tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post3641645320089816780..comments2024-03-28T02:14:08.783-07:00Comments on THE MFA BLOG: Mailbag--September 13, 2008Tom Kealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11913868167191023096noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-16447972481350599992008-09-30T12:31:00.000-07:002008-09-30T12:31:00.000-07:00Mike,A typical way to fulfill the language require...Mike,<BR/><BR/>A typical way to fulfill the language requirement might be to take an intensive "graduate reading knowledge" course, leading to a reading knowledge exam.<BR/><BR/>Don't take programs with language requirements off your list. If you gain admission to a program with a language requirement, at that point take the time to figure out where you stand and ways to fulfill the requirement. Chances are, this will be simpler than you think right now.<BR/><BR/>Good luck.<BR/><BR/>LizzyLizzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01722516560885221073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-15607284457116010812008-09-29T08:17:00.001-07:002008-09-29T08:17:00.001-07:00this is a sort of random place to ask this, but do...this is a sort of random place to ask this, but does anyone know about the deadline for UT Michener Center? On the MFA web site, it says December 15, but then on another section of the UT Web site that lists deadlines, it says Jan 15. I know lots of people are applying there and have applied there in the past, so does anyone know when applications are really due?Jess T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09514348653781691013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-54788992001774242182008-09-29T08:17:00.000-07:002008-09-29T08:17:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jess T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09514348653781691013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-30388446783182342352008-09-28T15:59:00.000-07:002008-09-28T15:59:00.000-07:00when is the latest i should take the gre? i think...when is the latest i should take the gre? i think i read on this blog schools will still be able to receive scores if the test is taken no later than Nov. 1st? correct?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-13584583351754318412008-09-28T15:07:00.000-07:002008-09-28T15:07:00.000-07:00luke-Very helpful. Many thanks.luke-<BR/><BR/>Very helpful. Many thanks.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-6833796049896210482008-09-28T14:01:00.000-07:002008-09-28T14:01:00.000-07:00Does having work published in a school's national ...Does having work published in a school's national journal have any effect on an applicant's chances?Happy Ciancihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07665962760633787912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-8267726972331190122008-09-27T13:33:00.000-07:002008-09-27T13:33:00.000-07:00Does anyone know what the deal is with Pittsburgh'...Does anyone know what the deal is with Pittsburgh's 50 page writing sample? I haven't seen this requirement for any other programs.Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05595051691848525567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-40018895666666465072008-09-27T13:32:00.000-07:002008-09-27T13:32:00.000-07:00Foreign Language Requirements:I was curious if any...Foreign Language Requirements:<BR/>I was curious if anyone knows how strict most programs are with their foreign language requirements. I have read that the requirements can usually be fulfilled in a variety of ways, but I am not sure whether I would be able to work on learning the language while in the MFA program. I took a couple of years of French in high school, and one class in college. My knowledge basically amounts to a list of random vocabulary words. I am not sure whether I need to automatically take any programs with such a requirement off of my list. Any info would be appreciated.The I.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13638783601681088084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-87699550150653486822008-09-27T08:05:00.000-07:002008-09-27T08:05:00.000-07:00Hey Sara--Those mixed seminars are certainly worth...Hey Sara--<BR/><BR/>Those mixed seminars are certainly worth asking about. From what I understand, it seems as though they're working towards switching the format so only during the first semester of the first year do you have this grad/undergrad seminar. <BR/><BR/>I think the main reason they have it is so the faculty can get a sense how you respond to undergraduate work, as the second year teaching fellowships are for a workshop-based creative writing class. They want to make sure you're not simply going to dismiss the undergrad work out-of-hand because it's done by undergradutes. That being said, there are a handful of undergrads who will really knock your socks off with their writing, feedback, maturity, etc, and are in the process of applying to (and getting into) top-rate MFAs. There are also undergrads writing sonnets about krispy kreme donuts.<BR/><BR/>So I guess what I'm trying to say the seminar is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that it's a chance to work with another faculty member and other grad students you wouldn't otherwise. A curse in that you'll oftentimes deal with lower-level concerns. Anyway, it seems as though they're phasing it out b/c there were a lot of complaints last year, but I think it's largely dependant on the attitude you carry in.<BR/><BR/>Hope this was helpful.<BR/><BR/>-LJLuke Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01485195273934420368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-47512621464740689742008-09-26T16:35:00.000-07:002008-09-26T16:35:00.000-07:00A question for Luke at Hollins:I'm curious how you...A question for Luke at Hollins:<BR/><BR/>I'm curious how your workshops go that include both graduate and undergraduate students. How is the dynamic? Do the undergraduate students take it seriously enough? (Personally, when reading that classes were mixed, I experienced an "uh oh" moment, but would love to have that dispelled.)<BR/><BR/>Thanks in advance.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-49985452467570427472008-09-26T12:51:00.000-07:002008-09-26T12:51:00.000-07:00is anyone else applying to houston kind of flummox...is anyone else applying to houston kind of flummoxed by their website? their application info section is really ragged and doesn't seem to even have a link to their application...bri chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12443779076508344553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-58044643416075462892008-09-25T11:36:00.000-07:002008-09-25T11:36:00.000-07:00I've come across a few schools that are asking for...I've come across a few schools that are asking for cover letters/pages. I'm a little confused on how this differs from the personal statement? Are they asking for a cover letter in the vein of what one would write when applying for a job (which would reiterate some of what's said in the ps) or are they simply asking for a cover sheet with my name and list of works? San Jose asks to include educational info, so I assume they want a full cover letter. Does this seem correct?<BR/><BR/>Also, am I supposed to be sending these out to all the MFA programs? Even the ones that don't ask for it?<BR/><BR/>All this cover letter business has halted my application flow. I appreciate any help. Thanks.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00552968889629160581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-33983600364317506922008-09-24T19:24:00.000-07:002008-09-24T19:24:00.000-07:00To SE Allen about CNFThis is an emerging field and...To SE Allen about CNF<BR/><BR/>This is an emerging field and most good CRW programs are taking it seriously. Speaking for us, FSU has hired two nonfiction writers in the last couple of years, in addition to Bob Shacochis. If you look at the job ads at AWP, you'll see a growing number for this specialization. <BR/><BR/>We generally put our prose applications together -- fiction and CNF -- and separate them from poetry. <BR/><BR/>At FSU we require students to take one worshop out of their primary field, and this leads people to stretch themselves creatively.<BR/><BR/>One result, because of our new infusion of CNF faculty, we have more CNF theses and dissertations. In fact, one of our recent grads has a memoir coming out with Riverhead ... It's a burgeoning field and exciting things are happening across the board, in most CRW programs.<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't hesitate to get on the phone with the programs who haven't made it clear and talk to them ... I think you'll find a national trend really taking root.<BR/><BR/>All my best,<BR/><BR/>Julianna Baggott, Asst. Director, CRW, Florida StateJulianna Baggotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12824381589931882874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-76743058841387646202008-09-24T19:14:00.001-07:002008-09-24T19:14:00.001-07:00To Sara EG about Letter of Recommendation Go with ...To Sara EG about Letter of Recommendation <BR/><BR/><BR/>Go with the outsider who knows you and your work well. The person who's known for a long time and can talk about you as dedicated to the craft. <BR/><BR/>Julianna Baggott, Asst. Director Florida StateJulianna Baggotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12824381589931882874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-69270525652449059012008-09-24T19:14:00.000-07:002008-09-24T19:14:00.000-07:00To Sara EG about Letter of Recommendation Go with ...To Sara EG about Letter of Recommendation <BR/><BR/><BR/>Go with the outsider who knows you and your work well. The person who's known for a long time and can talk about you as dedicated to the craft. <BR/><BR/>Julianna Baggott, Asst. Director Florida StateJulianna Baggotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12824381589931882874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-45632393141597095022008-09-24T19:12:00.000-07:002008-09-24T19:12:00.000-07:00To Elizabeth worrying about page limits.I'm in cha...To Elizabeth worrying about page limits.<BR/><BR/>I'm in charge of admissions at Florida State and have served on the committee a couple of years now, off and on, and I actually couldn't tell you our page limit for prose. <BR/><BR/>Honestly, I've never noticed. I've never picked up a packet and flipped to the last page to check a length.<BR/><BR/>I settle in and read.<BR/><BR/>I hope this helps.<BR/><BR/>Julianna Baggott, Asst. Director of CRW, Florida StateJulianna Baggotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12824381589931882874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-36825191117540361082008-09-24T08:54:00.000-07:002008-09-24T08:54:00.000-07:00Anyone know about funding at Adelphi? Their websi...Anyone know about funding at Adelphi? Their website doesn't say much.lesleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15178928900541277243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-21515374933618117642008-09-24T08:36:00.000-07:002008-09-24T08:36:00.000-07:00I'm applying to programs for the first time this y...I'm applying to programs for the first time this year, and nervous about wasting my time applying to schools that are out of my league. At the same time though, I don't want to settle. Any advice for gauging what's appropriate or ranking by competitiveness? Or should I just stop being self-conscious and put myself out there?adfjaseif wehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13885951968007836378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-86803867351945476332008-09-23T14:10:00.000-07:002008-09-23T14:10:00.000-07:00This is a reply to Fund Me and deadninjahorse re: ...This is a reply to Fund Me and deadninjahorse re: New Handbook.<BR/><BR/>Last night I went to Amazon to pre-order the new version of Tom's handbook. I got all the way to the checkout and was about to push Finish, but noticed the estimated ship date as "November 4, 2008". <BR/><BR/>I canceled the order. <BR/><BR/>Today I called Amazon and they said the estimated ship date would indeed be Nov. 4, but might be revised after October 1st (the publication date as per Continuum's website).<BR/><BR/>Today I also emailed Continuum about their estimated shipping date if I buy the book directly from them. (No reply yet.) <BR/><BR/>If anyone (maybe even Tom, if you're reading this) has any more info, it'd be appreciated. I'm looking forward to the much-hyped funding list and feel I can't really finalize my picks until I see it...<BR/><BR/>Thanks,<BR/>BrettBretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14777832728119236786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-54573929340428327532008-09-23T11:31:00.000-07:002008-09-23T11:31:00.000-07:00@S.E. Allen:I'm cnf as well, although I'm also app...@S.E. Allen:<BR/><BR/>I'm cnf as well, although I'm also applying to Michener and University of Florida because: Michener, duh, and I would like to live in Gainesville (I'm in Alaska now). Several of the schools who list only fiction and poetry on their websites have just neglected to update their websites. I called/emailed and discovered that several now offer nonfiction concentrations. In all, I was initially applying to eighteen schools as cnf (I since trimmed when I discovered that ETS charges you $20 per electronically-transmitted score, I would have had to pony up for approximately thirty copies of my transcripts, not to mention the application fees, and finally, I felt sorry for the people writing my letters), so there are lots of schools out there. If you're interested in one, and think they only feature fiction and poetry, contact them. As you can see, there are more than enough decent cnf programs out there. <BR/><BR/>Although now I'm wondering why I'm trying to be helpful and consoling, as you are potentially competition for me . . .Mozellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365524419225225208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-68625543605371649092008-09-23T10:20:00.000-07:002008-09-23T10:20:00.000-07:00ninja,I felt intimidated by the UMASS TA applicati...ninja,<BR/><BR/>I felt intimidated by the UMASS TA application, back when, precisely because of the sample student response they require.<BR/><BR/>Just do your best to provide the kind of helpful feedback your best professors gave you. Don't worry too much about nailing it on the nose, and certainly don't disqualify yourself beforehand by assuming you don't know how to provide a "professional" response. If you're a good writer, you already have many of the tools you need to be/become a good teacher.<BR/><BR/>Good luck.Lizzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01722516560885221073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-12611273161704823162008-09-23T09:29:00.000-07:002008-09-23T09:29:00.000-07:00well, UMASS actually requires a critical response ...well, UMASS actually requires a critical response to a hypothetical student essay, and a short essay on your previous teaching exp./philosophy if none.Matthew Mahaneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09948193867266353748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-80186382877549179542008-09-23T09:18:00.000-07:002008-09-23T09:18:00.000-07:00sonya b, answering s.e. allen:I'm not sure why you...sonya b, answering s.e. allen:<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure why you mentioned UW-Madison specifically, as it wasn't in the original post. But, as a recent undergraduate there, I can tell you that creative nonfiction workshops were offered more than once (I wasn't really looking for them, so couldn't tell you the number for sure) to undergrads in the last couple of years. Checking the website, those workshops are run by two English professors who write cnf. So it seems that options would be available to explore creative nonfiction as an mfa candidate there, though maybe not write in the concentration exclusively.<BR/><BR/>The point of my little case example is that you should look into the offerings at each school, emailing the department and asking about their flexibility, or trolling the website and whatnot. Just because they may not have it as a concentration doesn't mean that there won't be options available. As you are probably well aware of, there aren't tons and tons of schools that offer cnf as an mfa concentration, so it might not hurt to be a little creative in your approach, whether it's the school or application.Jasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06721812369647809521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-30578619684013873362008-09-23T09:13:00.000-07:002008-09-23T09:13:00.000-07:00deadninja,what? CSU and UMASS require critical wri...deadninja,<BR/><BR/>what? CSU and UMASS require critical writing samples?<BR/>(!!!)pablohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05643617624079586642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-9586277843330420472008-09-23T08:09:00.000-07:002008-09-23T08:09:00.000-07:00well, my reason for asking is because the schools ...well, my reason for asking is because the schools with a separate GTA application require a critical writing sample, which I don;t have. So I'm wondering if I should take those schools off my list. I already have quite a few automatic funding schools on my list.Matthew Mahaneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09948193867266353748noreply@blogger.com