Agez

Hi and welcome! From what you're describing, I don't think it's a big enough deal to truly affect your chances with that school. If the deadline is passed, I wouldn't worry about it. If it truly bothers you, and the deadline hasn't passed, you can try to ask admissions if you can send in a version you'd prefer they look at it. Again, I truly don't think it will hold any really control over their decision making process and they won't hold something like that against you as a person or writer.

Hi @Strelka welcome! The rules of "when is the best time to apply" are arbitrary. The most often I've heard is that right out of undergrad is not the best time to go, but I know at least 3 students in the Yale MFA who were straight out of undergrad. I will now be three years out (though I did take an extra two years for context), so I'm 26 and I think my understanding of myself and my writing has only improved. I think that's just time. But if you know yourself, your voice and how to make a program do for you what you need it to, that's the best time to go. Just my 2c though.

Ironically, I'm in a better space now than I was last year. I have more money saved and my writing is sort of in a better place and I know what I want more. I'm glad I decided not to go because of COVID last year, but seeing how this country is DETERMINED to "get back to normal" beyond all logic, I imagine we'll be in-person sooner than we think (probably should be). I did cut my list in half though from last year. Thank you so much @brillantina! You listed so many of the things I loved about Hunter and Brooklyn and why I look forward to applying again. I definitely see myself working part-time, have gotten accustomed to self-producing and I love this access to the English department. I miss creative writing and love that there is space to explore that. @yoinky I commend you for going back so far! I didn't have the energy for more than two years lol Yeah, USCs reputation even beyond this group isn't great. Hope they find their way back

For anyone into UT Austin and is free: Hello, I believe I am writing to a group that has either already applied to the University of Texas Playwriting MFA Program or is planning to. I am writing to let you know I am hosting a 1 hour Q&A this Friday from Noon CST until 1PM CST. I will answer any questions I can about grad school, UT, our faculty and our plans. You ay share this invite with anyone who would like to join. If you can’t make it, but you have questions I will try to answer them by email The Q&A can be accessed thru the Zoom link at the bottom of the invitation. If you have trouble getting in, text me at this number: 512-527-4118. Also, at this link is a virtual tour of our facilities: https://vimeo.com/465895007?fbclid=IwAR1eoxqEM4Hoj40uoQis47NY2JnLSVumi1fv5NoWpBVIelrKmlgScum4SZA GOOD LUCK TO ALL, KIRK Here is the zoom link. Kirk Lynn is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: MFA Q&A Time: Dec 4, 2020 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://utexas.zoom.us/j/9173906030

Hi! I spoke to someone 2 years ago who graduate from the MFA in 2018, so this info might be dated. So Rob is the main professor, though they do get visiting teachers, but he'll be the main instructor and will be conducting the interviews. I think if you get along with him, you'll enjoy your experience. It ranges from partially to fully funded. The person I spoke to got about 75%, but it's about how much they want you. As a Playwright of Color she struggled because the acting program wasn't particular diverse for the stories she wanted to tell. She liked her cohort though. Sorry I couldn't provide anything more detailed.

Things tend to be pretty quiet in the threads around this time. It's usually closer to deadlines where things pick up and folks start checking in. I'd also like to recommend the University of Maryland, College Park for their Master's and PhD program in Performance Studies. I was only there for undergrad, but I know it's well funded and have heard very positive experience from those who've attended.

Love Anne! I met her earlier this year when she was working on SHIPWRECK in D.C. I'd love to know about funding and post-COVID production opportunities. How's the department and non-playwriting workshop classes? I also find the website crazy to navigate lol Is administration helpful and communicative?

So I ended up getting into Northwestern last year. I highly recommend something that shows a bold, unique voice. I did select excerpts from a longer work, but I feel like I got to cheat because they were such short scenes, that didn't have a sequential order so just the strongest scenes I put together. But I think they're much more interested in the strength of your voice within those pages, than where in the play they live.

I have also heard that from USC, especially from a recent graduate of the playwriting program (2019). He pretty much said, "Friends don't let friends go to USC." He said his cohort made it bearable, but nothing about the environment was positive. This is part of the reason why I didn't apply last round, but that 75% funding, prime location and no GRE this year is quite tempting. Anyone heard anything about UCLA or Brooklyn College's environment?

I know Yale for sure isn't. Though Michener isn't, the UT Austin MFA appears to still be accepting candidates, and its also fully funded, so something to consider. Someone above mentioned Texas State. That's all I know for sure, now. I'm applying to a much shorter list of schools so haven't done the research, but I would assume they're open unless their website states otherwise.

I wouldn't call it a mistake, but unless you made significant revisions, I wouldn't do that. I feel that if you got that far ahead, they'll remember your work (and clearly liked it) and would like to see something new from you to show your growth since last round. Everyone says the sample is your strongest part of the application, so I think of all the application materials (resume, LOR, etc) it should be the most evolved. I'm also reapplying, and trying to avoid that myself.

I was surprised to find my most experimental- least curated work had the greatest response. I think they are looking for something that excites them and you, but also shows a clear hand of your voice. If you're allowed to submit more than one piece, I'd say do traditional and something something that excites you.

Some programs are very specifc about what they will and won't allow. Some are very stringent about no musicals or anymore that's collaborative. There's just no telling how much of it is yours or your partner's. I admit I haven't had to pay TOO much attention since musicals aren't my thing, but if it doesn't specify in the application, feel free to ask. But generally, I think they prefer something without music

As someone who is applying next cycle, I do feel like it will affect the next one. 1) I suspect things will be more competitive as people will look to grad school in the face of major unemployment. 2) Funding will most likely be tighter. This could also lead to accepting less students, if any at all. From what I've heard, a lot of schools are considering staying online for the Fall which is not how anyone would want to start their first year, but alas. I know some folks in draft were considering asking about deferment, especially international students. It's so hard to plan a head 4 months from now as everything is changing so rapidly.

You should totally feel free to contact them! Especially since its the 15th, it's only fair. See if you hear anything by tomorrow

Finally got my rejection from UCLA lol It took so long I didn't even feel anything lol Now I'm officially done

Applied to 14 schools. 10 rejections, 1 waitlist (BU) and 3 acceptances: Hunter College- 50% Funding and TAship 2nd yr Northwestern- 50% Funding and GAShip Ohio University Athens- Fully Tuition Waiver and Stipend After much thought and debate, I've decided not to go to grad school this year. I took my name off the BU waitlist last week, and I just told Northwestern and Ohio Athens I wouldn't be attending. Hunter was the school I was planning on attending so I'm dragging my feet, but I'll probably send them an email by the end of the day. Hope this helps out folks!

Congratulations @kevinmalone! That's awesome! Congrats @ Straton!!

Some time this week, I imagine. I had an interview with Charles Smith last week Tuesday, and I'm interviewing with Erik Ramsey tomorrow. I don't know what any of it means.

So glad you feel right at home! I think that's so important and something that we forget. This is going to be your home, it has to feel right. CONGRATS!!!

I have a friend who graduated from the program and I went to the open house. They said its hard AF and is extremely exhausting, but you can survive it. They worked part time jobs, but I think they got so much out of the quality of the program that they didn't regret it. Not to mention the access and the mentoring. It'll be hard, but very possible

Hey everyone! Don't forget to update the results page with Rejections, Acceptances, Interviews and Waitlist information! Remember how useful that information was/ would have been for you!

Congratulations! I'm no expert, but feel free to DM if you want a second opinion on understanding your package. I had the same issue looking at my Northwester package.

Just got waitlisted at Boston, I emailed Ohio and I should be hearing about my position by the end of the month.

Oh rm GEE!!! Congratulations! It's an amazing program, enjoy the experience and revel in the WIN!!!