witezslav

I'm losing my mind--I just want to make my decision already! I got accepted to one school. They need to tell me if I got an assistantship or not. I'm stuck on the waitlist for another school. And the last remaining school...oh man. I went on the portal a month or so ago to check my app status and was horrified to find out one of my professors didn't submit a letter of recommendation. I immediately emailed the program asking if my application was even being reviewed. They said it's fine and my app is still under review. I did find it unusual that they would reveal that information (that it was under review), rather than the "applicants will be notified by X time" that I'm normally used to seeing.

@sayantika I just got my rejection letter in the mail from SIU today! Whomp whomp

The fantasy aspects are being used to show escapism (e.g. appearing during moments of mental stress), everything else is the story is boring regular old modern day. I'll read for you if you'll be down for reading for me?

I'm working on what might be my writing sample now. It straddles the line of "is this fantasy or magical realism" a little too much for my tastes, so I'll likely write something else. I'm not sure what programs I'll be applying to for next year to be honest. I'm looking for programs that are a little more friendly to people who don't have undergrad degrees in English-related fields. My GRE scores were pretty average. I don't plan on retaking it since most of the programs I applied to this last year didn't even want it. I'm wondering if anyone is looking at low residency programs? I thought about it, but my biggest fear is that with full time work and school, I won't have the energy/time to write. One of the things that an MFA program could provide is two years of doing nothing but writing which isn't something I've been able to have. But then again, a low residency program will likely reflect reality as a writer, or something?

Me too! I applied to 7 schools this time around. I'm actually in a weird sort of place because my undergrad degree is literally the farthest thing from writing/english. I'm first generation born in the US and to go to college and have basically no parental support. I wanted to go for an MFA as some sort of validation for myself that I was good enough at this and, despite knowing full well that I can write without a degree, I think there's some value in learning the basics, especially when the only formal writing tutelage I got were basic English 101/102 in college. Also networking. Networking would be sweet. Another thing I wanted was just the time to write. I work full time and when I get home, I just don't have the energy to write (getting better now, it's amazing what not waiting for grad schools to get back to you does for your mood). I wanted to be able to have 1-3 years to dedicate myself fully to just writing. I'm working on my own Plan B now. Still doing much the same, lots of reading and writing. I'm working on some pieces to submit (I do have a modest publication history). I'm going to attend a training session to volunteer at a free writing tutoring center for kids. I'm thinking that if I go for it again for Fall 2016, I'll widen my net a bit more, and consider low residency programs. (I totally welcome all advice because, like I said, there's not really anyone in my family who can help out much with this. I'm just sort of figuring my way about.)

Since I saw someone post an acceptance on Boise's page, I frantically emailed graduate admissions. According to them, they'll receive results from the department on the first. I...I don't know if I can seriously take decisions made on April Fool's Day....

Anyone heard anything from UNLV? I know there's been one or two acceptances (I think). I've also seen in the past that they only take one fiction student? Anybody know what's up with that?

Made an account just to let you know that I am also hearing complete radio silence from Boise. I have also completely struck out when it came to calling them. When I called the office of graduate admissions last week, the woman who picked up said that they haven't received anything from the department. Each time I've tried to call Mitch Wieland, it went straight to voice mail. I also sent them an email that went unanswered. Really bizarre.