tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post4284086646085367204..comments2024-03-28T02:14:08.783-07:00Comments on THE MFA BLOG: Where Are You?Tom Kealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11913868167191023096noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-51718126898285474632017-02-01T23:54:44.180-08:002017-02-01T23:54:44.180-08:00I do agree with all the ideas you have presented i... I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for newbies. Could you please extend them a little from next time?..Keep this great work..<br /> <a href="http://www.scoregetter.org/gre-coaching-in-chennai" rel="nofollow">GRE Training in Chennai</a> | <a href="http://www.scoregetter.org/gre-coaching-in-chennai" rel="nofollow">GRE Coaching in Chennai</a> | <a href="http://www.scoregetter.org/gre-coaching-in-chennai" rel="nofollow">GRE Training institutes in Chennai</a><br />Priyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11261858511349418116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-8941558733622626622008-09-30T10:54:00.000-07:002008-09-30T10:54:00.000-07:00Hello all,I've been reading the blog for awhile no...Hello all,<BR/><BR/>I've been reading the blog for awhile now, but have never posted before. It seems like most of you are in the same stages of the application process as I am, and I thought I would seek some advice.<BR/><BR/>I know the programs that I'm definitely applying to, but most are very competitive. I'll list them below. Are there any that I haven't listed that might not be quite so competitive? I'm especially looking for full to good funding, and no critical essay requirement (no time). I'd love if you could request a couple more possibilities. Thanks!<BR/><BR/>(for poetry)<BR/><BR/>University of Virginia<BR/>Cornell<BR/>University of Oregon<BR/>Iowa<BR/>UMASS Amherst<BR/>Indiana-Bloomington<BR/>U Michigan<BR/>Syracuse<BR/>UC Irvine<BR/>Vanderbilt<BR/>UNC Greensboro<BR/><BR/>Also thinking about San Diego State University, American, Notre Dame, and Minnesota.<BR/><BR/>Again, thanks!<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/><BR/>~CoreyCorey Van Landinghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12193290083400866835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-28882559715346496782008-09-25T10:34:00.000-07:002008-09-25T10:34:00.000-07:00Alex,I'm no expert, but my experience tells me tha...Alex,<BR/><BR/>I'm no expert, but my experience tells me that what is most important is your writing sample. I applied to only two programs, both low res, but I was accepted to both. And I have very, very, very little publishing credits.<BR/><BR/>I have only two publishing credits actually - both poems. One is in the literary journal Obsidian III. The other is a poem that was accepted to be published in a forthcoming anthology - I'm really excited about it. Here's the kicker, I'm focusing on Non-Fiction, (although I was also accepted in poetry). <BR/><BR/>My life afforded me precious little time to focus on my writing. I could not take from that time to identify journals that were appropriate for my writing style and submit, submit, submit. That's really a process, and I choose to continue to work on my writing, and spend time reading. I did read journals. I enjoyed the quality writing and considered it homework for the time that never came, when I would have time to set aside to pursue getting published.<BR/><BR/>I understand your concerns. When I first started looking into the MFA that is one of the several things that kept me year after year, backing away. I say, don't let that stop you unless you apply and get a lot of no's. <BR/><BR/>One more thing: I called Lesley, one of the two programs to which I applied, before they ever got my application. Everyone with whom I spoke gave plenty of time and attention to the answering of my questions. Why not call the schools in which your interested? Just ask them directly how important publishing credits are.<BR/><BR/>I believe that before any other part of your application is considered, the quality of your writing is evaluated. They may not even look at anything else if they don't see indicators that you're ready and serious as a writer. I'd focus on getting my sample tight and go ahead and apply.<BR/><BR/>That's my two cents!<BR/><BR/>Toodles!Bluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00661631161943108812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-35003699383267977922008-09-25T07:23:00.000-07:002008-09-25T07:23:00.000-07:00Wow. I think most of you guys are ahead of me in ...Wow. <BR/><BR/>I think most of you guys are ahead of me in the process. Right now, I'm finishing up a one-year contract teaching English in South Korea (it was an adventure I took in part for more life experience, more writing material, and hell, who am I kidding, because I had no idea what to do after finishing undergrad in spring 2007.) <BR/><BR/>I go home to America in late October, and plan to use the (likely unemployed) months for studying and taking the GRE and gathering my MFA materials together. I'm excited to find such a vibrant community of writers here, as well as such considerate responses to writers' queries. (So refreshing to find an online community free of snarky, empty one-line responses that help nobody.) <BR/><BR/>Anyway, I have a fairly general question: how much publishing experience do most successful MFA candidates have? Aside from my contributions to my undergrad (Emory) magazines and newspapers, I've gotten some columns published in a Korean mag for expats and I also maintain a travelogue blog of essays (though I figure those are a dime a dozen...) Anyway, what I'm saying is I don't really have any short stories published in any real journals to my name. This makes me wonder if I'd be a stronger candidate later, though I feel a strong and growing stronger drive to begin an MFA in fall 09. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, sorry for my rambling, and I'm curious to hear opinions on this topic...Alex Pollackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15571578922615334437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-89069332889507505062008-09-20T13:53:00.000-07:002008-09-20T13:53:00.000-07:00I had a terrible time trying to decide between the...I had a terrible time trying to decide between the schools to which I was offered admittance, but have chosen Bennington.<BR/><BR/>I am now trying desperately to identify scholarships and grants for which I am eligible. I learned at the last minute about the Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest. In four days I read that entire 1070 page tiny print book and wrote the essay, submitting it less than 15 minutes before the deadline. At some point it became about not giving up, about setting an example in determination for my daughter, and less about whether I'll win the one top prize their giving out - but winning the prize would be sweet! I'll be writing an essay about that experience. Lol!<BR/><BR/>There were many scholarships that excited me, but that had one requirement that made me ineligible, such as GRE scores. I'd have taken the GRE if I had found the scholarships early enough. I probably will take the GRE's soon, just to have it in case I need it in the future, but that doesn't help me when the deadlines are basically tomorrow. <BR/><BR/>On the paperwork I have to send back to Bennington it asks about my sponsor. Where do I get one of those?Bluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00661631161943108812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-89658672754779134222008-09-19T08:25:00.000-07:002008-09-19T08:25:00.000-07:00i've narrowed my list down to:columbiaiowaumass am...i've narrowed my list down to:<BR/><BR/>columbia<BR/>iowa<BR/>umass amherst<BR/>sarah lawrence<BR/><BR/>low residencies:<BR/>warren wilson<BR/>queens charlotte<BR/><BR/>i've got one letter of recommendation and am working up the nerve to ask the other three potential recommenders. <BR/><BR/>i'm pretty nervous about the prospect of moving again--i moved cross country for my undergrad, dragging my husband and two kids along with me, and it's been rough financially. <BR/><BR/>umass might make it easier on us--we're already in the area and are familiar with its resources--but my advisor keeps pushing columbia and another poet on faculty at my undergrad school (and umass mfa alum) seems to think umass might be too experimental for my style these days.<BR/><BR/>i wanted to go south, but all the southern schools i looked at require the gre, and i don't have the time or desire to take it.<BR/><BR/>i've got a body of work that is fairly polished, but haven't yet decided which poems will go with my applications.Georgia Pearlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01663822567518763698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-6170170451922307632008-09-11T16:09:00.000-07:002008-09-11T16:09:00.000-07:00I ended up choosing Hollins over my other options ...I ended up choosing Hollins over my other options (UNC-G, UNC-W, and George Mason) mainly b/c of the funding, which I wasn't offered at Wilmington or Mason.<BR/>The decision between Greensboro and Hollins was a much tougher one, I ended up going with Hollins because they were a bit clearer about the funding picture (Greensboro was still unsure of the specifics and duties required as the April 15th deadline approached), but more importantly, because I had a really good feeling about Hollins, and was more impressed with the faculty, alumni (Annie Dillard and Natasha Trethewey are both among my faves), etc. Greensboro is also about 15 minutes from where I did my undergrad, so part of me just wanted to get out of dodge. For the record, I think Greensboro is an amazing place, and had I not just spent 4 years in the area, I very well might be there.<BR/><BR/>--LukeLuke Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01485195273934420368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-90299045351671719182008-09-11T15:23:00.000-07:002008-09-11T15:23:00.000-07:00Luke--This helps tremendously. You've given me som...Luke--<BR/><BR/>This helps tremendously. You've given me some things to think about. <BR/><BR/>One thing: what made you choose Hollins over George Mason?<BR/><BR/>Just curious. Thanks again.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-55454197900085037772008-09-11T14:02:00.000-07:002008-09-11T14:02:00.000-07:00Hey Sara,Not much info, but I know how every littl...Hey Sara,<BR/><BR/>Not much info, but I know how every little bit can help. I can tell you that, at least to me, Nashville seemed like a pretty hip city. Plus they have Mark Jarman, and I think he's the bees-knees. That being said, once you get outside of Nashville, you are in very rural (and very beautiful) Tennesee, bringing with it both the good and the bad. But the city itself seemed pretty artistically and culturally vibrant.<BR/><BR/>As far as George Mason goes, I was accepted there two years ago and they never asked for a critical writing sample, and I'm not sure under what circumstances they would. I wouldn't let it deter you--they've got an incredible poetry faculty in my opinion (Eric Pankey and Jennifer Atkinson).<BR/><BR/>Morgantown is a strange animal. It's gorgeous, and I imagine you'd be able to find a niche there, but keep in mind that West Virginia is a big-time football school carrying with it all the trappings of that kind of undergraduate culture (translation: for the undergrads, it's in large part a party school).<BR/><BR/>Hope this helps.<BR/><BR/>-LukeLuke Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01485195273934420368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-72878066319037242672008-09-11T13:37:00.000-07:002008-09-11T13:37:00.000-07:00I'm having some doubts about my "final" list, and ...I'm having some doubts about my "final" list, and am hoping someone can put them to rest.<BR/><BR/>I had planned on applying (poetry) to 15 schools and am now second guessing at least one of them (probably more like two of them.)<BR/><BR/>For the upteenth time:<BR/><BR/>Minnesota<BR/>Wisconsin<BR/>Michigan<BR/>VCU<BR/>Virginia Tech<BR/>Notre Dame<BR/>UVA<BR/>Hollins<BR/>Penn State<BR/>Indiana<BR/>Illinois<BR/>Southern Illinois<BR/>UNCG<BR/>Vanderbilt*<BR/><BR/>And since I cut Purdue, my 15th, I have been debating about George Mason and West Virginia. <BR/><BR/>I starred Vandy because it's the program that I've been feeling most iffy about as of late. I just don't know if I can handle the environment of a well-known conservative school in the south. I talk about this like I'm sure to get in, which is obviously a load, but regardless, I shouldn't apply to a place that I don't think I could live if they happened to accept me, right? <BR/><BR/>And as for George Mason, I saw on their website that they *can* ask for a critical writing sample if you're accepted, which I don't have (Montana asks for this, too and it was the reason I cut Purdue.) West Virginia doesn't seem to be as strong of a program but I think I could live there...um, right?<BR/><BR/>Maybe I should just get over the idea of 15 schools and apply to 13. The reality is that I can't seem to find any other programs that fit me besides those listed above. <BR/><BR/>If anyone can tell me anything new, or some gem I'm not thinking of, please do. <BR/><BR/>Many thanks.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-11807583630600932462008-09-11T07:55:00.000-07:002008-09-11T07:55:00.000-07:00I'm suddenly thinking I might not apply at all.Put...I'm suddenly thinking I might not apply at all.<BR/><BR/>Putting applications together is a pain. I don't want teaching experience (because I don't want to teach). I'd only want to apply to schools with full, no-strings-attached funding in places I like, to give me maximum time to write, which basically means...UT-Austin. And if I got accepted, I'd have to decide about it while in the remote South Pacific where I'll be researching my novel (it sounds like a Tin Tin scenario, but it's true :)). Why go to an MFA program when I already have an ideal situation to write? In other words, getting an MFA might just get in my way, more than anything. <BR/><BR/>But the jury's still out. That's just where the wind is blowing, today.Monicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02074737476863325166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-68118934794101927572008-09-11T05:27:00.000-07:002008-09-11T05:27:00.000-07:00thanks golfcoasting. i have a strong sense that b...thanks golfcoasting. i have a strong sense that both programs are excellent, which is part of my problem. i'm wondering if you or anyone else has any nuanced and comparative information about the two programs, the staff, the spirit of the residencies, their approach to developing their writers and the like. my difficulty is that i'm trying to decide between two programs that are both excellent and that both seem ideal for me!Bluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00661631161943108812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-5990099382454343732008-09-10T20:45:00.000-07:002008-09-10T20:45:00.000-07:00Blu,I met with some people at Lesley a couple year...Blu,<BR/><BR/>I met with some people at Lesley a couple years ago when I began the MFA application odyssey. I dropped them from my list because I decided against a low-res program, but I liked what I saw. The admissions office was friendly and helpful and the program as a whole seemed to have its act together.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17991519468111472160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-4244222709832834672008-09-10T05:34:00.000-07:002008-09-10T05:34:00.000-07:00i'm new here, and can't wait to become an oldhead ...i'm new here, and can't wait to become an oldhead in this community. i have a question: does anyone have any comparative insight on lesley and bennington? i've been accepted to both. now i have to make a choice! (isn't life supposed to make choices for me, by only opening the one right door?)<BR/><BR/>my focus is non-fiction, however i intend to also study poetry and fiction. i'll study the latter if i can manage to get it in there without adding a semester - although if they will allow and i can afford it, i may be inclined to add a semester...<BR/><BR/>i was accepted in both poetry and non-fiction by lesley. i applied only in non-fiction to bennington, which did not encourage applying in more than one area.Bluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00661631161943108812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-19073546366735070952008-09-09T17:58:00.000-07:002008-09-09T17:58:00.000-07:00seth and emily--Thanks for your feedback regarding...seth and emily--<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your feedback regarding WVU and George Mason. Emily, I found the link you posted insightful, and their page did leave a nice feeling with me.<BR/><BR/>That said, I think I'm inclined to go with George Mason. The only draw back is cost of living in Fairfax is quite bit higher than a place like Morganstown, WV. And there is my ongoing romance with rural Appalachia. Sigh...maybe I still don't know.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-34165228838711487102008-09-09T17:45:00.000-07:002008-09-09T17:45:00.000-07:00I'm baby stepping along. I've registered for the G...I'm baby stepping along. <BR/><BR/>I've registered for the GRE though I continue to bomb the practice tests. Practice, practice, practice. Study, study, study. I know at one point in my life I was good at standardized tests - perhaps that is no longer the case.<BR/><BR/>All my requests for recommendations are out. Two yeses. One waiting.<BR/><BR/>And I've finalized my list for fiction:<BR/>NYU<BR/>Hunter<BR/>UC Irvine<BR/>Texas State<BR/>Ole Miss<BR/>Alabama<BR/>Vanderbilt<BR/>Oregon<BR/><BR/>I know it's small but those are the ones I am sold on. Still exploring a few other options as well.<BR/><BR/>Have people had success with combining novel excerpts and a short story for their portfolios?undertheeaveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12953219664893160066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-54152398142941443422008-09-09T16:07:00.000-07:002008-09-09T16:07:00.000-07:00Hey everyone,I'm new to this blog, and am supe...Hey everyone,<BR/><BR/>I'm new to this blog, and am super excited to have finally found lots of other people doing the crazy MFA thing. :) I'm still tweaking my list of schools, but one school I've really had my heart set on is University of British Columbia. I'm not sure how much other people know about applying to UBC (I noticed one other person with UBC on their list), but if anyone has experience with them, I had a question:<BR/><BR/>Basically, I recently realized I probably don't meet their minimum grade average requirement. They require a B+ average or higher in 3rd & 4th-yr undergrad courses. My overall grade average is around a B+ (3.45), but for my 3rd & 4th-yr courses it's a B (3.0). Assuming that Canadian and US grading scales are roughly the same, that is.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, does anyone know how strict UBC is about their minimum grade avg requirement? My undergraduate degree is in biology (I did it for the parents and oh, does it show), so I was hoping that if my writing were up to par that they wouldn't then reject me because I can't, say, do organic chemistry. <BR/><BR/>I did email their graduate advisor about this, so hopefully he gets back to me soon. In the meantime, any feedback (even an explanation of US vs Canadian grade scales) would be much appreciated. <BR/><BR/>Good luck to everyone else!<BR/><BR/>~ChristineUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02095564856500167033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-44285010755177620562008-09-09T13:52:00.000-07:002008-09-09T13:52:00.000-07:00Sara e.g.,WVU is a fine program, and if you need a...Sara e.g.,<BR/><BR/>WVU is a fine program, and if you need a real higher-odds option it's a good one (the funding especially is nice), but if you can take a mid-tier-odds option and are willing to take a 50% or so chance on funding, George Mason is an excellent program for poetry and one that I'd choose over WVU.<BR/><BR/>S.Seth Abramsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08059849202129580100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-75599630859906965042008-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:002008-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:00sara e.g. I'm applying to WVU, but it's more of an...sara e.g. <BR/><BR/>I'm applying to WVU, but it's more of an intuitive choice than a really logical one. It just appeals to me; their website is friendly and down to earth, and one of the professors has an interesting little advice sort of thing about applying to MFA programs which I liked. It's here if you haven't seen it: http://english.wvu.edu/current_undergraduate_students/preparation_for_graduate_school#mfaEmilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02608421232179032744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-20500754915728530522008-09-09T09:23:00.000-07:002008-09-09T09:23:00.000-07:00Since I dropped Purdue off my list because of its ...Since I dropped Purdue off my list because of its critical writing submission (and I really do understand this requirement and wish I had the time to fulfill it) I am still in need of a #15 school. <BR/><BR/>I've narrowed it down, I think, to West Virginia and George Mason. <BR/><BR/>I was looking at Montana, but realized they *could* ask for a critical writing sample if you're selected for a TAship, and I was considering UNC Wilmington, but there is something about the locale which I can't get seem to get over (I looked up their average temps and nearly died in my chair.) <BR/><BR/>I know West Virginia has a bit better funding than George Mason, but it seems George Mason may be a stronger program?<BR/><BR/>For the record, my list again, in poetry:<BR/><BR/>Minnesota<BR/>Notre Dame<BR/>Wisconsin<BR/>Michigan<BR/>VCU<BR/>Virginia Tech<BR/>Hollins<BR/>Indiana<BR/>Illinois<BR/>Southern Illinois<BR/>Vanderbilt<BR/>UNCG<BR/>Penn State<BR/>UVA<BR/><BR/>Any feedback about these two schools, or even others, is most welcome.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-30171934955847227712008-09-09T08:21:00.000-07:002008-09-09T08:21:00.000-07:00Lisa N.R. Tony Doerr was an MFA at BG when I was a...Lisa N.R. <BR/><BR/>Tony Doerr was an MFA at BG when I was an undergrad and he was a super nice guys! He was roommates with another grad student who taught one of my classes and ended up becoming a friend of mine so I, like, actually hung out with him sometimes, ha ha!Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02608421232179032744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-72944690902710274202008-09-09T08:17:00.000-07:002008-09-09T08:17:00.000-07:00Emily---Thanks for the positive info on BGSU. I us...Emily---Thanks for the positive info on BGSU. I used to submit to MAR and I got the nicest rejection slips, signed and all. I first read Mary Oliver in MAR and they just had Anthony Doerr as a judge for their fiction contest, so I'm smitten with the journal. Even though it's not as "top tier," I consider myself fortunate to be accepted there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-89923021615565281642008-09-09T08:06:00.000-07:002008-09-09T08:06:00.000-07:00tory:Mathematical suave is perhaps the scariest th...tory:<BR/><BR/><BR/>Mathematical suave is perhaps the scariest thing I've ever heard. As far as the spurning GRE, I've become a little crazy with it all. Example: I was offered a nice freelance gig (I do photography) the weekend I'm slated to take the GRE, and I could of course reschedule the test for a measly 50 bucks, but no. I turned it down because I'm scared that if I change the date I'll bomb it and wonder if I might have done well if I would have stuck to the original date. That's right, I'm passing up money for superstition. <BR/><BR/>I've lost it.PARTISANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03284870463043173399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-29992501417808528032008-09-09T06:42:00.000-07:002008-09-09T06:42:00.000-07:00Lisa N.R.Just wanted to say I'm happy to see Bowli...Lisa N.R.<BR/><BR/>Just wanted to say I'm happy to see Bowling Green on your exclusive list! I did my BFA there, about 8 years ago, but even then it was a good program, and I think it's gotten better. Mid-Am is an awesome journal and the MFA students get to be very involved with it. At the time (and I can only hope it's still the case), BG had a very supportive environment with a lot of interaction between faculty and MFAs and visiting writers, and a traditionally well-attended MFA reading series. <BR/><BR/>It may not be as top-tier as your other choices, but it gave me a warm fuzzy just to see it on your list! Good luck!Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02608421232179032744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15642985.post-70895896360368872382008-09-09T05:22:00.000-07:002008-09-09T05:22:00.000-07:00For those freaking about the GRE, I happened upon ...For those freaking about the GRE, I happened upon something that is helping me. You know how expensive those Kaplan and Princeton review courses are? Well, Kaplan's is $599 online, but they have this thing called a crash course for only $99 and I signed up and I think it is probably just as helpful as the other more extensive courses. I recommend it.<BR/><BR/>Bsquared86--<BR/><BR/>I would not bother to take it again. I don't think anyone cares about your score, given that you did fine on it already.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08887749173643713230noreply@blogger.com