Martie0

Hi! I'm currently looking into Creative Writing Programs in Fiction as well. Unfortunately, my list is rather long and I need to narrow it down. The best advice I've gotten for pursuing this program is, "don't pay for it" or " don't go into debt over it". In other words, look for programs that are fully funded or have a reasonable tuition/living stipend. Which is something I'll definitely need since I'll be footing the bill for this myself and am still paying off my student loans from my undergrad. So far my only school criteria is somewhere northeast and urban, so I can start networking and making those connections (and I've seen enough of Suburbia for more than one lifetime). I'm the only writer in my family, so I've had to figure everything out on my own. The only suggestions I get from relatives are emails with links to nursing schools and librarian training programs. (I think my family is still stuck in the 60s or something, idk). Talk about fumbling around in the dark. Here are some lists of schools that have good stipends and reimbursements for MFAs. I'm not sure when they were last updated, but they should be a good place to start if you're interested in pursuing a funded program. Some are rather notable like University of Iowa, WUSTL, and Johns Hopkins, etc. https://affordingthemfa.wordpress.com/ https://themfayears.com/fully-funded-programs/ Even then I have no idea how I'm getting in. I graduated two years ago with my Bachelors in English and Literature (minors in writing and business) and have been working since. I recently got laid off because that's corporate America for Ya, so I'm recalibrating my grad school efforts. I was working part-time throughout school so my GPA was sub-par. Are Grad Schools willing to consider applicants whose final GPA was below a 3.0? That's what I'm worried about most. I'm gearing up for the GRE and plan on taking some matriculating courses if time and budget permit. Any other tips on how I can beef up my application? It might be dependent on the school and the program but would they focus more on academics or more on writing skill/potential? I partake in local writing clubs and am trying to get a blog off the ground. Not sure if either of those would help, but I'm open to any and all options. Other than that, I write every day and am little more than halfway through my first book. Not much of a short story person but somehow I can plan out a book series. Still in development stages, so really nothing to brag about. I also enjoy poetry but it's not my strong suit, due to my struggle to get published in a literary magazine. But I write because it seems like the only thing I'm good at in my mess of a life. Because I think too much. Because I've experienced loss and loneliness and have too many questions and what ifs about everything. Any school/program recommendations? Application tips? What are these programs looking for in potential students? How many graduates of these programs end up teaching at a university/college or getting published afterward?

I'm prepping for the GRE in August and looking at masters programs in Communication and Journalism. I can agree that the GRE is a pain since it only tests your test-taking skills instead of actual content. Not to mention reliving just how painful Math can be. However, my undergrad GPA was a bit sub par and I graduated two years. So what other revenues are there to pursue to beef up my application and increase my chances of getting accepted? I know that matriculating classes are an option, but if there are two things I'm short on its time and money. Any advice?

Hello All! I'm currently prepping to take the GRE in August. I graduated with my BA two years ago and have been working since. Any advice on going back to school after taking a break would be much appreciated. I had no idea what I wanted to do once I got my BA and I ended up hating the soul-sucking job I landed. So looking for a fresh start to relaunch my career with a Masters. I'm looking into Communications and Journalism masters programs, or variations since my undergrad was in English. I've also considered an MFA in Creative Writing. But I have no idea what I would do with that besides teach. When I would really love to work for non-profit or humanitarian organizations. So, any recommended schools or programs? What if my undergrad GPA was subpar? I haven't kept in touch with my professors so who do I reach out to for letter references?