feralgrad

Yes, that was my point (although I didn't make it very clear). I can't speak to your second point, since the smallest city I've lived in is Richmond, VA, which is also like 40% queer. But that alone just goes to show you that region isn't as tied to safety as most people say.

As a (white) visibly queer person who's lived in Austin and a large East Coast city, I think class and lifestyle are more important than location. In my limited experience, safety often comes down to two things: your job, and car ownership. Working in an office (instead of service, manual labor, etc.) and not taking public transport allows you to avoid some of the most common difficult/dangerous scenarios. Taking the subway has exposed me to a lot of BS, despite my city's supposedly progressive status. Which is to say, I think anyone can live safely in the South, but only if you have a bit of money.

I agree, and it seems that many programs have nixed their GRE requirement this year alone (I noticed a few that had gotten rid of it this app cycle). Aside from being irrelevant, the test is expensive. In my mind, it delivers the message that "if you can't afford to take this $160 test, potentially more than once, then we don't want you."

This is the other way I manage my application anxiety (mostly when I'm at work)

When you scroll up to the top of the page, you'll see a tab that says "Results" (between "Activity" and "Leaderboards.") The main group is MFA Draft, but it's notorious for increasing anxiety (and sometimes competitiveness), so I've steered clear of it. It's a great place to gather information about specific programs, though, if you're willing to put up with it.

@Ydrl I'm trying to accept that I'll be in Purgatory for at least another month, since all of my schools have January deadlines. That said, it hasn't kept me from checking the app portals before the deadlines have even passed (answer me, you cowards!).

Based on the results page, it seems that they'll very occasionally send acceptances in late January. Most come out in mid-February or early March.

I have to wait two more weeks for an outside chance that I'll get a decision. The wait for MFA programs is killer! At any rate, I hope that you get a quick answer!

Since this is my second year applying, the anxiety has been easier to manage (but don't get me wrong--I spend plenty of time fidgeting and heart-palpitating at my desk). Podcasts are a great distraction (I've been listening to a lot of Knifepoint Horror), as well as making playlists. Overall, I try to remember that I survived the disappointment last year, and I can do it again. Looking back, I'm glad that I wasn't able to attend in 2019; now I'm in a much better place creatively and emotionally, so I'm better positioned for success. If I have to wait another year, as much as it would suck, I'll be that much better for it.

Heads up: Make sure you know if your program requires a FAFSA. Some fully-funded programs do. I've seen a couple horror stories about people getting passed up for funding because they didn't realize it was required.

Thanks for joining the thread! I may have questions for you if I get accepted.

Thank you for your support. Maybe I should have sent that in with my SOP!

As of today, all of my LORs are submitted! All on time this year!

I combed through the the MFA program results to estimate the absolute earliest I could expect a decision. Turns out it's late January, which I already knew!

Dreamed up this meme like a month ago, and I just stumbled upon the base image today.

It happens all the time, so I wouldn't worry too much. Having all your materials in early can give you a slight leg up in certain programs (depending on how they review apps), but it won't shoot you in the foot.

The other day, in a fit of anxiety, I read every single "So You're Waiting to Hear Back" post on the MFA Years. Pretty much every single blogger advised not to read your app materials after submission, so I haven't. In my opinion, it could only make me feel insecure. I've seen people do it for SOPs, but not really with writing samples. Personally, I think it's a good idea pre-submission, but I don't picture it helping me now that all my apps are done (for the reason stated above). I'd be happy to read prose from other users, though. My taste in poetry isn't developed, so I can't offer much help there.

I tend to perform well under stress, so the words came easily when I was working on applications. It was /after/ when exhaustion and writer's block kicked in. I've been feeling massively uninspired ever since I turned in my last app.

Welcome, @Brother Panda! Looking forward to weathering the storm with ya. 15 is a lot, but I respect the dedication. Can I get a rundown of all the schools?

Anyone else feeling bitter watching the results for science-related programs come in? I don't know how I'm gonna wait another 1-3 months...

I second @litty. Not to mention that many (if not most) people applying for the first time aren't ready for an MFA program; they're applying right out of undergrad, and/or they're interested in an MFA because it will "force them to write." People like this make up a significant portion of the app pool, and they're very unlikely to have strong portfolios or persuasive SOPs. Well-known programs like IWW and Cornell get inundated with applicants like this, so their acceptance rates are misleading. That isn't to say these programs aren't shockingly competitive, but it's not as bleak as 1-2% implies.

Where did you find the acceptance rates? Hollins has theirs listed on the website (a *hefty* 10%), but most other programs I've looked at are cagey about it.

Gift cards are considered inappropriate, as they can be seen as a bribe/compensation for the recommendation. A card and a small token gift (like a chocolate bar or a mug) is acceptable.

I strongly considered applying to Cornell. I like that they encourage experimental work, plus there's the opportunity to teach there upon graduation. I ended up crossing it off my list because I didn't want to move too far from family/friends. In short, I don't think having Cornell as #1 is dumb at all! Personally, I've heard some negative things about IWW's culture. That plus the location means I'd never apply there.

I'm moving to a cheaper city, getting a low-maintenance job, and dedicating as much time as possible to my art/writing. This past year I tried to start networking with other artists, and I'd like to put more time into that. I'll look for an inexpensive workshop to attend as well. After last year's application cycle didn't pan out, I made a pledge to keep up my creative momentum, and it paid off. It kept me from getting depressed/in a rut, and my work has improved markedly. I'm still anxious as hell, but I know I'll keep growing and moving forward no matter what happens. My final choices this year were Hollins, GMU, and VT (ended up deciding to apply there last-minute, as I realized it was a much better fit than VCU). It's hard to pick a top choice, because this year I only applied to schools that I'd be really excited to attend. That said, I'm leaning towards GMU; it's pretty close to were I live, and the move would be much less strenuous. What's your top choice?