gaudysideoftown

I don't know what the specific guidelines are (I'm sure it varies by program), but if I were you, I wouldn't submit the same material to the same program without heavily revising it. Chances are, the same committee of people will look over it again, and you don't want to give them the impression that you haven't written anything new in a year's time. I would recommend applying to different programs if you want to use the same sample. Rejection doesn't always mean you're not a good writer; a lot of times it just means you're not a good fit for the specific program. As far as references go, I guess that's something to email the school about. If I have to reapply next year, I'm not going to bother with schools that require a whole new set of references because that's just ridiculous.

Just printed out my rejection letter from Syracuse and stuck it to my wall. In memory of the $75 plus I spent on that goddamned application. I could've bought like 5 cases of beer with that money.

Excuse the double post, but for those of you who have already been notified of a decision: what time of the day did you receive the email or phone call?

Part of me just wants to block thegradcafe.com and disable my facebook account for the next couple of months. I know I'll get an answer sooner or later, so I might as well try to stop obsessing over it.... gah. Who am I kidding though? I can't not obsess over this. I'm totally on board with the cryogenic slumber thing, Radesky-- where do we sign up?

Congrats on the waitlists and good news everyone. I still haven't heard back from anyone, and right now I'm feeling antsy and overall pessimistic. Times like these make me want to stress eat candy, but then I remember I spent all my money on university applications, so I can't afford to get cavities right now. Shit.

Looks like Wisconsin sent out a wave of acceptances today! Did anyone here get any good news?! I seem to remember a few of you guys saying it was on your list!

Congrats on Temple! I've been going crazy waiting to hear from ASU or Alabama, because apparently both of them have started sending out acceptances.

If only that's how it worked. Great username, btw!

That sounds a lot like me, holycat! This wait is killer.

Congratulations, LexiB!!

I'm pretending the same. Surely they aren't sending out acceptances so early!

Eh, Minneapolis isn't all that great. I've heard the crime rate is kind of high around the campus area, so you're probably better off not going there anyway. Not to mention that snow... Seriously though, try not to let this get you down. We're all bound to get a few rejections. Even people who get into the top programs like Iowa usually get a handful of rejection letters in the same season.

It's actually funny that you say that! One of my artist friends and I just set started up an "inspiration chat" on Whatsapp, so we could motivate each other and share our work with one another. We're good together because his main focus is on the visual arts (drawing, painting, etc) and he writes as a hobby, and I'm the opposite. So far we've really only been sharing "the good stuff" with one another, but I like your idea so much better. I think sharing everything will be a great exercise for both of us. Oh, and just to let you know, the thing you posted yesterday about writing for yourself really inspired me. I've been wanting to explore the world of surrealism for more than a year now, and I finally took the plunge last night. I ended up writing for a good 2-3 hours straight, and god did that feel good. I guess I've been so caught up with the idea of "writing well" or you know, writing something that could get published, that I started to forget why I fell in love with writing to begin with. Anyway, thanks for reminding me of that yesterday. I think we can all relate to the waiting thing, and I might just have to copy your spreadsheet idea... Don't feel like an old lady just yet! I took some time off before completing my undergrad, so I'm not so young myself. Thank you! She's an angel. I felt the same way about my thesis, but it ended up turning out a lot better than I expected it to. Just try and stay positive and proofread the heck out of it.

Here's Misty! It's great that you and your roommate get along so well, LexieB. AND I CAN'T HANDLE THAT HEDGEHOG CUTENESS! I've been having the same problem with telemarketers! I go into heart attack mode whenever I get an out of state call, but they've all been telemarketers so far. I swear, the one time I decide not to answer will be the time it's a school calling. Writing 116 poems over the summer is super impressive! Honestly, I've been having a difficult time writing on my own recently. I really miss the structure of writing workshops-- they always inspired something in me that I can't seem to find on my own. I'm working on it though. I think I need to start writing for myself again, like you did. I honestly can't remember the last time I did that. And thank you for wishing us luck! I'd absolutely love to go there.

-University of Iowa -WUSTL -University of Oregon -Boise State -Minnesota State University - Mankato -University of Michigan -Arizona State -Syracuse -Alabama It's not that long of a list, but money's tight! I honestly don't know why I bothered with Iowa, when I could've spent my money on a much safer choice. I'm pretty sure everyone who applies feels that way though. My top choice is Alabama, followed closely by Michigan. Mankato is my "safety school," if there is such a thing. You should post a picture of Moyo if you get a chance-- this conversation is giving me crazy hedgehog withdrawals. Your roommate sounds like a cool person. My parents recently adopted a Sheltie who had been rehomed multiple times prior to going home with them. She was terrified of her own shadow when they first got her, but now she's just the sweetest, most loyal dog you've ever met. I can't imagine how anyone was able to get rid of her or treat her like anything other than a princess. Poor baby. I'm glad she and your roommate's bunny are now in loving homes.

It sounds like you'll be set even if you don't get accepted anywhere this time around. I'm sure you'd have an easy time landing a job at a local paper or magazine with your editing experience! I'm crossing my fingers for you though! I have a feeling your thesis will be well-received by the professors at Madison (based on what you've said, at least). Have you read anything by Jesse Lee Kercheval, Judith Claire Mitchell, or Lynda Barry? Moyo sounds adorable! Blaze loved being cuddled too (he was more cuddly than most cats, actually, lol). It makes me really happy to hear how much you care about your little guy, and I'm glad you thought of him before applying to grad programs. Sadly, I feel like it's kind of rare to meet someone who prioritizes their pet to that extent (especially small, caged pets). It's always refreshing to meet a fellow animal lover.

Oh wow! I made a spreadsheet with application deadlines, requirements, and all that jazz, but I didn't think to add projected notification dates! You're too good. I finished up last spring, and to be honest, I regret not applying to MFA programs last year. I thought taking a year off would do me some good, when in reality, it feels a lot like living in limbo. My job prospects are roughly the same as they were before I got my BA in CW, which is disappointing, and freelancing hasn't been making the ends meet like I had hoped it would. Good on you for applying while you're still in school though! Those December deadlines must've been brutal for you. Oh, and what's your hedgehog's name?! I had an African Pygmy named Blaze a few years back. They're awesome little pets, aren't they?

Oh my gosh! I've gone through and looked at past notification dates too. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's obsessing to this extent.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Do you think they go through poetry applications first then? I was hoping that was the case, but who really knows. Oh, and I went to UW - Madison for my undergrad, and the CW program was absolutely outstanding (and the city has a pretty big art scene!). I'm happy to see you're applying there.

Thank you so much for posting this. This is exactly how I feel, and none of my friends and family members seem to understand. Given the acceptance rates, the whole thing feels like a complete gamble, and so much money (not to mention self-esteem) is on the line. I've been obsessively checking the list of 2016 acceptances, and I'm panicking over the fact that some people have already heard from two of the schools I applied to (Syracuse and ASU).