I need some help. I got into Otis College in LA and I'm going to end up having 23,500 or so loans a year, so like 47-50k for my entire masters. I have no way of gauging how difficult this will make things for me once I graduate. I think the only job available for me will be teaching and I have no idea how hard it will be to find a teaching job. Any advice? Is that a lot of debt to have?
That is a lot of debt. Teaching jobs will not be easy to find. They also don't exactly pay the big bucks.
It's my opinion that a MFA is valuable because it gives you two years to get better as a writer. If taking out debt forces you to work unfulfilling jobs for years to pay it off, that kinda defeats the purpose.
How old are you/how many times did you apply? I would say your best bet is to try again next year.
Also, take a gander at some MA programs, because some of them offer funding and the MA -> MFA route is not all that uncommon. It will also make you a bit more qualified to teach Literature, which is a valuable asset to have when applying to teaching gigs. Would also prep you for an English PhD if you later decide to go that route.
Just remember this before you tell yourself you can't wait another year: the difference between your situation and a fully funded program is $80,000.
I need advice. I'm sure there are a few of you out there who have gone through the same thing. I was accepted in an MFA program that I really like (with some funding) but that is not top tier. Concurrently, I have been waitlisted at a couple including my #1 choice (top 10). Let's focus on the top choice: Of course I have no idea where I am on the waitlist or whether they will be reaching out to people from the waitlist or not. What would you do? Start in September the program that accepted me from the beginning or wait and see if next year I could get into my top choice? Thanks.
I need advice. I'm sure there are a few of you out there who have gone through the same thing. I was accepted in an MFA program that I really like (with some funding) but that is not top tier. Concurrently, I have been waitlisted at a couple including my #1 choice (top 10). Let's focus on the top choice: Of course I have no idea where I am on the waitlist or whether they will be reaching out to people from the waitlist or not. What would you do? Start in September the program that accepted me from the beginning or wait and see if next year I could get into my top choice? Thanks.
Well, Su, you could call your top choice and ask them about your waitlist spot: why they chose you, what they thought of your writing, what you could do to strengthen your application for next year, etc. You could flat-out ask them if you might have a good chance next year.
Otherwise, from all we've heard from other applicants, even being on a waitlist one year does not necessarily mean you'll get in (or even waitlisted again) that top program again next year. So much seems to be a crapshoot, even among a program's top applicants. But I'd give them a call and see if anyone will have a conversation about it. If so, they might get to know you a bit more, and they'll give you a fuller picture of how they view your application and your writing. But if you can't even reach someone for this conversation, then that might say a lot, too.
What does "some funding" mean at your accepted program? If everything else is falling into place, such as location, the program itself, etc., then I'd suggest you go. But without full funding, that makes it a little more difficult of a decision.
If you are really unsure, keep in mind that there's usually no reason to rush into doing an MFA immediately. Waiting a year or two is not the end of the world. So it might come down to how excited you really are about this program that accepted you. If it is the right fit and you were excited about it prior to the top program's waitlist, then maybe you need to stop worrying about it not being "top tier."
Hi All, if anyone is thinking of reapplying or freshly applying for 2014, here's free info on fully funded MFA programs: http://affordingthemfa.wordpress.com/
If you haven't heard from McNeese, you didn't get into the program. I called John Griswold. He finally returned my call. All acceptances have been sent and people have accepted and filled any open positions.
Offered admission at Eastern Washington U. I accepted. Mills College offered me admission. I declined. Vermont College of Fine Arts offered admission. I declined.
Rejected by:
Iowa Writer's Workshop Wyoming Michigan Utah Boise State
Thanks for doing this! I've been accepted by The New School and Sarah Lawrence for poetry. The New School is giving me a 30% tuition scholarship but Sarah Lawrence is giving me nothing. I will know in mid-June if I'm getting a big sch
Scholarship which will pay for everything if I get it so the 30% from new school helps but won't be critical. Any one who can advise on which program will really TEACH me to be a better poet will be helping so much! Thank you!
Hi, I got a late offer with 30% tuition scholarship from the new school and an early offer with no money from Sarah Lawrence. Am torn and need some advice!
Hi friend the information that you provide that was awesome.I really like your way but few days ago i was visiting a site its is good site . For More..
222 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 222 of 222I need some help. I got into Otis College in LA and I'm going to end up having 23,500 or so loans a year, so like 47-50k for my entire masters. I have no way of gauging how difficult this will make things for me once I graduate. I think the only job available for me will be teaching and I have no idea how hard it will be to find a teaching job. Any advice? Is that a lot of debt to have?
@Ben Linus...I heard from Bennington just under a month ago. I suggest calling the admissions office if you haven't already. Best of luck!
@ Lee S
That is a lot of debt. Teaching jobs will not be easy to find. They also don't exactly pay the big bucks.
It's my opinion that a MFA is valuable because it gives you two years to get better as a writer. If taking out debt forces you to work unfulfilling jobs for years to pay it off, that kinda defeats the purpose.
How old are you/how many times did you apply? I would say your best bet is to try again next year.
Also, take a gander at some MA programs, because some of them offer funding and the MA -> MFA route is not all that uncommon. It will also make you a bit more qualified to teach Literature, which is a valuable asset to have when applying to teaching gigs. Would also prep you for an English PhD if you later decide to go that route.
Just remember this before you tell yourself you can't wait another year: the difference between your situation and a fully funded program is $80,000.
Nice blog.
Thank you for sharing.
Fall Protection
I need advice. I'm sure there are a few of you out there who have gone through the same thing. I was accepted in an MFA program that I really like (with some funding) but that is not top tier. Concurrently, I have been waitlisted at a couple including my #1 choice (top 10). Let's focus on the top choice: Of course I have no idea where I am on the waitlist or whether they will be reaching out to people from the waitlist or not. What would you do? Start in September the program that accepted me from the beginning or wait and see if next year I could get into my top choice? Thanks.
I need advice. I'm sure there are a few of you out there who have gone through the same thing. I was accepted in an MFA program that I really like (with some funding) but that is not top tier. Concurrently, I have been waitlisted at a couple including my #1 choice (top 10). Let's focus on the top choice: Of course I have no idea where I am on the waitlist or whether they will be reaching out to people from the waitlist or not. What would you do? Start in September the program that accepted me from the beginning or wait and see if next year I could get into my top choice? Thanks.
Well, Su, you could call your top choice and ask them about your waitlist spot: why they chose you, what they thought of your writing, what you could do to strengthen your application for next year, etc. You could flat-out ask them if you might have a good chance next year.
Otherwise, from all we've heard from other applicants, even being on a waitlist one year does not necessarily mean you'll get in (or even waitlisted again) that top program again next year. So much seems to be a crapshoot, even among a program's top applicants. But I'd give them a call and see if anyone will have a conversation about it. If so, they might get to know you a bit more, and they'll give you a fuller picture of how they view your application and your writing. But if you can't even reach someone for this conversation, then that might say a lot, too.
What does "some funding" mean at your accepted program? If everything else is falling into place, such as location, the program itself, etc., then I'd suggest you go. But without full funding, that makes it a little more difficult of a decision.
If you are really unsure, keep in mind that there's usually no reason to rush into doing an MFA immediately. Waiting a year or two is not the end of the world. So it might come down to how excited you really are about this program that accepted you. If it is the right fit and you were excited about it prior to the top program's waitlist, then maybe you need to stop worrying about it not being "top tier."
Still haven't heard anything from McNeese . . .
April has come and gone . . . McNeese needs to let us know!
Hi All, if anyone is thinking of reapplying or freshly applying for 2014, here's free info on fully funded MFA programs: http://affordingthemfa.wordpress.com/
Anyone apply to City College of New York? Facing a lonely wait after the May 1st deadline.
Affording the MFA is a free resource on programs that fully fund all students equally!
If you haven't heard from McNeese, you didn't get into the program. I called John Griswold. He finally returned my call. All acceptances have been sent and people have accepted and filled any open positions.
All fiction:
Offered admission at Eastern Washington U. I accepted.
Mills College offered me admission. I declined.
Vermont College of Fine Arts offered admission. I declined.
Rejected by:
Iowa Writer's Workshop
Wyoming
Michigan
Utah
Boise State
Thanks for doing this! I've been accepted by The New School and Sarah Lawrence for poetry. The New School is giving me a 30% tuition scholarship but Sarah Lawrence is giving me nothing. I will know in mid-June if I'm getting a big sch
Scholarship which will pay for everything if I get it so the 30% from new school helps but won't be critical. Any one who can advise on which program will really TEACH me to be a better poet will be helping so much! Thank you!
Hi, I got a late offer with 30% tuition scholarship from the new school and an early offer with no money from Sarah Lawrence. Am torn and need some advice!
Thanks for the helpful post..i really appreciated…
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