tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post3909812800989434743..comments2024-03-28T02:14:08.783-07:00Comments on THE MFA BLOG: Applying in 2007 or 2008?Tom Kealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11913868167191023096noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-37405067611049387502007-09-03T21:47:00.000-07:002007-09-03T21:47:00.000-07:00Again, everyone pretty much pointed out all the th...Again, everyone pretty much pointed out all the things one needs to consider before applying to MFA programs. <BR/><BR/>Are you ready for it personally/professionally? If you take a break, will you go back at all? And if you go back, will you attack your passion for writing with the same vigor you may have had you started grad school right away? I know after I applied to MFA programs, when I was waiting the few months to hear back from them, I was considering taking a few years off and join the peace corps because I was afraid that maybe I wasn't mature enough to produce the kind of work that would be expected of me.<BR/><BR/>I could go on forever. Really you just have to search yourself. And don't be afraid. Or rather, don't be afraid of fear :-)Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16198812379388037510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-21265291744378255892007-08-29T10:05:00.000-07:002007-08-29T10:05:00.000-07:00Anna has some really great points and I'll second ...Anna has some really great points and I'll second them.<BR/><BR/>I'd also like to add that the application process itself is a huge time committment and will take away from school work and time needed to polish that writing portfolio. If you are ahead of your projected graduation date, I imagine it's because you've been taking heavy course loads. If that's the case, be careful not to jeopardise your coursework and GPA just to rush your application, especially if you feel your writing could benefit from more time and polish. The application process is also a monetary layout, and there's no point in wasting money on a "practice year" of applications.<BR/><BR/>Anna's also right on that whole taking a break from coursework thing. It's important to feed your brain (and writing) with other input than just school stuff. <BR/><BR/>On the practical side, jumping right into a fall 08 program after summer 08 graduation most likely won't leave you more than three or four weeks between graduation and the start of a new program. You'd be spending those few weeks packing, moving, probably doing teaching orientation, and somewhere in there finding an apartment. And don't forget all the bureaucratic hoops you'll be jumping through all summer just to graduate in the first place. I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it. <BR/><BR/>None of this is to discourage you but to point out a few possible challenges to the process.Bolivia Redhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16456888682134585210noreply@blogger.com