TonyB79

Off the top of my head, I know I've seen programs that favor religious, environmental, and nature-based writing (as well as a few that offer emphases in young adult lit). I haven't seen one that specifically favors queer lit, although being fairly liberal environments, I'm sure there are schools that would be open to it.

If it's anything like undergrad writing workshops, some people will say "Great description!" and pretty much nothing else, while others will tear you to pieces.

I've also heard that publishing conventions and the like are a good networking opportunity... with agents, publishers, other writers, etc. Avoid signing events and book fairs, however - waste of time.

You'll certainly be the cutest one in your program! I'm at work at the moment, but I will get back to you w/ feedback when I have a chance.

I'm getting my bachelor's in Communication. I had heard that, for instance, if you wanted to get an MAT and be certified to teach English or Social Studies, your English and Social Studies courses would be built into the requirements for the MAT degree. But, at Kent State at least, it appears to be an entirely separate (and quite substantial) core of courses that must be completed prior to entering the program. In other words, I'd heard that the MAT was designed for folks who didn't necessarily major in Education, and/or the field they want to be certified in, for their undergrad, but that appears not to be the case, at least in terms of Kent's program.

Debating which of these two type of programs to pursue (or whether to look into some sort of "alternative" path to teaching licensure). I've heard the MAT is designed for people who didn't major in Education or teaching for their undergrad, but I was looking at Kent State's program, and evidently it requires a LOT of pre-program coursework for whatever you want your licensure to be. Just wondering if anyone has any insight on this, which is the better way to go, etc.

What would be the lowest I'd pay (in Philly, NJ, anywhere) for a one-bedroom or a small (fit for a single person) house? I'm planning on applying to Rutgers for the fall, and I'm wondering whether my 21k/yr stipend is going to be livable or not.

9 Apps (MFA in Creative Writing): Cornell University of Michigan University of Wisconsin Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) University of Iowa University of Alabama Virginia Tech Rutgers - Camden Southern Illinois University

There are some nearby communities (like Haddonfield, NJ) that may be a possibility. So what is the crime like? Is it a serious issue for those going to school at Rutgers? Do you have to pass through the dangerous areas, etc. in order to get there?

The Michener program funds at $27/yr for 3 years. Michigan funds at $22k for 2 years, then gives every graduate a third-year fellowship of the same amount.

Hmm... well maybe I shall have to look into this more fully.

As someone who is considering going for his MFA and has done quite a bit of research on the subject, here is my advice: Unless you have the money to spare, don't do it. Do NOT go into debt to get an MFA, because it doesn't sound like you absolutely *need* it where your writing is concerned (i.e., sounds like you already have plenty of discipline and drive; you don't need the structure and support of the program to actually *get* you to write). As far as teaching is concerned, there aren't a lot of tenured teaching positions out there, so you'd probably end up doing adjunct - part-time - work. If you can get into a fully funded program (free ride, and you get a stipend to live off of), that's great. But again, it's not something I'd go into debt in order to do.

Interesting... the info on the creative writing MFA website says the "usual" stipend is 12k BEFORE taxes.