeastern assuming I'm sticking around Boston.
I still haven't heard from the New School, & I need to make a decision this week. I've called their office three times and each time spoke with someone who told me they would call me "right back." But never did. Frustrating! I called today (April 3) and they told me that I would definitely hear by March 25. I said, "It's April 3rd. You mean, April 25th?" She said, "No, March 25. Oh. I see what you mean."
@Everyone not attending an MFA program in the fall (myself included), for whatever reason: Do you want to share Plan Bs?
I'll start: I'm considering taking the money I saved for school and quitting my job at the end of the summer to travel and write for a few long months. Maybe try submitting a few pieces for publication, maybe start another travel blog, maybe apply again for Fall 2014, maybe not.
Who else has grand plans for life after rejection?
@Amy about 8 years ago, i quit my job and went to Italy without much of a plan. I wound up living and working overseas for 6 years. I experienced life in Italy, Japan, and finally the Czech Republic where I stayed for four. I kept a journal throughout and in some ways (although I'm more of a fiction guy) I never wrote with such ease. There was something about setting myself free, not knowing what the future might bring. The experience really changed me in many ways, opened me up. One of the downsides is that I haven't been able to enjoy life as much since because nothing really compares. Its one of the reasons I decided to apply to an MFA program, to enter a new era of life. In answer to your question, I have been accepted to a MAT English program. And since one of my goals is to teach English/writing/theatre to young people I am going to do that. Unless UCF (which apparently has contacted Poets but no fiction writers that I have seen yet) accepts me. I wonder if anyone has seen anything on facebook or somewhere? Good luck to you anyway, whatever you decide to do.
@Amy i gave up my teaching post two years ago in order to concentrate full-time on my doctoral dissertation. then, i got distracted with writing fiction, so pretty much on a whim, i decided to apply to several MFA programs. i had no idea it was this competitive. ironically, what was a whim is now a determined goal BECAUSE of the rejections. i was also planning on driving around a bit, visit some cities i've always wanted to see (particularly baton rouge). don't know if i'll actually do it, but it's nice knowing that i can.
@EVERYONE did anyone here visit the schools and request a brief introductory meeting with any of the MFA faculty prior to applying? if so, do u recommend it? any and all advice would be appreciated. i'm very new to this.
You could also travel and improve your writing by attending writing workshops/conferences abroad. Clearly I have to plug the Kenya Writers Conference (http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/southampton/mfa/kenya.shtml)and the Florence Writers Conference (http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/southampton/mfa/florence.shtml), but there are other such programs as well. This might be the type of thing you are looking for.
I'm on the fence about my Plan B. Maybe some people could offer their two cents? I was going to get a job basically doing whatever pays enough and still gives me time to write. This would be nice because I could take a break from school, have time for writing, and save up for MFA applications and moving next year.
Now, I'm considering getting my MA in English w a concentration in creative writing at the same school I did my undergrad ( which I finish this month). I like this option because it would give me more instructional and workshop time and I could keep my current pt job. The cons are that funding is minimal, I'd have to pick up a second pt job to pay the tuition and living expenses, and it would add another year to the time I would have to wait before reapplying for MFAs.
So what do you think? Is it worth it to get the MA?
@Dad Bubble and Me: I also lived abroad for a number of years (Argentina and New Zealand) and agree with everything you said! I was in Nicaragua for 10 days in February and wrote fiction daily, which is what's inspiring me to pack my bags again. Good luck on the MAT program (fingers crossed for the UCF program).
@Sally Janes - Attending a writing conference abroad sounds like a great idea! Thanks for the tips. I'm planning on heading east - Indonesia, S.E. Asia, Nepal, India - but I'm might search for similar programs.
@trees.. I'd apply again next year for the mfa. But then again, it depends on what your long term goals are. Like previously discussed on here, if you're going into a phd eventually an MA might be worth it. But I feel like taking up extra jobs just eats into your writing time. I worked two jobs most of my undergrad and my writing (my concentration) suffered. So much so that when asking for recs, my prof made a point in saying that she wasn't sure if I was dedicated enough. And I had to explain that I was just working a ft and pt job just to get by. I think that you can find writing workshops within your community and if you can't, there is the online community. I really believe that.
I contacted the program director at VCU to ask about my application (I was worried it was lost) and got a nice response saying that all the acceptances for the program had already gone out, so I'd be receiving a letter shortly with a different response. Unless there's a super secret wait list, I guess that means rejection. Oh well!
I got accepted for this fall and just graduated this December. I got my B.A. from Rhode Island College. I started writing seriously when I started school two and a half years ago. But I am 25 so I have more life experience than most people who graduated with me. If I didn't get in this year tho, I was just gonna try again. Just keep writing. We get in when our writing is ready. And anyway, a year or two off will give you time to be better prepared.
I really really need help here. Something happened that I didn't expect after seeing so much rejection. I've been accepted to UCF. I received the acceptance in email form. Its a bit strange because it comes from the dean of graduate studies and not the creative writing department, but it does say that I've been accepted to the Masters in creative writing. I really was waiting to see the rejection letter. My question is, what do I do now?! when I began this process I only applied to UCF and LSU because I had read that they are free programs. But after reading everyone's posts I realize that may not be true. So what am I supposed to ask? First who should I ask and secondly do I ask if there is an assistantship available, a grant, or all of the above? Should I contact the creative writing dept and speak to them directly? (I realize that seems a ridiculous question but I am shocked) Finally, what does anyone know about UCF? I haven't seen many other posts about it. Has anyone else applied? Has anyone NOT applied for specific reasons? I feel like a 10 year old in high school asking you these questions, not even a hint of fuzz on my chin. But I would really appreciate your help and insight. I had sort of given up hope when I got the email this morning.
- I have a friend who applied and also was accepted to UCF and was not notified of her funding either. Typically they will notify you a little later after the "dust settles" so to speak and after the final decision deadline of Apr. 15 about awards and funding distribution. But, if you're anxious to find out you can always call and ask if they have figured out funding distribution yet. They may already have all that hammered out. Otherwise I would give it till next week and see if you get a response from them about it and if you haven't found out by say Apr. 20 or so give them a shout and see if they've figured out the disbursement for funding and what your particular award is.
@Dad Bubble and Me -- My 2c: no harm in calling the graduate office and the creative writing department, right? They already accepted you, and no one can blame you for being curious.
@Dad Bubble My friend was accepted for poetry but the process is all the same. Like @Bird said "No harm in calling the graduate office" the least they can do is tell you they don't know yet.
Grats on getting accepted. Have fun in Orlando. Don't spend too much time drinking butter beers at Harry Potter world.
Can I ask a really embarrassing question here? I feel idiotic but:
Was I supposed to apply for funding? I applied to the UCF program because I saw that the MFA funded nearly all of its students. During the application process I never saw anything to do with funding and I assumed that funding was different from financial aid (which I know you have to fill out a form with FAFSA). Have I missed the boat on something I should have already done? What i really hope for is an assistantship because I want to end up teaching. But maybe I was supposed to have applied for that already as well?
nope- usually schools will let you know if you were accepted with full funding, tuition waivers, taship, or stipend early. But some schools don't know/figure that out until later. Just give them a call or send an email.
don't worry - I didn't figure any of this stuff out until after applying too. it can be overwhelming.
I've been emailing the director of the program with previous questions, so I just emailed him one about funding. This blog has been great, even when I thought I wouldn't be getting in. Its been extremely helpful to me. Thnx to you all and good luck to you all.
To those attending an MFA program this fall, this is a silly/personal question, but are any of you going to have to leave behind/move away from significant others and other people really important to you, in order to pursue an MFA? It's been a worry on my mind...I want to pursue a certain career, but at the same time I don't want my personal life to fall apart.
@Unknown Not a silly question at all. I, in fact, limited my search to low-residency and local full-residency (sadly, there's only one) programs for exactly that reason.
My husband and I lived in different cities for several years. We were close enough that we got together almost every weekend, but it is a significant strain on any relationship. It's definitely something you and those who are important to you should discuss as part of the decision-making process.
Bear in mind, even the strongest relationships will go through a rough patch as you adjust to being apart. Personally, even though I know my relationship is strong enough to survive it again, I never want to go through it again, and that's why I limited my search so severely.
@P! - Wow, congratulations! I am insanely jealous of your acceptance to BU. What a feat, as they are ultra competitive. Such a well-ranked school and I've heard amazing things about the program. I have a friend who got her MFA there and loved it. If you feel excited about BU, I say go with it. It's perfectly fine to withdraw your acceptance from the other school -- it happens -- especially since it's before the national deadline (April 15). Again, congrats!
@Kyle -- thanks for sharing your experience. I really appreciate the advice! I applied to schools near where my long-time boyfriend and I live, and to ones elsewhere just in case, but of course the acceptances (with funding) that I got came from schools in other states! This will certainly be a hard decision either way.
That is part of my decision process as well, mostly because I live with my significant other, and if I accept out of state, we will both be quitting our jobs and moving, and he'll have to find another one. I know that's not necessarily a possibility for lots of people, but it's something we talked about before I even sent off my applications, and it just turns out that I have a local acceptance and an out-of-state acceptance, so we have to make that decision. I think the important thing is that you make the decision together . . . when I talked to my undergraduate professors, they all said basically the same stuff about grad school: sometimes it breaks relationships, and sometimes it strengthens them, but it's hard to know. I'm shooting for the latter, in this case.
well, I called the graduate office, and the director of the program, and emailed him as well. Graduate office told me to contact him and he wasn't there. I've heard nothing back. This is almost worse than waiting for an acceptance because now I've gotten in the program (I danced with my dog, daydreamed about the program, and went to sleep happy) BUT don't know if I'll get funding. Am I supposed to accept the acceptance? Or should I wait to hear about funding. Would it be better to accept now and tell them later I can't attend w/out funding? or should I wait. I'm just worried if I don't accept, I'll lose the opp.
@Dad Bubble and Me -- did they give you a deadline to accept? 4/15/12 is standard for many programs.
I wouldn't accept prematurely. As long as you haven't accepted, you've got leverage.
Don't panic. They gave you an offer; there's no reason for them to yank it away from you over the weekend without warning. Just get back in touch on Monday (if you can't today), and find out how long you have to make your decision.
@Dad Bubble - you are talking about UCF right? I talked with them this morning and they said they wouldn't know who and how much they were going to fund until the middle of the summer. They apparently have had trouble with their budget. Congrats on getting accepted - I got wait listed.
Wel I finally got in touch with Ron Padron and he told me that they don't know what funding is possible because they just received the total they have to work with and they should know by April 15th. Then he asked this: "Well, is your acceptance based on funding?!" and I paused--feeling a little awkward--and said. "well, yes. Funding is an important consideration for me." To which he apologized for possibly asking a too personal question and suggested that I accept and if I don't get any funding to take only part time courses until the next session when they can try for funding again. But it all seemed strange to me. 1st I applied to this program because they boasted a near 100% funding for all students. I understand about budget issues but it is a pretty important piece of the puzzle, right? I almost felt as if I were asking for something evil. I live in NJ. Going to Florida and living there is going to cost me enough. I don't want huge debt at the end of it all. And to be part time means a longer program. I have to seriously rethink this. @ChaseMan, maybe you'll be getting a call sometime next week if you are at the top of the list.
@C Leaning toward SDSU.My wife has family there and I really like weather in California. Plus San Diego is a metro and has loads to do, so unless Miami takes me off their waitlist and offers a crazy amount of funding... I think I'm going to email GCSU tonight and decline. Good luck with the funding C. Hope someone enjoys my spot.
@CH, I'm still waiting to hear from SDSU for fiction. I called earlier this week and they told me that the fiction first-round acceptances would hopefully go out next week. So I'm still keeping my fingers crossed! Congrats on your decision...perhaps I'll be following along...
@CH thanks for the update! I hate having to ask people where they're leaning all the time but it does get maddening not knowing if I'll get the funding. Congrats on SDSU - they provide funding right? it sounds like it would be a good fit since your wife has family and there would be a support system.
@Robert - Very true. Making the decision together is important. It's hard because I know the long-distance thing could ultimately be our downfall -- but it's looking like that's the only option besides, well, you know. I almost wish I had no attachments so this would be easier! :( Have you made your decision yet? I've accepted at George Mason, after much mulling.
@Unknown. I've always hoped that the best are strongest relationships are those that encourage one another to grow in the way they want to grow. It is only a 2 year program? or 3? And you'll have holidays as well. In a way it may be a good thing. Since you'll be separated during uni, you can focus only on your work and during holiday focus on your relationship, and hopefully at the end come out a stronger writer with a stronger relationship too. And if your partner is the right one for you, they'll be happy to see you grow.
249 comments:
1 – 200 of 249 Newer› Newest»Dang, UC Irvine said they gave away my spot. Bummer.
@MisterSammie - I'm so sorry to hear that! Will you be attending Columbia then? Congrats regardless on your admissions!
For those waiting to hear from New School, I just got off the phone with admissions and they said snail mail notices were mailed last week, and should be arriving any day now. Not quite sure how that bodes in terms of chances for admission, but. It's good to know we'll have answers soon.
Accepted:
New School, Writing for Children (scholarship)
Vermont College, Writing for Children & YA (scholarship)
Hollins, Children's Lit (MA)
@MisterSammie, don't beat yourself up. I'm sure you'll excel at Columbia.
@MisterSammie
How does that happen? Was there a preemptive deadline or something?
Word on the street is that San Diego State's decisions are going to start going out this week.
@Robert, I bet there's a waitlist and "MisterSammie" thought he should be nice and tell them he wanted to go somewhere else. A decent thing to do.
@MisterSammie, first, let me say that I understand your position and difficulty in deciding between these kinds of programs. When I read down the thread and saw that you tried to get the spot back, I was relieved.
VERY much.
It's hard for all of us to know how to balance all the factors.
No matter what happens, just know that you did your best to act on the information as it came to you. That's a lot.
My next thought for you is this: ***Can you contact Irvine and ask to enter next year?***
Tell them that you have other offers (100%truth), but that you would love to wait and take up their full-funded offer next year. You really do want to enter their program and you value it enough to make this kind of offer while you have other offers.
(MisterSammie, if you do want to.)
And yes. If that was an option, I do think it's worth the wait. Funding and a damn good program.
Of course, I'm listening to the everyone's thoughts, but yeah, I think the debt and stuff make Irvine worth the fight.Plus, it's Irvine.
Or maybe it's worth reapps for you to pass on an unfunded program.
If you need to, tell people where you got in. I don't care, but do try to avoid debt.
(Others? If in at Columbia w/out funding, would you wait and reapp?)
A year is nothing. Make money, get experience.
-Can you ask some help from an mfa program staff nearby?
Of course, if Irvine agreed, you'd need some assurance of the promised delayed entry, right? Stuff like that.
Friends, have you all heard of any helpful information/real stories?
I would call/email and inquire no matter what, M.Sammie. If nothing else, Irvine learns that it was right about you and that you're serious.
And remember, respect to you for being receptive and earnestly trying to do what ever you think seems best.
"by tell people where you got in," I mean that you can tell imed. family and friends the situation.
Have there been any reports of acceptances from Cornell? Perhaps on the facebook group? Specifically in poetry?
Ok, I'm ready for some advice: I'm making a choice between a 2-year MA with great funding (no loans needed) or a 1-year MFA with decent funding (some loans, not a huge amount or anything). I plan to go on and get a doctorate after my masters, regardless of where I go. How important is it to be debt-free?
@lkdimmit
I think this question might involve another question.
*How does one get into a PhD program?*
Since this is a goal, your current choice is somewhat dependent on it.
Apps prioritize the same thing as MFA process? Writing sample? Necessary publication?
I think this might help direct you on this one.
I think names might be helpful here too, but up to you.
I want to say 2 year, but the Phd question is quite important.
What will a 1 year masters get you outside of a 1 year masters?
Now, I ask with no tone. I bet your thinking would help me. Is it just the faster degree because you're thinking about another 4-6 for the other?
The "MA" degree in faster time will not help with a PhD program if
1. your writing hasn't has time to grow or
2. people don't respect a 1 year masters. (poetry or...?)
Now, you all tell me. I'm not certain.
Just trying to ask the right-ish questions.
@lkdimmit i'm currently finishing up my phd dissertation, and my advice would be to go with the 2-year MA. but this also depends on which doctorate you'll be going for. if you're intention is to apply to creative writing phd programs, then i'd select the program that will most improve your writing (i.e. a smaller, more personal curriculum that attends to your writing style), whether this be the MA or MFA. however, if u intend on applying for any other phd in the humanities, then chances r the 2-year MA will be a better step toward that direction. the primary reason is that MFA's generally have fewer requirements than other graduate programs in the humanities, therefore you'll be less prepared for a doctoral program, and the admissions committees will know this. plus, a 1-year MFA program sounds a little iffy to me. i mean, how much can u really cover in just 30 weeks (15 weeks per semester)? if you're leaning toward the 1-year MFA, i would do some serious research about the program and its faculty in the next few days. any program willing to grant a masters for a single year of work is shady to me... unless a single-year masters is the norm, which i think it is for some majors, like social work and education (although i consider such masters to be more akin to professional degrees than real academic degrees, as these 1-year programs really just prepare u for your specific work environment rather than covering a broad spectrum of knowledge).
Anyone want to share thoughts on University of Arizona's Creative Writing program...specifically for someone going in as a Fiction writer.
Obviously, I am narrowing down my acceptances and want to know if there's anything out there more I should know about U of A.
Thank you!
Anyone have inside info on GA College? I will be visiting there soon.
monica! i'm so jealous. someone had posted some nice info on the draft. i'll try to copy and post it here for you later.
from the draft:
Last year 4 poets, 2 cnf, 2 f. It's a poet friendly program. Working with Laura Newbern and Alice Friman is well worth living in Millie, and as a native-Georgian-who-thought-she-knew-what-she-was-getting-into, I can say that Millie sucks, so that's all the more high praise for Laura and Alice.
March 19 at 8:27pm via mobile ·
There is little to do. It's a kinda backwoods/rednecky place that doesn't even have a Krispy Kreme (backwoods/rednecky donut shop). There is a lake, but that's about it. Fair housing can be an issue, but maybe not more than elsewhere? T...here are many institutions here, prisons, detention centers, a rather large mental hospital, but even they are closing, leaving the place economically depressed. If you believe locations have memory, then Millie is an odd place. There has been a lot of suffering here, even for a Southern town. But that may help some people write. I feel a kind of peace here, that I can't explain, but that is more than likely due to my personal circumstance. It IS inexpensive to live here, so that's good. Also, Alice and Laura.See More
March 21 at 5:00pm via mobile ·
2 hours from ATL. 40 min from Macon, which is small, but they have donuts at least and a used bookstore. Jud is cool. He teaches part-time, and I think he might do thesis hours? It's strange though. I always think of him as a poet. Nice guy from what I've heard, but even though he's a close friend of my undergrad mentor, I haven't spoken with him that much.
March 21 at 6:24pm via mobile ·
I do like the U. There is a large international student pop, mostly of French students. If you get a TA, you will see them a lot in the WC. 3rd year, everyone teaches either Intro to CW or teaches CW capstones. First semester I was required to write 2-4 poems a week. The campus is pretty.
March 21 at 6:28pm via mobile ·
Thanks so much for the info, C! I love rural areas, so I think I'll really like it there. And good luck to you!
@lkdimmit, a 1-year MFA? Is this an accredited program? If not, that should make your decision very easy. MFA programs usually involve more coursework (and, hence, more time) than an MA, not less. I'd be very leery of any program that's that accelerated.
(That said, this might be a great program. I did effectively no research into full-residency programs, so I don't know.)
Assuming the MFA is from a recognized and accredited school, it shouldn't affect your chances of getting into a PhD program either way. Ultimately, it will be about how you perform in whichever program you join.
However, the MFA has one huge advantage over the MA if you don't go on to get the PhD, which is that the MFA is a terminal degree. If you take a teaching job, most institutions will regard an MFA from an accredited university as the equivalent of a PhD for the purposes of salary and continuing education requirements. The difference is significant enough in the California state school system that one of my husband's coworkers has discovered that going back for a second Masters' degree will pay for itself in less than three years. He starts his MFA in playwriting in the fall.
Good luck, whichever way you decide.
If someone has any idea about the following schools, will you please let me know? I am dying here, and I just want to be put out of my misery.
UCF
St. Mary's College of California
University of Miami - I think I heard they were sending notifications out this week, but if you know anything else, please let me know.
Southern Connecticut State University - app. deadline was Mar 1, so I don't really expect to hear from them anytime soon.
Thanks, and good luck and congrats to all who got in!
I have a friend who's been accepted (poetry) at UCF. I don't know about Saint Mary's, Miami, or SCSU, but I do know that UCF has sent out at least their poetry acceptances.
A couple of people on the facebook page have heard from UVA in fiction and poetry. Check those inboxes and voice mails!
Mister Sammie is a joke, right? That person cannot be for real.
there was at least one acceptance to st. mary's on the draft and I think one waitlist here
Thanks for you thoughts, all! For perhaps better reference, the MA is at UNL in Lincoln, the MFA is BU in Boston.
@kyle an MFA may require more credits, and may require more semesters than the average MA, but that's only because with MFA's u have to take 3 or 4 workshops that each must be taken in separate semesters. but MFA's r highly concentrated in their field, so it does not offer a very broad spectrum of education. compare a creative writing MFA to a comparative literature MA. the former only requires that u do the workshops, take some additional literature courses, and write a substantial creative work. the latter requires that u have knowledge of literary history, criticism, and philosophy, plus a decent grasp of two foreign languages, and for the completion of the degree, a weekend-long master's exam, and a dissertation.
and as for the MA not being a terminal degree, i'm not sure what u mean. ALL degrees r terminal or not, depending on what u choose to do afterward. there is no definite hierarchy to degrees. for instance, u can get multiple PhD's, or get a ScD after getting a PhD. you can choose to stop at an MFA, or get a PhD afterward. i think what u mean is that IN THE FINE ARTS (such as film or creative writing) most academics stop at an MFA, and do not proceed toward a PhD. but this only suggests the norm, not the ideal. yes, u can get a tenured position at a university with just an MFA, but only if u have substantial publications that r well-regarded. but it's the same deal for any discipline. if, say, u were a social scientist that only had an MA, but published several very widely read, well-received papers and books, then u can easily get tenure without a PhD.
the bottom line is this: an MA prepares u better for a broader range of PhD's. an MFA (in creative writing, which is what i'm assuming lkdimmit is going for) prepares u best for a creative writing PhD, but limits u in most other humanist disciplines.
@lkdimmit the BU MFA program is legit. i know they offer a very short program, but i know it's still pretty decent. but again, the question for u is what PhD u will ultimately be pursuing, and how sure u r about pursuing it.
Well, BU is no slouch of an institution, but I admit I know very little about their MFA program. It appears to be a 2-year program with 1-year residency, which makes a lot more sense than a 1-year degree.
Do take a look at which PhD programs you're interested in, and maybe even give a couple of them a call to see if they have any insight. I can imagine a lit-crit intensive program feeling that an MFA is too workshop-oriented and wanting some remedial coursework.
Otherwise, don't underestimate the power of debt-free. Especially in an uncertain economy with a degree that is by no means a guarantee of employment...
@kyle haha. u echoed my sentiments and posted at the exact minute i did. funny.
@radio "Terminal degree" is academia-speak for a degree which is regarded as the completion of study in a given field. Creative arts do not lend themselves to a PhD, which is a research-oriented degree, and so the MFA is regarded as achievement of expertise in that field. Naturally, one can go on to get a PhD after an MFA, but one is technically switching emphasis from creative writing to academic research by doing so. (Yes, this is regarded as true even with a creative dissertation.) Naturally, there are plenty of degrees and institutions which don't fit into those nice, little boxes, but since pay and benefits based on collective bargaining agreements require nice, little boxes, it's a fact to be aware of if you think you might want to teach.
Here is a green question: How long are most Phd writing programs, and are they even more selective than MFA programs?
Well, UNLV has a PhD program with creative dissertation, that's a three year program I believe. That program accepts two candidates each year, one in fiction and one in poetry. So it would be more selective simply because they only take one in each catagory. However, I don't know how many applicants they get each year.
@lkdimmit, hope all these thoughts are helpful.
I def. say "2 year." I also wish you wisdom.
Yeah, actually, I wish all of us that. It's that time.
Wisdom, good coffee, and maybe ice cream? At some point?
@ChaseMan: I got waitlisted at Saint Mary's a week ago, so they're at least at that stage in acceptances.
@Curious: They have notified the first round of acceptances. If you haven't heard from them, you might be on their short waitlist, as I am (for poetry).
@Miraclebeast Congrats!! Did you find out by contacting them or did they email you?
Just got into U New Orleans!
Poetry
@ popmartyr...I also just got into UNO poetry ! Pretty stoked. Just happy to be hearing from more programs after a nerve wracking lull...
@curious. I was on the short waitlist for Cornell Fiction and was informed that all four of their initial offers had accepted their spots and thus that they won't be making any more offers. (I found out I was on the list by calling them when I'd heard nothing; not sure why they hadn't notified their waitlist as many schools do.) I don't have any information about poetry. I hope that helps.
After a solid stream of 6 rejections from other schools, it was kind of a roller coaster to hear about Cornell (one of my top picks) and then to find out that I wouldn't be getting in off the waitlist. At this point I'm only waiting to hear from UVA and UNC Greensboro. Otherwise... better luck next year?
Does anyone have any idea what the admissions stats look like for SDSU? I haven't been able to find any anywhere...
Maybe I'll see you there. I have a few options but not many, and no serious funding as of yet. But, they're wallet is pretty loose from what I hear. Have you heard anything about funding?
@Bennett- the waitlist at Cornell is a huge achievement. If, on the off chance you don't get anywhere, you'll still know over the coming year that you're more than good enough. Good luck!
Any news about Notre Dame?
@Srta. saltarina I contacted Notre Dame's English Department a little more than a week ago, and they said that they have already notified the people they accepted into the program.
To anyone who didn't make the cut they wanted to make, there's a new MFA with an application deadline May 1st. They've pulled together faculty from the New School, Columbia, Northwestern, Rutgers, etc., etc. (National Book Award winners, the like). So if you didn't get into your top choice school, and if you aren't sold solely on the branding and name of a university, you can still work with the same faculty through this non-residents' program. First year in Dublin, the next in Barcelona.
mfa.cedarcrest.edu
I just thought I would throw it out there. I'm applying because I once did a workshop with the director. Brilliant stuff.
Folks,
Quick question for you. I know I'm one of at least three people on the UVA waitlist for poetry. How often does a program like UVA dip into the waitlist? I know it's small--5 poets--and very selective, so I don't want to get my hopes up. On the other hand, it's always been my top choice and I'd do anything to attend.
Thanks in advance for your help.
--AMB
I applied to 7 program in "fiction" and was rejected from all of them.
For what it's worth, here is my final list:
Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
UMass Amherst
Ole Miss
UNCW
NC State
Just wondering: has anyone heard from Columbia University nonfiction yet?
people have heard from columbia u for cnf on the draft. I believe one just gave up her spot.
@c, thanks for replying. Should I be concerned if I've yet to hear back?
I'm not sure if waitlist people have been notified but if you're really wondering, just give them a call. a lot of people on the draft start calling if they haven't heard anything.
@BLOGGGGG i called columbia just today. not sure if nonfiction runs on a similar schedule with fiction (the genre to which i applied) but i was told that all notifications will go out either this week or the next. on gradcafe i saw that several people posted acceptances (again, for fiction) in early march, so i'm guessing at this point it's not good news.
@sirrah sirrah... MisterSammie ain't no joke. I be da man. Amen
Thanks popmartyr! I have to: say one of the huge upsides of this whole process has been witnessing the tremendous support and encouragement of everyone on the blog, hearing all of our stories, etc etc. It just seems like such a fantastic community.
In other news: just got an e-mail from UNC Greensboro saying my application was "still with the committee" and asking whether I was still interested in the program. Anyone else get an e-mail like this? Thoughts about what it means? Thoughts about their program generally?
Amen indeed, Mister Sammie, amen.
Undoubtedly, Bennett, that is a good sign. If they're not a full-funded program, it might mean that you haven't been chosen to receive funding. At worst, it means that they're seriously debating your entry. At worstest, i have no idea what i'm talking about and getting your hopes up.
Bennett, I got the same email from UNCG. I can only speculate.
Good luck kitdizze! Keeping my fingers crossed for both of us. And congrats popmartyr on New Orleans! Is that where you're planning on going?
Applied to four schools for MFA-Poetry:
Brown - rejection email March 8th
Bard - Interview email Feb 20th, rejection email March 22
NYU - Phone Acceptance Feb 28
Mills - Email Acceptance March 28
Just got into San Fran State!
But not going.
@Bennett- Unless I get into Hunter, which is the last school left to reply, I'm probably going to Columbia Chicago. Hope you get into UNCG.
I received 6 rejections and an acceptance to an MA throughout the first month of waiting. I was accepted into 3 MFA's this week, so maybe the fact that UVA and UNCG have held out on you is a good sign.
Well, being neurotic here, if UNO wants to fund, it does complicate the whole Chicago thing. Who knows?
@Curious: Thanks. I emailed them because I hadn't heard anything, and they told me I was on the list.
So I found this strange. I received my Wichita rejection today, which cited inadequate GPA and standardized test scores as the rationale informing their decision. They even went so far as to encourage me to take a few more classes for credit and trying again next year. What makes this odd is that my undergrad GPA is well over the 3.0 mark, and they don't even want the GRE as part of the application. Even if they did, they'd see that I scored in the 96th percentiles in both the verbal and analytical writing portions of the test. I wish that they'd be a little more precise with their reasoning. Since it was obviously the manuscript, say that it was the manuscript. Not criteria that's incidental at best and irrelevant at worst.
Anyone else get anything similar from here or anywhere else?
Thelron,
I've yet to hear from Wichita. And I think you're right--that rejection sounds bogus, especially since you have a high GPA and excellent test scores. I would rather a school not give me a reason for rejection if it's going to be a bad reason, ya know?
Does anyone know if Miami (Fl) is done notifying fiction admits?
Thanks!
I posted in the previous thread but I don't recall if anyone responded, so here goes again:
Rejected: Florida State, University of Michigan
Accepted: Eastern Michigan, George Mason
Haven't heard: Virginia Commonwealth
Has anyone at all here heard from VCU yet? I'm getting worried that they lost my papers or something. I know programs are all over the place with notifications, and their application was largely paper-based, so maybe they just take longer?
@Robert, I applied to VCU (poetry) and got an acceptance email around March 8 or so. I'm assuming all acceptances have been sent out, but not sure about their waitlist. Hopefully you'll hear something soon!
Thelron, sorry about the bad news, crappy letter. What genre did you apply to and how did you hear? Letter, email? Any info is appreciated.
Best!
@Robert - are you fiction? I was also accepted to George Mason and am leaning towards going there. What are your thoughts on the program?
Gosh, I really don't want to know the answer to this, as it is my last hope for getting into a program, but has Southern Illinois notified anyone one way or the other yet?
@Gabe, I emailed SIU about 10 days ago because I was wondering too. Allison wrote me back and told me that their decisions have not gone out yet because of delay caused by a faculty search and "other matters". She said that I'd be hearing soon, but yeah, that was 10-11 days ago. I applied there for poetry.
I just bought a lottery ticket since my odds are about as good as me getting into a program at this point...
@CaitlinM
Don't despair. This was year 3 of applications for me, and the first time I got any acceptances. Keep at it!
@Unknown
Yup, I'm fiction. As far as I know, I don't have a TAship, which is disappointing to say the least because, well, I don't have much money and I want to be teaching while I'm in school too. I am having trouble getting responses to questions, but I think they're pretty swamped at the moment.
I went to visit the program a little bit ago, and I love it; the class I sat in on was fantastic, the staff were very open about the program and answered even my most unfair questions (e.g. "Do you have a bias for accepting or rejecting certain types of writing?"), and the students I met in the program were very friendly. Northern Virginia is expensive and boring, but the campus is nice and there's lots of places within traveling distance.
@Lauren
I applied in fiction, so maybe that's not done yet, or there's a waitlist they're wading through? I haven't gotten a rejection either, so who knows . . . I'd just like to hear back from everyone before I make a final decision, and everything being so spread out is putting me on the edge of my seat.
@Miraclebeast Thanks for the advice. Did you email a specific administrator or just the general english grad email address at the bottom of the program info page? I emailed the latter a few days ago and have yet to hear anything.
Just got a formal BU rejection. That makes 2 rejections, 1 acceptance w/o funding, and 1 waitlist. Still waiting on San Diego State. I called, she asked for my name and said I should hear this week or very early next week. Hopefully that's a good thing. Maybe on a shortlist-- or could be a waitlist-- or a rejection list and they're just waiting to feel out initial responses and she was being nice.
Anyone heard from SDSU at all?
@CH, I am waiting for SDSU as well. I'll send good mojo your way if you send good mojo mine...maybe I should call and check, but I don't know if that would make me feel better or worse...
@Lisa and CH. I applied to SDSU last year and was told sometime after April 10th (I think it was the 13th or so) that I had gotten in with a sizable scholarship. They are just really, really slow to get back to people, but don't take not hearing as a bad sign.
Hunter-Poetry? Any responses?
@Gabe, thanks! Fingers crossed...
@Lisa, definitely sending good gibes your way. You should call Monday if you haven't heard anything. They'll look you up by name.
@Gabe , thanks, that's comforting to hear.
sending good thoughts to everyone !
@CH: How did BU notify you? And for what genre?
@Snoop Dogg, via e-mail and in poetry. The last time I spoke with someone on the phone they said they expected all decisions out by next week.
@CH Thanks for all the info about BU. I applied in Fiction, but at this point I just don't have much hope.
Called Wichita State Graduate School to check on status. Verbal rejection. Formal letter should be arriving any day. Reason given: rejection of manuscript. Not sure what that means. I did email my portfolio because an email address was provided with the name and contact information for submission purposes.
@blackhound
I applied to Wichita for fiction, and, as it seems you probably already found out, was rejected by mail.
While I'm at it, has anyone heard from any of the following?
Boise State
Bowling Green
Southern Illinois
I'm in at a couple places with no funding, so one of the three would be awfully nice.
Anyone on the Oregon State waitlist here any news of late?
So I emailed JHU about my waitlist status; the reply indicated that I would hear from Professor Brad Leithauser-- which seems like a cryptic way of saying I'm on the waitlist for finding out what my waitlist status is...
Accepted:
WVU (full funding)
Maryland (full funding
Waitlist:
Johns Hopkins
Rejected:
U of Florida
Assumed Rejections:
UVA
New Orleans
Oh my.
Hi everyone. I am a member of the draft on facebook and am a fan/lurker on this blog.
I am finally writing something: has anyone received a rejection from SFSU? I know theres been a bunch of acceptances but any rejections? Waitlists? Is there usually a waitlist for SFSU? Any info wld help. I'm dying! Its the end of March for peakessakes!
found out that University of Miami sent the letters out today March 30th!
Has anyone heard anything at all from UC Riverside? I'm dying!
Accepted: USF - nonfiction
Rejected: Wyoming, Montana, Boulder.
Has anyone received a rejection from Rutgers Newark yet?
Just got my email rejection from UVA (fiction). Nicely worded and said to expect an official computer-generated response in the next few weeks.
3 more to go...
@Lew, I was also wondering about Rutgers-Newark. Should we give them a call?
j
On the Rutgers-N site it says all applicants will be notified by April 20....do we have to wait it out?
@Peter307 UC Riverside main campus or Palm Desert? I have a friend who's already admitted to Palm Desert. I've not heard myself, but I applied a lot later than he did. No intel for you on the main campus.
@Abbey I will not object to you giving them a call if you would like. lol. Im not much of a conversationalist. I was thinking of emailing them.....
@Abbey Im almost sure that those who get an answer in April are rejections. I was asking if anyone got a rejection with hope that someone did and that means I still had a chance. I know I dont but I'm getting antsy. I atill havent heard from two schools and I applied to only 4. It's ridiculous!
Acceptances: Columbia University & Sarah Lawrence
Still Waiting: Hunter & New School
Has anyone else heard from either of these? This is all for poetry, by the way.
@Kyle - Thanks for the update! I applied to the main campus, although the low-res program looks fantastic. Best of luck, and thanks again.
@blood
Called Hunter today. They knew enough to tell me that it was likely I didn't get in. Maybe you could, at this point, at least find that much out. As to whether or not they've finalized their acceptances, I do not know. Good luck.
Carbondale anyone?
@Thelron - I heard from Boise State last week, via U.S. Post.
@MisterSammie
I appreciate the discussion that was spurred by your choice. I was accepted into Columbia's program two years ago, but couldn't bring myself to commit to that kind of debt - I moved to New York anyway while my husband attended Brooklyn College. I thought about applying again this year (but did not because of -tada- money). Columbia is a great University and has a lot to offer - is it the best Creative Writing Program? "No," but I think you can have an amazing experience at any school depending on how you value and treat your interactions with the faculty. I think you should go meet with them before you decide.
For me, I had a very positive experience with the faculty and students at Columbia - students were thoughtful and humble while the faculty members were patient and listened to me. That said, I still couldn't go. If you have the money, if you get along with the faculty, then I think it's worth considering. If you do go, let me know what it's like! =)
Hey guys - I've been absent from here for the past week, but I'm wondering if anyone is planning on declining a fiction spot at Kansas or a CNF spot at Iowa State? I am waitlisted at both and trying to figure out some stuff...any info would be appreciated!
If anyone not on the facebook group is looking for info on specific schools, I will do my best to try to find helpful information for you.
Hope the next two weeks are happy for all!
Hello all - looking for feedback as I am trying to decide between CalArts and Columbia. I'm well aware of Columbia's funding/size issues, but also really like their faculty... Columbia has offered some funding and I don't know about CalArts yet, but they're definitely not one of the fully funded programs... Thoughts?
@violet24 i'd say go with CalArts. their faculty is pretty great as well, and it'll cost u way less to attend the school and live in that area as compared to columbia univ (living in or near NYC is insanely expensive). also, the more famous members of the faculty at columbia aren't on campus every semester, so there's a good chance u won't get the professor u want. in addition, because the program has so many students (about 100 fiction students at any given time) and the more famous teachers only offer one course per year or so, u often have to enter a lottery system to get the class u want. and, even if u do get the class u want, because the classes r relatively large and because the teachers r so high profile and busy with their own work, it's highly unlikely you'll get any personal attention. and finally, the MFA at columbia is intensive. they make u take over 60 credits, which is way more than most other MFA programs. some people believe this is due to columbia's desire to bleed every penny out of their students (many can't complete all the requirements within 2 years, so they have to continue to pay the exorbitant tuition beyond the project 4 semesters). whatever their intentions, columbia's MFA program is so intense that it doesn't allow a lot of writing time, which kinda defeats the whole purpose of entering an MFA program. CalArts faculty, on the other hand, r very accessible, and offer way more personal attention. upon graduation, you're far more likely to receive professional assistance from CalArts faculty members than with Columbia faculty members.
@Bloodisthenewblack- I applied to both The New School and Hunter. I've heard nothing from the latter, but I did receive an email from The New School with my financial aid letter enclosed. Still have yet to receive an actual acceptance.
So two weeks ago, Boston U. gave acceptance offers and I was disappointed not to receive one. Two days ago they sent out rejections via email, I once again did not receive one (I don't know if I was disappointed or excited about this one). I confirmed that they had my application for review, so what does this mean? I called them a couple days ago, but the woman was so nice I chickened out of asking if they had my decision and just accepted her answer that I'd know by the end of next week.
I got my official rejection from UVA via email yesterday, so I guess I'll be applying again next year. Here's the final list of MFA programs that rejected me:
UNCG
NC State
Brown
FSU
JHU
UVA
All of them were in fiction.
I'd like to know if anyone on here got accepted to a program straight out of undergraduate school, where you went for undergrad if you did, and if you had a BA or a BFA. I'm just trying to figure out how common or uncommon getting into these programs is on your first year and I'm also looking for advice that might help me next year.
I've only been writing for about a year and half and graduated a year earlier than I'd expected(I changed majors a lot), so I went into the application process really unprepared. This experience alone has taught me so much about what to do differently next year. Thanks so much to everyone on the blog for the advice and support. It's nice to know an online community like this one exists.
@.... and @Lauren,
RE:Southern Illinois. I got in touch with Alison yesterday. Acceptances have gone out. The "waitlist is in process," whatever that means. Drag.
Thanks so much @radio -- just curious - how do you know so much about each program? I guess no one wants to come to Columbia's defense...
@violet24 i live in NY and have a couple friends who attended columbia's MFA for fiction, and i have a lot of friends who currently attend or graduated from columbia's grad programs in general. what i know of CalArts is less direct: i've read online posts about the program from current students. in a side-by-side comparison of fees, personal attention, faculty accessibility, focus on writing, living expenses, selectivity (the quality of the students they admit into the program), and many other categories, CalArts wins hands down (but, then again, pretty much any MFA program in the top 50 beats columbia in all or most categories). the reason u rarely see people defending columbia's MFA program is because it's hard to justify their practices and results. u might see columbia MFA grads who go on to be successful, but of the vast numbers that graduate, the success stories make up a very small fraction. and again because of the high number of acceptances, it's hard to find a sense of community within the group. especially since other programs only accept a certain type of writer, while columbia accepts pretty much any genre (i know they've accepted sci-fi, zombie fiction, crime/thriller, and chick lit).
but what i find to be columbia's biggest foible is how inaccessible their faculty is. in any field you're gonna need some connections, but this is especially true in the world of publishing. one of the greatest benefits of entering a respected MFA program is that the faculty members r already ensconced in the world of publishing, and they can introduce u into that sphere. but if the faculty members have to deal with too many students and r so famous as to have too much already on their plate (as it is with many of columbia's faculty), then it's unlikely they'll have any desire to develop a more personal relationship with their students. basically, in columbia, unlike any other MFA program, you're on your own, during school AND after graduation.
@Tree #1: I was accepted right out of my undergrad. In fact, in graduate in May. My degree is a BA in English. Most schools insist that what you majored in isn't a large factor, only your writing sample. I applied to fifteen schools for fiction with one acceptance, UMass-Amherst.
@unknown- Thanks and congratulations! With so many people who are applying for their third or so year, I was beginning to think nobody gets accepted on the first try. I definitely plan on broadening my school choices. At the time, six sounded like a lot.
Finally figured out how to get rid of the unknown tag. @Tree#1 thanks for the well-wishes! And yes, I thought it was a bit much to apply to fifteen, and my list ended up being awfully top heavy, but I can't express how grateful and fortunate I feel to be accepted to one of my top choices. Keep at it, you'll get in!
I am in the midst of a difficult decision and wanted to put the circumstances out to the community for helpful, thoughtful opinions. In a nutshell, I've been accepted to one of my top MFA programs but I have also been accepted to a MA program (Saint Louis U) that allows me to spend two years in Madrid, Spain. Both very exciting opportunities. I'm not so much interested in becoming a full time tenured teacher as I am in working within literary publications and community non-profits. Of course, all while striving to be consistently published. The MFA would allow me to develop my personal writing and possibly get experience working with a publication but the MA would certainly enhance my literary senses while refining my writing. Spain could also potentially provide me with more experience and depth than any time spent in a MFA program could. I could also lead Creative Writing ESL classes as I'm certified to teach English. Suggestions? Questions?
This is a question for anyone that was admitted to SFSU: Did you receive any word on financial aid? And if so was it through your online status, email or through the mail? How long after your acceptance did you receive it? This waiting for everyhting is driving me nuts!
Someone on the poetry waitlist at BU should be getting a call this week. Hope it's one of you lovely people!
@Tree#1
I just finished my B.A. in Creative Writing from Ohio University this winter quarter. I was accepted into UMD and WVU with full funding, wait-listed at JHU and UNO, and rejected from UVA and Florida. It's a pretty even distribution, really.
So yeah, it's possible, but I know a lot of people who didn't- even one of my friends who is such a good writer (but she applied to 10 schools- 7 of which were in the "top 10" on the p&w chart). I think some of my luck has to do with how I chose my schools- I didn't just look for programs that were generally awesome, I looked for programs that would be awesome for me, my writing, my style.
After the last two weeks of blissful unemployment, I kind of wish I'd taken a year off, though.
Has anyone here (or anywhere you've heard) declined acceptance to U Miami or GCSU?
Has anyone heard from (or about) Brooklyn College or Boston University for fiction? When I check the websites, they still have the "submitted" status.
I've seen that some people have gotten notified for acceptance and rejection, but I haven't heard a single word from either of them through any medium of communication.
I just want to know :-\
@Tree#1 = This was my first attempt at applying to Creative Writing MFA programs. I got into 3 with full funding, was waitlisted at a 4th, rejected from 7, have yet to hear back from 2. To answer your (or someone else's) question, I have another MFA, but in Visual Art. I wasn't sure if this was going to hurt or help me in the application process.
@Violet24= Cal Arts has a great MFA program in writing, but I imagine it is very different from Columbia's program. I think it very much depends on what kind of writing YOU DO and want to keep doing. Everyone I know who has gone to Cal Arts writing program has a strong interest in (visual) art as well. It's a very "arty" program with not just hybrid genre stuff going on, but people crossing over disciplines (into media, other departments at Cal Arts, etc.). I would imagine in some ways, it has more in common with Brown than Columbia. Also, I am pretty sure one of the key Cal Arts MFA faculty, Maggie Nelson will be out a big chunk of next year as I think she's having (or just had) a baby and going to be the writer in residence at the University of Wyoming for awhile.
@TheIronCage = I never heard a peep from Boise State and assume rejection as I heard other people being notified of acceptances about a month ago.
Does anyone have insight (posive/negative) on Sarah Lawrence and UMass Boston programs? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
@Better on Paper,
Are you fiction or poetry?
I did my undergrad at UMass Boston and had three of the best poetry professors anyone could ask for: Jill McDonough, Lloyd Schwartz, and Joyce Peseroff. They're so supportive. They go above an beyond to help you with publishing, teaching, etc. Plus, UMass is pretty cheap as far as many MFA programs go. It's a fairly young program, but I see it gaining lots of popularity in the oncoming years.
My biggest complaints have to do with the school's administration (not the most helpful, to say the least) and parking (which isn't that big of a deal, plus the redline drops you off right at the school, practically).
And there are some incredibly talented students in the program--they're humbling to work with, have great feedback on peers' work, and make you want to become a better writer. If I didn't just graduate from there, I'd probably accept their offer in a heartbeat.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
@blood and @popmartyr I'm also waiting to hear something, anything from Hunter Creative writing (memoir). According to their website (which IMO is tacky) short list should have heard back by 3rd week of March (which has now past) long list by first week if April.
Feeling blue.
L
@P!
I think Brooklyn (fiction) is just slow with their rejection letters based on comments on this blog from previous years.
@MAB--
Oh ok. So if I haven't heard anything by now, chances are I was rejected?
Well, I suppose that makes sense.
@Better on Paper
I'm so jealous that you got accepted to Sarah Lawrence! That would have been my first choice if I'd gotten accepted there. I've heard so many good things about the program, and it was recommended to me by a writing mentor that I really trust. It's also very well-regarded. I'm sure UMass has a great program too, but I don't know as much about it. All I know is that it's a young program, so it's not as widely recognized, which could have its pros and cons. Of course, I'm sure you've done your research. Good luck with your decision!
No wonder I'm not getting an answer about SFSU, I just realized the only person on here who reported a San Francisco acceptance was in USF not SFSU....
Anyone hear from Oregon State University? I've been placed on their wait list and am so stressed out about it.
Rejections:
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Cornell
University of Virginia
University of Oregon
Assumed rejection:
UC Irvine
Waitlisted:
Oregon State University
I'm completely on edge.
-M.
@Bob Bobberson,
I've been on the wait list since March 8th and haven't heard anything back since the week after that. Still waiting... on... that.... list. Eeek!
@Better on Paper
I did my undergrad at Sarah Lawrence, and loved every second of it. I have two friends that recently graduated from the SLC MFA fiction program, and both, as far as I know, had positive experiences. I recommend!
Just heard I'm on the waitlist at SIUC (for poetry). That was my final school! So, in the end, 3 acceptances (Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Eastern Washington, Chatham), two waitlists (Indiana, SIUC) and 13 super fun rejections (from the usual suspects, let's not rehash them all). Good luck to the rest of you still waiting to hear from schools!
@CH so far no word on anyone turning down gcsu.
I just called BU, and it seems fiction notifications are yet to go out. They said to wait a couple more days. Fingers crossed, people!
@Amy- I will be doing fiction, but I have heard great things about the support of the staff and other students at UMass Boston. Nice to hear it from someone who has been there!
@Anonymous & @Sally Jane- Thanks for your comments on Sarah Lawrence. Very helpful!
@Rice Ball, you have contacted the school and informed them of your interest in their program?(for all they know you've accepted another offer) If not, get on it asap. Assert the honor you feel as a mem. of their waitlist and if there is something else they need from you.
Maybe ask if there is some indication of list placement (they know everyone is making judgments right now)
Going into this, someone was nice enough to give me this kind of prep so I pass it along.
@Calgary, congrats. Heard great things about Indiana.
Anyone know any students there or any info?
With respect to UIUC, Brigit Pegeen Kelly is a gem. Multiple people named this program as a strong one (like Indiana).
In addition, everyone told me that SIUC is highly underrated. A great program with fine people.
You've got a nice set of schools checking out your goodies.
The madness is almost done, guys!
@Lia,
I have, in fact, attempted to call the contact person regarding admissions at least three times—but to no avail. (u,u;). But like you said, I'm going to get on it. Thanks for the 'down low', as they say, because I tend to be passive and am up to my neck in senior research and a heavy course load. Assert, I say—no excuses! (^_^)y Hope all is well with all of the fury ambling about to everyone here.
@Lia, yep, Brigit is the one who called me back in January to offer me a spot and I'm really looking forward to working with her. Of course I waited to hear back from all my schools but I've been pretty certain UIUC is where I'd end up all along...
To all y'all who are applying for the first time and feel discouraged, whether you haven't heard anything positive yet or you have gotten offers but w/ limited funding: I was in your position last year. I had to turn down offers from Montana and Mills because of funding (I shouldn't have applied to Mills/a private college not known to fully fund in the first place but I loved the faculty...). It was scary/sad to resign myself to doing the whole thing over again, but it paid off. It really is such a subjective process. Take heart and whatever encouragement you received this year and run with it for next year. You'll find a place where you are wanted.
ACCEPTED into QUEENS College Fiction
woot woot! found out today april 2nd via email!
Received all letters. Final picture:
Accepted:
Columbia Chicago
University of New Orleans
SFSU (only in the MA)
North Texas (MA period)
Rejected:
Wyoming
UNCW
Cornell
Illinois
Hunter
Montana
Mississippi
Any thoughts on the accepted? Not completely opposed to going to an MA, granted its really good and ripe with teaching opportunities.
Was accepted via email for Fiction by University of Texas-El Paso last night.
Was told they could not offer me funding T.A.-ing Creative Writing, but that I should apply for an English Composition T.A.-ship...
Have pretty much fully accepted another school's offer so I think I will be declining this.
QUESTION FOR FICTION APPLICANTS: did u guys submit chapters of a novel, a couple short stories, or both? and if sections of a novel, did u submit consecutive chapters or disjointed chapters? your answers will help a lot, thanks.
@Radio, I submitted one longer short story (about seventeen pages). For programs that asked for 20-30, I submitted a second short story about six pages long.
Radio, I applied to 10 schools, about half in fiction and half in poetry. So far, I've only received 2 acceptances(still have yet to get officially rejected from GSU and Wichita). Both acceptances were for poetry. I admit I spent more time on my poetry revisions than I did on my short stories. I sent out a total of 4 stories with my various appls (2 stories to each school), but decided which stories to send based on the school's page limit, which probably wasn't a good idea. My stories on average run about 14 to 16 pages, but for schools that wanted 20-25 pgs of fiction, I chose what I thought was my best story and paired it with a shorter piece. The shorter piece wasn't my best work, and I'm kicking myself for that now. If I had it to do over again, I'd have probaly sent only one story instead of tossing in a mediocre second one.
@radio I submitted anywhere from 2-4 short stories depending on the page limits/requirements of each department. But I used 4 short stories in a specific order, so all programs I applied to always got Stories #1 and #2 and if they allowed more, than #3 and #4. I probably should have played around with submitting these 2 here and these 2 there, but I was already so stressed, I decided to rank my stories and use that ranking for each school's application process.
@radio I sent in the beginning of a novel...
For all waiting for SDSU-fiction, I just spoke with someone in the office. She didn't ask for my name, but said that first-round acceptance letters would hopefully go out next week, they'd wait for any declines, and then send another round. She also said that it would be hard copy letter unless they felt "crunched for time," in which case they would also email. I'm not sure what "crunched for time" means seeing that it's April 3rd already, but what are you gonna do? I guess we keep waiting, and I go ahead and apply for that part-time faculty position at Northeastern assuming I'm sticking around Boston.
Just got my rejection from Boston University RE: fiction. Guess that's it for me this year. Good luck to everyone else who is still waiting.
I still haven't heard from the New School, & I need to make a decision this week. I've called their office three times and each time spoke with someone who told me they would call me "right back." But never did. Frustrating! I called today (April 3) and they told me that I would definitely hear by March 25. I said, "It's April 3rd. You mean, April 25th?" She said, "No, March 25. Oh. I see what you mean."
@NE_girl In what form did you receive your rejection from Boston University?
@ElizabethBennett it was an e-mail from Caroline Woods. Very nice and encouraging...but no mention of a waitlist.
@Everyone not attending an MFA program in the fall (myself included), for whatever reason: Do you want to share Plan Bs?
I'll start: I'm considering taking the money I saved for school and quitting my job at the end of the summer to travel and write for a few long months. Maybe try submitting a few pieces for publication, maybe start another travel blog, maybe apply again for Fall 2014, maybe not.
Who else has grand plans for life after rejection?
@Amy
about 8 years ago, i quit my job and went to Italy without much of a plan. I wound up living and working overseas for 6 years. I experienced life in Italy, Japan, and finally the Czech Republic where I stayed for four. I kept a journal throughout and in some ways (although I'm more of a fiction guy) I never wrote with such ease. There was something about setting myself free, not knowing what the future might bring.
The experience really changed me in many ways, opened me up.
One of the downsides is that I haven't been able to enjoy life as much since because nothing really compares. Its one of the reasons I decided to apply to an MFA program, to enter a new era of life.
In answer to your question, I have been accepted to a MAT English program. And since one of my goals is to teach English/writing/theatre to young people I am going to do that.
Unless UCF (which apparently has contacted Poets but no fiction writers that I have seen yet) accepts me. I wonder if anyone has seen anything on facebook or somewhere?
Good luck to you anyway, whatever you decide to do.
@Amy i gave up my teaching post two years ago in order to concentrate full-time on my doctoral dissertation. then, i got distracted with writing fiction, so pretty much on a whim, i decided to apply to several MFA programs. i had no idea it was this competitive. ironically, what was a whim is now a determined goal BECAUSE of the rejections. i was also planning on driving around a bit, visit some cities i've always wanted to see (particularly baton rouge). don't know if i'll actually do it, but it's nice knowing that i can.
@EVERYONE did anyone here visit the schools and request a brief introductory meeting with any of the MFA faculty prior to applying? if so, do u recommend it? any and all advice would be appreciated. i'm very new to this.
@Amy
You could also travel and improve your writing by attending writing workshops/conferences abroad. Clearly I have to plug the Kenya Writers Conference (http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/southampton/mfa/kenya.shtml)and the Florence Writers Conference (http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/southampton/mfa/florence.shtml), but there are other such programs as well. This might be the type of thing you are looking for.
San Diego State notified via email today! Accepted in poetry.
I'm on the fence about my Plan B. Maybe some people could offer their two cents? I was going to get a job basically doing whatever pays enough and still gives me time to write. This would be nice because I could take a break from school, have time for writing, and save up for MFA applications and moving next year.
Now, I'm considering getting my MA in English w a concentration in creative writing at the same school I did my undergrad ( which I finish this month). I like this option because it would give me more instructional and workshop time and I could keep my current pt job. The cons are that funding is minimal, I'd have to pick up a second pt job to pay the tuition and living expenses, and it would add another year to the time I would have to wait before reapplying for MFAs.
So what do you think? Is it worth it to get the MA?
@Dad Bubble and Me: I also lived abroad for a number of years (Argentina and New Zealand) and agree with everything you said! I was in Nicaragua for 10 days in February and wrote fiction daily, which is what's inspiring me to pack my bags again. Good luck on the MAT program (fingers crossed for the UCF program).
@Sally Janes - Attending a writing conference abroad sounds like a great idea! Thanks for the tips. I'm planning on heading east - Indonesia, S.E. Asia, Nepal, India - but I'm might search for similar programs.
Congrats, @CH! Fiction notices aren't going out until next week...keep thinking good thoughts for me!
@CH CONGRATS! where are you leaning towards?
@trees.. I'd apply again next year for the mfa. But then again, it depends on what your long term goals are. Like previously discussed on here, if you're going into a phd eventually an MA might be worth it. But I feel like taking up extra jobs just eats into your writing time. I worked two jobs most of my undergrad and my writing (my concentration) suffered. So much so that when asking for recs, my prof made a point in saying that she wasn't sure if I was dedicated enough. And I had to explain that I was just working a ft and pt job just to get by. I think that you can find writing workshops within your community and if you can't, there is the online community. I really believe that.
Hey all,
I contacted the program director at VCU to ask about my application (I was worried it was lost) and got a nice response saying that all the acceptances for the program had already gone out, so I'd be receiving a letter shortly with a different response. Unless there's a super secret wait list, I guess that means rejection. Oh well!
Here's my list then:
UofM (rejection)
FSU (rejection)
VCU (rejection/waitlist?)
EMU (acceptance)
GMU (acceptance)
Now comes the hard part: what to do if I have no financial aid at either place . . .
I told Northern Michigan University I was declining their 3-year Fellowship for a Fiction MFA this week.
It feels absurd to turn down such a good offer, but I don't feel it's the right program or location for me.
@monica
can you email me? christineamezquita at gmail dot com
thanks
Has anyone heard from Butler?
Has anyone heard from New School and Columbia University for poetry?
I got accepted for this fall and just graduated this December. I got my B.A. from Rhode Island College. I started writing seriously when I started school two and a half years ago. But I am 25 so I have more life experience than most people who graduated with me. If I didn't get in this year tho, I was just gonna try again. Just keep writing. We get in when our writing is ready. And anyway, a year or two off will give you time to be better prepared.
I really really need help here.
Something happened that I didn't expect after seeing so much rejection.
I've been accepted to UCF. I received the acceptance in email form. Its a bit strange because it comes from the dean of graduate studies and not the creative writing department, but it does say that I've been accepted to the Masters in creative writing.
I really was waiting to see the rejection letter.
My question is, what do I do now?! when I began this process I only applied to UCF and LSU because I had read that they are free programs. But after reading everyone's posts I realize that may not be true. So what am I supposed to ask?
First who should I ask and secondly do I ask if there is an assistantship available, a grant, or all of the above? Should I contact the creative writing dept and speak to them directly? (I realize that seems a ridiculous question but I am shocked)
Finally, what does anyone know about UCF? I haven't seen many other posts about it. Has anyone else applied? Has anyone NOT applied for specific reasons?
I feel like a 10 year old in high school asking you these questions, not even a hint of fuzz on my chin. But I would really appreciate your help and insight. I had sort of given up hope when I got the email this morning.
@Dad Bubble
- I have a friend who applied and also was accepted to UCF and was not notified of her funding either. Typically they will notify you a little later after the "dust settles" so to speak and after the final decision deadline of Apr. 15 about awards and funding distribution. But, if you're anxious to find out you can always call and ask if they have figured out funding distribution yet. They may already have all that hammered out. Otherwise I would give it till next week and see if you get a response from them about it and if you haven't found out by say Apr. 20 or so give them a shout and see if they've figured out the disbursement for funding and what your particular award is.
@idjulius
was your friend fiction? when was he/she notified? thanks for the advice.
@Dad Bubble and Me -- My 2c: no harm in calling the graduate office and the creative writing department, right? They already accepted you, and no one can blame you for being curious.
Oh -- CONGRATULATIONS! That's FANTASTIC news!
@Dad Bubble My friend was accepted for poetry but the process is all the same. Like @Bird said "No harm in calling the graduate office" the least they can do is tell you they don't know yet.
Grats on getting accepted. Have fun in Orlando. Don't spend too much time drinking butter beers at Harry Potter world.
Can I ask a really embarrassing question here? I feel idiotic but:
Was I supposed to apply for funding? I applied to the UCF program because I saw that the MFA funded nearly all of its students. During the application process I never saw anything to do with funding and I assumed that funding was different from financial aid (which I know you have to fill out a form with FAFSA). Have I missed the boat on something I should have already done? What i really hope for is an assistantship because I want to end up teaching. But maybe I was supposed to have applied for that already as well?
@DAD BUBBLE
nope- usually schools will let you know if you were accepted with full funding, tuition waivers, taship, or stipend early. But some schools don't know/figure that out until later. Just give them a call or send an email.
don't worry - I didn't figure any of this stuff out until after applying too. it can be overwhelming.
Anyone here know who he can call directly?
Hey thnx
I've been emailing the director of the program with previous questions, so I just emailed him one about funding. This blog has been great, even when I thought I wouldn't be getting in. Its been extremely helpful to me. Thnx to you all and good luck to you all.
To those attending an MFA program this fall, this is a silly/personal question, but are any of you going to have to leave behind/move away from significant others and other people really important to you, in order to pursue an MFA? It's been a worry on my mind...I want to pursue a certain career, but at the same time I don't want my personal life to fall apart.
@Unknown Not a silly question at all. I, in fact, limited my search to low-residency and local full-residency (sadly, there's only one) programs for exactly that reason.
My husband and I lived in different cities for several years. We were close enough that we got together almost every weekend, but it is a significant strain on any relationship. It's definitely something you and those who are important to you should discuss as part of the decision-making process.
Bear in mind, even the strongest relationships will go through a rough patch as you adjust to being apart. Personally, even though I know my relationship is strong enough to survive it again, I never want to go through it again, and that's why I limited my search so severely.
@P! genre?
@P! - Wow, congratulations! I am insanely jealous of your acceptance to BU. What a feat, as they are ultra competitive. Such a well-ranked school and I've heard amazing things about the program. I have a friend who got her MFA there and loved it. If you feel excited about BU, I say go with it. It's perfectly fine to withdraw your acceptance from the other school -- it happens -- especially since it's before the national deadline (April 15). Again, congrats!
@Kyle -- thanks for sharing your experience. I really appreciate the advice! I applied to schools near where my long-time boyfriend and I live, and to ones elsewhere just in case, but of course the acceptances (with funding) that I got came from schools in other states! This will certainly be a hard decision either way.
Has anyone heard from Queens College? I emailed them a fortnight ago and was told they were finishing their decisions but have heard nothing since.
@Unknown,
That is part of my decision process as well, mostly because I live with my significant other, and if I accept out of state, we will both be quitting our jobs and moving, and he'll have to find another one. I know that's not necessarily a possibility for lots of people, but it's something we talked about before I even sent off my applications, and it just turns out that I have a local acceptance and an out-of-state acceptance, so we have to make that decision. I think the important thing is that you make the decision together . . . when I talked to my undergraduate professors, they all said basically the same stuff about grad school: sometimes it breaks relationships, and sometimes it strengthens them, but it's hard to know. I'm shooting for the latter, in this case.
well, I called the graduate office, and the director of the program, and emailed him as well. Graduate office told me to contact him and he wasn't there. I've heard nothing back. This is almost worse than waiting for an acceptance because now I've gotten in the program (I danced with my dog, daydreamed about the program, and went to sleep happy) BUT don't know if I'll get funding.
Am I supposed to accept the acceptance? Or should I wait to hear about funding. Would it be better to accept now and tell them later I can't attend w/out funding? or should I wait. I'm just worried if I don't accept, I'll lose the opp.
@Dad Bubble and Me -- did they give you a deadline to accept? 4/15/12 is standard for many programs.
I wouldn't accept prematurely. As long as you haven't accepted, you've got leverage.
Don't panic. They gave you an offer; there's no reason for them to yank it away from you over the weekend without warning. Just get back in touch on Monday (if you can't today), and find out how long you have to make your decision.
@Dad Bubble - you are talking about UCF right? I talked with them this morning and they said they wouldn't know who and how much they were going to fund until the middle of the summer. They apparently have had trouble with their budget. Congrats on getting accepted - I got wait listed.
Wel I finally got in touch with Ron Padron and he told me that they don't know what funding is possible because they just received the total they have to work with and they should know by April 15th. Then he asked this: "Well, is your acceptance based on funding?!" and I paused--feeling a little awkward--and said. "well, yes. Funding is an important consideration for me." To which he apologized for possibly asking a too personal question and suggested that I accept and if I don't get any funding to take only part time courses until the next session when they can try for funding again. But it all seemed strange to me. 1st I applied to this program because they boasted a near 100% funding for all students. I understand about budget issues but it is a pretty important piece of the puzzle, right? I almost felt as if I were asking for something evil.
I live in NJ. Going to Florida and living there is going to cost me enough. I don't want huge debt at the end of it all. And to be part time means a longer program. I have to seriously rethink this. @ChaseMan, maybe you'll be getting a call sometime next week if you are at the top of the list.
@C Leaning toward SDSU.My wife has family there and I really like weather in California. Plus San Diego is a metro and has loads to do, so unless Miami takes me off their waitlist and offers a crazy amount of funding... I think I'm going to email GCSU tonight and decline. Good luck with the funding C. Hope someone enjoys my spot.
@Lisa Did you ever hear back from SDSU?
@Gabe, did you apply for that scholarship and did you end up going to SDSU? Do they offer tuition waivers?
SDSU has wonderful poetry faculty and I love their international focus. I'd really love to make it happen. What genres are both of you?
Anyone hear from GSU MFA Fiction? I know Phd admits are out, but it's maddening not hearing for MFAs!
@CH, I'm still waiting to hear from SDSU for fiction. I called earlier this week and they told me that the fiction first-round acceptances would hopefully go out next week. So I'm still keeping my fingers crossed! Congrats on your decision...perhaps I'll be following along...
@CH thanks for the update! I hate having to ask people where they're leaning all the time but it does get maddening not knowing if I'll get the funding. Congrats on SDSU - they provide funding right? it sounds like it would be a good fit since your wife has family and there would be a support system.
I'm going to WVU. Declined fully funded offer at Maryland.
@Robert - Very true. Making the decision together is important. It's hard because I know the long-distance thing could ultimately be our downfall -- but it's looking like that's the only option besides, well, you know. I almost wish I had no attachments so this would be easier! :( Have you made your decision yet? I've accepted at George Mason, after much mulling.
@Unknown. I've always hoped that the best are strongest relationships are those that encourage one another to grow in the way they want to grow. It is only a 2 year program? or 3? And you'll have holidays as well. In a way it may be a good thing. Since you'll be separated during uni, you can focus only on your work and during holiday focus on your relationship, and hopefully at the end come out a stronger writer with a stronger relationship too. And if your partner is the right one for you, they'll be happy to see you grow.
Post a Comment