Leeannitha

Hi. I’m also applying to JHU. I am just looking at my sample from their perspective and trying to explain my choices. I’m also looking at my future goals for improvement and explaining how their program could help me reach those goals. I think it is very much up to you and how you interpret the prompt. As long as you engage with your work in some way and connect that to your reasoning for applying, I think you will be ok.

Good luck with your book on submission soon! I’d say people definitely get in with manuscript excerpts but I’m wondering about once you get into a program if you will perhaps naturally switch to short stories… it seems like with the amount you will have to produce and new things you will learn that short stories might be better suited to actual workshop. This is all just a hunch. Maybe try writing one just for fun once you submit apps and see how you feel?

Hey, thanks for this chant! In my opinion, your background is a strength. I think it makes you more interesting and shows dedication. I wouldn’t be insecure about it! Play it up in your SOP and be proud of your journey so far!

This is super helpful, thanks a ton !!!

This is so kind of you! I am trying to make it unique and not just “I want money and time to write” which is probably what everyone is writing and why anyone applies to MFAs in general. I also have one school that wants an SOP and personal statement. I’m having a lot of trouble putting those together and making sure they are distinct enough.

Anybody else having trouble with their SOP?

Hi! It says on the website that second year students teach an intro writing course or creative writing course each semester.

Hi @Tazz are you able to take an online workshop between now and the application deadlines? You can always try that to get connected with someone who would be able to give a recommendation. I would also look at any local writing groups in your area. Other recommenders can be anyone from work that can attest to your character/ability to work with others.

Hi everyone I’ve applied three (?) times before. (Not last year). All rejections. I think this may be my last time giving this a shot. We’ll see what happens. It certainly takes a lot out of you (financially and emotionally) @curfew I’ve read that book! I like how it focuses on different writers that went through the program through out the years. I would recommend it as well. Also for the Oregon program you mentioned—- which one was that? I’m applying for poetry this cycle

7. I feel like it is a really bad sign since others have heard from some of them. I kind of feel like a total fraud for even hoping and spending all that time and money preparing for this…the fact that I haven’t gotten news at all just seems so much worse than people actually acknowledging the application even for rejection.

I have not gotten a result for any of my schools.🙃🙃🙃🙃 Not one. 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃I think I must be 🙃🙃🙃🙃the worst writer alive. Or my applications just went into the ether and never got read 🙃🙃🙃🙃

Really completely totally freaking out in all aspects across all dimensions

Someone in results got a call from UMichigan Ann Arbor for poetry!!!!!! Yesterday!!!! I’m freaking out!!!!!!!!!!! ?

Congrats to everyone!!!!!!!

I used old professors (who themselves said it had taken a couple of times applying to get in) and a coworker. I think most programs use letters of rec in the last stages of decision making. Anyone that can speak to your temperament and work ethic would be okay if you don’t have a professor available. Also, mine used the same letter as the first time I applied so it most likely won’t be a bother to ask them again. I think they understand how these things work.