Sleam

Morning folks, I like the thoughtful messages here. I'm still uncertain as to what happens next for me. The fully funded programs rejected me. One with offers of TA etc but no guarantees, in a big city, big school, hasn't responded yet. I've been researching other options. I'm really drawn to studying though. I've been in touch with two other colleges. One low res program and no funding at all, but relatively affordable at $32 for a two year program. The other is chatting with me about their full res program. Small school, Small town, small number accepted, some scholarships, $36 tuition and I really like their focus on working as a writer not just teaching. So if they take me, I'd be happy with the debt as I have none. Just wanted to give you an update! Oh, and I left Draft today...too much name calling for me.

Love this team we have here. I got trashed briefly on Draft and cut back, just enough to post the rejections (2), and to occasionally ask a question. I prefer this, good folks here. And thanks for the support. I'm still waiting on Portland's inevitable rejection but feeling pretty good about my writing. I've also been talking to Vermont College of Fine Art, good program for me, the writing and publishing one. Like Pdx, it has offers of fellowships and scholarships etc but no guarantees. I think I'll look into it though. I'd prefer a small college and town to a big city. Anyway, keep up the good works! I'm rooting for you all, s

What's Portland's excuse? Rain?

Well, I just heard that my travelogue Van Life was awarded top honors in the Northwest Book Awards Festival! Grand winner! So happy...

Aren't the colleges meant to notify everyone by March 15th?

@manandcamel, thanks. I have an interview for a job I'd really like next week so at this point, either way is fine by me. Kind of! It's a seasonal job, pays well, and i could take winters off to write. I'm also thinking of taking online classes just to keep learning. And you? What's your plan?

@manandcamel, have you heard anything about Portland State? I just want to know so I can move forward, you know? Limbo is starting to make me crazy.

Sorry fella.

@manandcamel, @aridariand @pdh12, thanks. Good ideas. Yep, I'm debt free which takes work for sure. I'll look into the conferences in the West. I might be getting a good job for summer in Oregon so that's homebase for a while I hope. Portland has a good weiters conference. I love that idea of finding work at one of the colleges. Sweet, thanks again.

Pizza, save me a slice, no pizzarias near me. No, I can't afford it, it'd be all FAFSA loans but I'm 49 and not into trying again and again. 3 rejections from funded programs and Portland State to hear from. Oh well, I have three articles to write by Monday. Good luck to you and thanks for your ideas. ?

Okay, back to me! Low res, no funding, two years, Ohio (!), and $32,000 in tuition. I'm surprising myself by thinking it's worth it. I have no job but my home is paid off so no rent/ mortgage. I like the idea of focused attention and help. But no teacher training to mention. Thoughts?

McNeese rejection. Damn I'm good... On another note, I've been in touch with the program director at Ashland Ohio and he's very interested in my application, offering specific network opportunities for my style and goals. So, no funding, low res, but I think he wants me!

Thanks, it was fun! Great camping and friends...But just got rejection letter today from OSU Corvallis. Bummer. Does anyone know about the low res program at OSU Cascades?

It was good to get away for the weekend! Now I'm back to checking online every hour.

@Beta Mike, thanks for the message of hope. Still waiting, waiting, and now camping! Part of my issue was finding places without need of GRE scores, it's been too long since i even looked at math...i might check out East Washington, Montana, oh who knows! Low residency still appeals but for needing scholarship. Good luck and have fun at NAU. Flagstaff right?

Thanks! It's an assignment for a magazine in the UK, get to interview and photograph old Land Rovers! Take care, friends.

Days are long when I keep checking in. Although I'm about to leave for a week camping in my van with two dogs and a cat called Stephen! No wifi, no phone? I'm not sure what to expect. But I made pizza today just in case... Good luck everyone!

True, I didn't think of that. It'd be too crazy for you and the schools.

Congratulations!

Hi, on Draft they're talking about fiction rejection emails from Corvallis.

@badeyebrows, let's see. I looked at OSU Cascades, mostly for the location. But the director, Emily, doesn't respond to emails. I wrote four times as the website says ask me questions...so I did. Each time I got a prewritten email that didn't address anything I had asked. So that was that! Goddard school appeals, good bunch of non-fiction on the faculty for once, wide range of experience there. Set in Washington. The othet is Ashland Ohio. Great conversation with the director, very affirming. Okay price but a little vague. Although she basically said that she would connect me with whoever I wanted to talk to, eg travel writers, teaching, and even a chance to do the residency program out of the country. I found her incredibly accessable and open. Without a job though, the loan worries me. Did you find any you like? We're both non-fiction, right?

@pdh12 i second the vote on going. I'd regret not going for the rest of my life, I'd always wonder...

Well, pretty much where I'm at too! I quit the day job last year, been writing and improvising since then. So no income to count on to pay for a loan. I agree with all of this to be truthful. I was curious as to how other's are looking at the options. There is one low-res course that I like the look of, the faculty has a high number of nonfiction writers/ teachers. I like their focus on positive feedback as opposed to the workshop style of what's wrong... Well, all good feedback, thanks. And if I'm in at a funded full res course, then life is great! It's just that this process made me realize how much I want this.

While waiting to see if anyone accepts me, I started looking at the low-res options for another round of applications. I do like the idea of keeping my freedom to travel and move around, the one on one focus, and the independent studies. BUT! I can't stand the idea of getting into a $36,000 debt for the MFA. What do you think? Basically I'd applied to only fully/ mostly funded schools so far. Is it worth the debt and loan? I'm broke as it is so I wonder if it would allow me as a fresh MFA holder to suddenly get a teaching job or would colleges wait for me to prove myself? Any thoughts? It seems like a good Sunday conversation since I doubt OSU will contact me today! Thanks, s

Thanks, cancer is a fight but Mary is a fighter. I think I'd go anyway too. Or kick myself in years to come! Good luck to you all.