tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post3585012572569728140..comments2024-03-18T23:15:13.800-07:00Comments on THE MFA BLOG: New Mailbag--Dec 1, 2008Tom Kealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11913868167191023096noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-76633817520443303282008-12-27T22:19:00.000-08:002008-12-27T22:19:00.000-08:00Can anyone tell me anything about the following fi...Can anyone tell me anything about the following fiction programs?<BR/><BR/>1. San Diego State<BR/>2. Oregon<BR/>3. Florida State<BR/>4. Any other warm weather (BEACHES a plus!) program<BR/><BR/>I read in Tom Kealey's book about some faculty/student friction at Oregon - any update to that?<BR/><BR/>I spent a number of years as a teacher of English, at almost every grade level, and I know first-hand that for every one of us who aspires to write professionally there are hundreds of young people waiting to be touched by our poetry, our stories, and our articles.<BR/><BR/>Best of luck.Danielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09667863514769849631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-89763052724346081992008-12-11T20:54:00.000-08:002008-12-11T20:54:00.000-08:00err.. that was "funding" not "finding." No more ty...err.. that was "funding" not "finding." <BR/><BR/>No more typing today for me.MonicaJBrownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12112911599820283985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-84715547093432642232008-12-11T20:53:00.000-08:002008-12-11T20:53:00.000-08:00Unsaid, Sara e.g., Leslie --Thanks. Michigan's...Unsaid, Sara e.g., Leslie --<BR/><BR/>Thanks. Michigan's lovely double SOP treatment is now completed and submitted. (And I did write two seperate statements... and I agree with sara. I think my combined statement was stronger than the two seperate ones. C'est la vie.)<BR/><BR/>LeRoy --<BR/><BR/> I like Michigan's faculty, their finding, and what I hear of ann arbor. :) I've never been there, so that's about all I can offer you. Maybe check out the P&W speakeasy for more specific insight to the program.MonicaJBrownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12112911599820283985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-75085846628015911402008-12-11T16:20:00.000-08:002008-12-11T16:20:00.000-08:00I did the 2 separate statements for U of Michigan....I did the 2 separate statements for U of Michigan. I used a form of my SOP for one and then did a personal history for the other one. I just covered major factors that determine who I am and where I am at this point in life and how I feel the school can contribute to my continued success lol. I "lol" but that's really what I did.JayTeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923700657540655227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-52678134152722286662008-12-11T15:24:00.000-08:002008-12-11T15:24:00.000-08:00Hi M. and Leslie--I had the same problem. I finall...Hi M. and Leslie--<BR/><BR/>I had the same problem. I finally figured a way to do it, but not without struggle. I also don't think the two statements together are as strong as my one SOP for other schools. So much "personal" information correlates to "academic" experience, but I found it better in the academic statement to go more on my actual research interests (um, besides just writing poetry, which is tempting to say.) <BR/><BR/>Yes, I think it's a bit excessive, but I love what they have to offer too much.<BR/><BR/>And I've been to Ann Arbor, and found it very charming. It seems like a very lovely place to spend two (or three) years.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-76923630641366036062008-12-11T15:13:00.000-08:002008-12-11T15:13:00.000-08:00i did have that problem, very annoying. i just wen...i did have that problem, very annoying. i just went with something more anecdotal for the personal statement, something that seemed too long to go into in the statement of purpose.lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11363111168036883515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-54654649030398797412008-12-11T15:12:00.000-08:002008-12-11T15:12:00.000-08:00M.What fascinates you about Michigan? I've started...M.<BR/><BR/>What fascinates you about Michigan? I've started an application but am equivocating on finishing it. <BR/><BR/>I've been to Ann Arbor and didn't like it.<BR/><BR/>What do you see in the program?<BR/><BR/>- LWarrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01025502757942133663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-52959574650060964482008-12-11T15:10:00.000-08:002008-12-11T15:10:00.000-08:00haha forgive my typo. That was supposed to be I'm...haha forgive my typo. That was supposed to be I'm tempted, not "I tempted..."<BR/> <BR/>I'm losing it. :)MonicaJBrownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12112911599820283985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-79301990640042481332008-12-11T15:09:00.000-08:002008-12-11T15:09:00.000-08:00:( Are any other U of Michigan applicants having ...:( <BR/><BR/> Are any other U of Michigan applicants having trouble making the distinction between the "Statement of Purpose" and "Personal Statement?"<BR/><BR/>I'm really excited about U of M's program, but am aggravated by this requirement! My academic and personal "journey," as the website calls it, are coorelative. It is much clearer to discuss them together in one letter as I did for other schools! Grr.. I tempted to upload the same letter twice, but don't want them to think I'm a smartass.<BR/><BR/>Forgive me U of M., I still love you, I'm just ready to get apps. in the mail and I'm struggling with this last bit.<BR/><BR/>Anyone else?MonicaJBrownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12112911599820283985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-38693038673534294542008-12-11T14:26:00.000-08:002008-12-11T14:26:00.000-08:00i agree with michelle. i still have a missing reco...i agree with michelle. i still have a missing recommender (eek!) so reliability should be a major factor. <BR/>a question about samples:<BR/>unless it is specified, what are people putting at the top of each page on writing samples...name? ssn? program applying to?<BR/>thanks!lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11363111168036883515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-32680511687657047412008-12-11T14:12:00.000-08:002008-12-11T14:12:00.000-08:00Kerry,I think if it's a successful partnership it ...Kerry,<BR/><BR/>I think if it's a successful partnership it will be a great reference. If you worked together for a long time, or earned money, or were published, or the work is ongoing, I think your partner could attest to your work habits, the quality of your work, what you're like to do business with. I'd hesitate only if it were a short-term thing, or personal,or if the work itself is something you wouldn't want to describe to the committee. IMHO :)michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09849287845323243066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-38341093554763467852008-12-11T13:59:00.000-08:002008-12-11T13:59:00.000-08:00Kerry, in theory it sounds all right, but I'm conc...Kerry, in theory it sounds all right, but I'm concerned an admissions committee might not find any value in it, unless this writing partner is published or somehow established.<BR/><BR/>Maybe others will disagree.eLilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12810829705917106693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-12198911724241563032008-12-11T13:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T13:18:00.000-08:00Question about the LOR: Is it wrong to have a writ...Question about the LOR: Is it wrong to have a writing partner write one of them? I already have one of my writing teachers and an academic adviser who are both very familiar with my work. The third person I was considering is also a current teacher of mine who has seen a lot of my writing, but I don't know if I trust her to be reliable. I definitely trust the writing partner. Anyone have an opinion?<BR/><BR/>Thanks!Kerry Headleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09602075635546406069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-30060344413207874272008-12-11T13:00:00.000-08:002008-12-11T13:00:00.000-08:00Hi LeRoy -- I did not. I'm not against it, I just...Hi LeRoy -- I did not. I'm not against it, I just didn't happen to do it.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08887749173643713230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-54904319548943904632008-12-11T12:57:00.000-08:002008-12-11T12:57:00.000-08:00Hi LeRoy,I referenced one of my stories in my stat...Hi LeRoy,<BR/><BR/>I referenced one of my stories in my statement.marsupialhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01746777310469773086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-23623631591143441922008-12-11T12:43:00.000-08:002008-12-11T12:43:00.000-08:00Mailbag on a Thursday? That's crazy!I'm just kidd...Mailbag on a Thursday? That's crazy!<BR/><BR/>I'm just kidding. It's the end of the semester. Things are hectic. <BR/><BR/>But then, things are only bound to get more hectic with the holidays. How's tomorrow?<BR/>Special Weekend EditioneLilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12810829705917106693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-71223658323167464772008-12-11T12:35:00.000-08:002008-12-11T12:35:00.000-08:00How many of y'all specifically referenced your wri...How many of y'all specifically referenced your writing, the manuscript you're submitting, within your statement of purpose/personal statements.Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01025502757942133663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-16131588322054172582008-12-11T11:42:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:42:00.000-08:00MollyRead it. Figure out why they didn't publish i...Molly<BR/><BR/>Read it. Figure out why they didn't publish it. Fix it. Send it. <BR/><BR/>- LeroyWarrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01025502757942133663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-35481972052184191892008-12-11T11:33:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:33:00.000-08:00Molly-I guess it depends on how you feel about you...Molly-<BR/><BR/>I guess it depends on how you feel about your second piece. If you think it's of better quality than the one they almost accepted or that it is more representative of the work you're doing now or want to be doing in a program, then I'd send in the second one. If you really feel like your first story is the better of the two, then go ahead and send it in. I mean, you do know they like it.<BR/><BR/>Does anyone else feel the need for a new mailbag?Adriennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07970238705905558523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-30794603937397967822008-12-11T11:20:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:20:00.000-08:00I am trying to decide between two stories to send ...I am trying to decide between two stories to send in my manuscript and have an interesting dilemma. I had submitted one of these stories to the literary magazine of a certain MFA program months back. About a month ago, I received an email from the editor of this magazine -- who also happens to be the director of the MFA program -- asking if my story was still available for publication. He said they were debating which stories to publish in their next issue, and they hadn't made any decisions yet, but my story was one they were considering.<BR/><BR/>I haven't heard back from him since, so I'm assuming they decided to pass. However, they liked it well enough to "almost" publish it, I guess. <BR/><BR/>So my question is: do you think I should send this story with my MFA application, or the other one? I'm inclined to say this one, but wanted to get some other opinions.Molly Maehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00832098658034161833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-52492413870787250142008-12-10T18:03:00.000-08:002008-12-10T18:03:00.000-08:00I guess I'd just sort of like to give a shout-out ...I guess I'd just sort of like to give a shout-out to Vanderbilt. I've had many issues with applying there (no fault of their's, all human error) and they have been super fantastic to work with. Four e-mails I've sent them, and they have responded quickly, pleasantly, and helpfully. Even if I don't end uup being accepted or going there, I think I will recommend them to anyone just based on character alone.Adriennehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07970238705905558523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-4918383083524243652008-12-10T17:34:00.000-08:002008-12-10T17:34:00.000-08:00Jesse -- my SOP was a letter, but my teaching stat...Jesse -- my SOP was a letter, but my teaching statements were two page doubled spaced essays with "Teaching Statement of . . ." at the top.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08887749173643713230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-12390342393243189992008-12-10T15:18:00.000-08:002008-12-10T15:18:00.000-08:00And now its panic time. Illinois and Minnesota ha...And now its panic time. Illinois and Minnesota have their deadlines next week and my last recommender just left the country until the 21st before I get him to sign the damn envelopes. I am now bordering on complete meltdown. This is unhealthy.Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05884356429183648582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-83979040635043259742008-12-10T15:15:00.000-08:002008-12-10T15:15:00.000-08:00Hey, question to all y'all about teaching statemen...Hey, question to all y'all about teaching statements: How have you been formatting them? I'm not sure whether to do it like my letter-like SOP or to do it more like an essay. <BR/><BR/>I also assume it probably shouldn't be more than one page single-spaced or two pages double-spaced?<BR/><BR/>Anybody have any words of wisdom to lend on the subject?Jesse Thiessenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13247012640554403836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-48415433713104383972008-12-10T08:34:00.000-08:002008-12-10T08:34:00.000-08:00(so I notice there are two Emilys here - I'm poetr...(so I notice there are two Emilys here - I'm poetry Emily, not the NF Emily who was just posting about Iowa)<BR/><BR/>Anyway... I still have not heard back from my MIA recommender, but I lined up a backup today. Phew! Sooooo relieved!<BR/><BR/>And I completely rewrote my SOP last night. I think I like it. Must reread it today while no longer under the influence of too much coffee late at night.Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02608421232179032744noreply@blogger.com