Starsandsound

I love willibrew! Definitely second the rec. and cafemantic as well.

Thanks this advice is perfect!

Hey I'm from ct and went to eastern for my undergrad- I commuted to eastern(which is in Willi) from Norwich. I would second some of the warnings about willimantic not being the most ideal place to live. There are a few aspects about the city which are less than desirable. The surrounding area all the way up to storrs though is lovely. Lots of farmland, hikin spots, antique shops, etc. uconn also has an off campus hortocultural center which not too many people know about. I think they offer a master gardener's program. My recommendation would be to check out shared room/ housing on Craigslist and investigate from there. Not sure what the public transportation is like. I think it is a beautiful area, and like most of ct there are many wonderful things if you know what you're looking for and you don't mind that they are spread out. Plus, you're pretty close to most cities. Hartford is cool for a day or two- great brewery (city steam) and one of the best art museums- the wadsworth atheneum. And you'll be about an hour or two outside of new haven- and there's tons to do there. Good luck in your search! I'm sure you'll find the area beautiful ( check out the legend of the frog bridge in willimantic!!) and if you do choose to live in Willi, I strongly recommend searching outside the inner city and area surrounding eastern.

Congrats! I'm headed to smith for an mfa playwriting program. We'll be neighbors

Got accepted and sent back signed paperwork etc! Now it's just waiting and I don't want to! Ha. I just want to know about housing and classes and the rest of my corhort! I mean, I know I should just enjoy my summer since it's the last bout of semi free time I'll have in a while, but it's really difficult. I also feel like I need to bulk up my portfolio. Looking for residencies etc. I still have to move out of my apt and tie up some loose ends. How's everyone else doing with the wait?

Hey all! I'm headed to smith for my mfa in playwriting- is anyone else headin that way?

*at Amherst also nice profile pic

Awesome thanks! I've been a few times. I live in ct so I'm not too far. What are you studying in Amherst?

Hi just starting this thread because I was accepted into Smith's MFA playwriting program and I'll be attending this fall! Anyone else accepted at Smith? Maybe we can stay in touch, especially regarding housing and work load. Thanks!

Hey, I'm forum hopping here because I'm not a candidate for ssw or anything, but was recently accepted into Smith's mfa playwriting program. I'd love to be in touch with anyone entering Smith as a grad student- even though our studies may be different. Please message me if you would like!

Jut got an acceptance email from Arizona state! But I know I'm going to decline because I'm definitely goin to smith. Was anyone in the wait list?

Thanks, MCW I'm pumped. And on a related note, I have still not heard officially from cmu or Arizona state, although I'm fairly certain I'm out. It's irrelevant, since I've accepted at smith but.., I would like to know! Haha

Oh and thanks lavender! And congrats on the internship!!! Those who aren't off to grad this fall can celebrate saving money and having free time (woohoo) so think of the rest of us fondly haha. I'll post info here as I find out more. So far, I am thrilled with smith.

Also, look initial the five college collegiate theatre program if you're curious about smith!

Hey, ok so yes. I am receiving 75% of my tuition in aid. And yes I have accepted! Very excited. I've also applied for housing on campus because it would be so great to just be completely involved. Smith gives very good funding and I've met some of the people there and they're wonderful.

I'm in Northampton!

I will lurkin thank you so much! I'm really looking forward to it! Len has been so much fun to talk to and I'm really excited about the pond and I want to write in the Japanese tea house. I think NYU sounds like a great choice. I have heard that northwestern doesn't offer a lot by means of funding. Maybe message me your info? I'd love to be in touch since you're a fellow smithie! I want to read your writing! That goes for everyone on here actually. I feel like we've all been through so much together! After these months of waiting! Ha

Rejection from Ohio! But I've committed to Smith. Going to visit tomorrow

Oh yeah, and smith was my top choice. I heard they didn't do interviews but was encouraged to write an email so I sent a sort of personal stream of consciousness love letter to them in which I declared my love for Len berkman, Andrea Hairston, Northampton, AND caryl Churchill. My thought was basically- if I'm goin down, I'm goin down swingin.

Yeah I think we all juggle walking tht fine line between showing passionate interest vs insanity/desperation ha but honestly for as stressful as grad school will probably be, it might be good to get a vibe for how the school you're aiming for will deal with that stress. Like I said, smith was amazing to talk to the entire way through the process. I couldn't have asked for more.

This was all in answer to secondact's question btw. Ha!

This was my first time applying. I am a year out of undergrad but I was also a return student- so I'm 27. Took a lot of time off to travel etc. I also have my own theatre company, which some schools like smith- responded to positively, and others like Yale- did not. I had not had that many productions. I write mostly one acts. A play of mine was done in Hawaii as pop up theater, I've got one coming up in LA, and various shows around my home state- but nothing likenthe resume of some applicants. I've also put up a few of my shows through my company, alongside other playwrights. I think different schools are looking for a different mix. I'm incredibly happy that Smith responded to my portfolio. I was definitely handicapped In the app process since I didn't send out any full length plays. Ultimately, I think it's important to remember to have good contact with the school so that they know your name. I also sent a new play along about a month or so ago. I asked if I could, and it was only about fifteen pages, but smith took it. I'm not sure (not having really talked about it with them yet) if that was a factor or not. I'm glad I did though, and I think it can't hurt to ask if you can send some of your newest work along even after the gates are closed so to speak. Schools want to see your progress as a writer. Other than that it's mainly he writing sample more than anything. Certain schools look for political work and things that tackle contemporary topics. They all want you to have a strong, identifiable voice. You may not be some schools cup of tea, but just remember, ultimately you want to go somewhere that wants you.

Hey lurker did you check northwestern's site? That's where I found out.

Oh and thanks guys!!! I'm hoping to get my info packet soon. I'll share what I know with everyone once I know more! ( I want to hold the acceptance in my hands so I know it's real ha!)

Cathergirl CONGRATS!!!!!