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I don't know anything about CSU Long Beach. I haven't heard a thing. :/ In terms of the manuscript, it's really tough if not impossible to figure out what would go over well with an admissions committee. You can look into what kind of work each program has put out, but even then, it's possible that someone on the committee will really like your work if it's different than their current work. Or they'd like it because IT IS like their current work. As far as I'm concerned, it's a lot of luck. Not that it doesn't require talent or anything, but there are any number of reasons why these people would like or wouldn't like your work. And there's no real way of knowing. Of course, if the school tells you they don't like genre fiction or sci fi in particular, that's a pretty clear sign that they aren't interested in those kinds of submissions. But most of the schools I applied to didn't tell me anything that specific. I was in touch with many of my school's professors and admissions people. Whether it was just asking general questions or having some minor issues with my application or anything else, it didn't make a difference. No school accepted my application. I don't think speaking with them mattered. But the thing is that, it's still a tough thing because it's possible that even though they WERE receptive to me, they'd be unreceptive to you, had you done the same thing and YOU may have gotten in and I didn't. You see what I mean? What I'm saying is that it's all a crapshoot. That might be a rationale for my rejections, but I do feel that way. I will also say that I feel you. I was excited about going to school and starting fresh this Fall. Eh, maybe the rejections will make way for something else. Best of luck with everything! If I sound confused, it's because I'm emotionally exhausted. Since my last rejection, all I've done is apply to jobs and look into other grad programs and think that it's all going to fall apart very very soon.

Glad to hear some positive feedback all around. Seeing the light is tough. So, I appreciate it. Hopefully others in a similar situation feel sympathetic. Thanks! I don't know if I'm applying again next year. Honestly, I spent around 2 grand, a year of my life and cancelled just about everything else I was doing to make the applications work. I don't know if I could do it again. But we'll see. I'm open to anything. It just makes me nauseous to think about! Best of luck to you, Tilden. And Fruitsnacks, thanks for the kind words. It's good to know that you can't always see the benefits in the present. It's possible that because I didn't get into these programs, something different or even better will happen instead. Who knows?

I had the same exact idea. Best of luck with the last one you're waiting on. You never know.

Thanks. I know I'd be insecure no matter what. I'm never satisfied with anything. I agree with much of what you say. But it would have been nice. Iowa would have been nice. Any of them. Anyway, cheers to figuring out what's next. Best of luck to everyone. Validation and seeking it are the worst things on earth.

I was rejected from all 14 schools I applied to. I kind of feel like the last year was a waste. If you're in a similar situation, I hope this forum can be a place for you to vent your frustrations and talk about your "Plan B," if you have one. Whether you got into MFAs and can't go for any reason or didn't get into any program or just have any words of encouragement, discouragement or anything at all, feel free to express yourself. Congrats to everyone who did get in. And I wish the best for everyone who didn't. Hopefully we'll all figure it out one of these days. Also, fuck Boise for waiting so long to tell us.

I agree! Fucking bogus.

All I can say is FUCK. And I'm sorry. I've seen a few people comment on the results page here with a similar story. It sounds like they screwed up....pretty bad. I would call, email, whatever you can do. That's ridiculous. Anyway, I hope it works out for the best. Also "fresh hell." I've never heard that before. But I dig it. Solid.

Thanks for making an account! And I'm glad you've had a similar experience contacting them....they're the worst with communication! They seemed fine during the application season, but every time I've contacted them for whatever purpose, it's been nearly impossible to get a straight answer. Eh, we'll see. They are my last school....and my last (and first) hope. Best of luck!!

Anybody hear anything from Boise State U? Haven't heard much but am not on the Facebook Draft page. Just curious. Thanks.

Unfortunately, I've never heard of any programs with rolling admissions or a deadline past Feb 1st. 12 of the schools I applied to had deadlines around December. The other two were Jan 1st and Feb 1st. You may have to stick around 'til next season. That's actually what I did this time. I made the choice to apply in December 2013. But I realized there was just way way way too much to do to meet the deadlines. It might be beneficial to wait a year. It'll give you the time to work on your application. Rushing applications is a dangerous thing to do. Best of luck. I hope you find what you're looking for!

Heard nothing from Irvine. But I hope to hear soon. If it's a rejection, christ, just give it. And if it's not.....just give it! Haha

I agree, absolutely. It's all subjective. There are a zillion factors that go into notifications. Between outside circumstances (the admissions guy had a flat tire that day and it put him in a bad mood), internal prejudices that sometimes cannot be ignored and the simple fact that people like different things, a notification is a bi-product of a long bureaucratic, intense and dangerous process, not the validation or invalidation of a person's talent, love, passion, skill, etc.. That being said, I've gotten only rejections so far. It stings and definitely makes you question things. But that's probably normal....the questioning. Anyway, best of luck with everything, everyone.

Congrats! I don't know too much about the program, but I know they are pretty stingy with funding. Just be wary of finances. NY is expensive. I would say carefully weigh the pros and cons and map out some expenses to get a better idea of what it'd be like (which is probably what I'd do for any location, even notoriously cheap ones). Whatever the case may be, it's great to be accepted. It seems clear that every season has received more and more applicants, so the odds get smaller and smaller. So, it's a big feat. Congrats on the acceptance.

I can relate!! I don't know what the solution is..maybe half thinking of a plan B (I haven't got a good one other than selling my Goosebumps collection and making millions..) and half obsessing about how far the laundromat is in relation to an apartment I don't live in, around a school I may or may not get into. Best of luck. We're in it together.

Never assume anything. Three rejections so far. Don't get me wrong, it's the pits. But there's still hope. At least it's not Mid-March yet. Keep hope. Best of luck to everyone!