teasel

This is so incredibly kind of you to say--thank you so much. Like many of us I've been dealing with a lot of self doubt, basically questioning every decision I've made leading up to this point haha. Your words really cheered me up : )

I was also rejected by Amherst! It was a tough one for me. I haven't seen any numbers, but I wonder how many applied this year in poetry. It will be interesting to see how this year shapes up compared to previous years... would love to see actual numbers at some point! I don't even know which programs I'm most anxious to hear back from at this point because I've somehow trained myself to be impartial... Getting waitlisted at one of my schools gives me hope, but I'm trying to go about my life as though I'm not waiting. When things got difficult and I found myself obsessing, I took a break from this forum and started leaving my phone in another room haha. It's been great for my writing practice at least! One thing that gives me hope is that two of my poems are going to be published in a top 30 publication this summer, and I'm hoping that's a good sign. Even if I don't get in anywhere, it's nice to know that someone appreciated my work enough to include it. I'm even getting paid! *gasp* Basically unheard of in the poetry world. I really hope one adcom sees what this editor saw in my poems

Very true! Even the most "marketable" genres of the MFA are subject to a lot of luck and uncertainty. I'm just living in the moment--kind of seems like the infrastructure o the US is crumbling anyway, I figure I might as well do whatever I want in terms of what time I have. It's easy for me to say that though--I don't have kids or other people that rely on me. Maybe one day I'll get more serious about having a stable career and go into teaching, but for now I'm just trying to embrace a sense of adventure

I'm waiting on these programs as well! Very eager to hear news, good or bad, so that I can finally move forward with planning my year. I think it's the anticipation that's getting to me--not the potential for rejections, which I've prepared myself for as best I can. I think that all fiction writers could probably benefit in taking a class or two in poetry. Hearing a sense of musicality in words, an understanding of rhythm and the attention to detail required line-by-line... seems like it would really add some sonic texture to something like a short story. I guess what I find challenging about writing fiction, specifically short stories, is that there has to be a sense of urgency and culmination that can be hard to accomplish if you don't have a great understanding of plot/narrative. I am hoping to take classes in both, but I'm really happy I've chosen poetry first and foremost as it's what I love. Of course, there's more money in fiction and screenwriting--at least I assume so? *edit for typo

Research is a basic skill required of anyone applying to graduate school. If you have questions regarding the specifics of a program, I recommend contacting the program directly.

I would think that including publications on your CV demonstrates that you're active in the literary community, which doesn't seem like a bad thing at all. I mean, it's about the writing sample first and foremost anyway. I wouldn't stress the little stuff! A top 30 publication is something to be proud of either way.

Me too dude, and even thought I was fully anticipating it I still melodramatically stared at the ceiling for like 30 minutes ❤️ hang in there!! Hi, welcome!! We applied to a lot of similar schools--I'm still waiting on UMass for poetry as well. My status changed to "update pending" this morning, but other than that I've haven't gotten any emails or anything. I was just rejected by Minnesota so I'm kinda hoping UMass will put me out of my misery... I'd like to compartmentalize this icky feeling within the confines of today lmao. Anyway, best of luck to everyone ❤️ do something nice for yourself today *Edited for typo

Hey, welcome! I applied to UMass as a poetry applicant but I've been wondering the same thing. This is all I know: some of the acceptances interviewed with the Writing Center pre-acceptance, some did not. Some folks have received an email about a portal update, some folks have not. Personally, I have received no communication with the school and my status is currently "under review" still. I'm not feeling very optimistic about Amherst at this point. Someone on Draft received a waitlist email yesterday for fiction, so idk? Everything seems pretty staggered, but I'm guessing we'll be hearing back reeeeal soon.

Welcome! As far as I know no one has heard from Michener, UVA or Vanderbilt yet. I don't think I've seen anything on VA or BU either, but I haven't been following those ones closely. If it's anything like previous years, Michener will notify around Valentine's day.

Just received my first notification--I'm on the wait-list for University of Oregon! There's so much I love about this program. Hoping that this means there is more good news to come. I'm glad my first notification isn't a rejection, because I've been a nervous wreck tbh

For those that applied to Minnesota, keep in mind that they are only accepting two (two!!) writers per genre as I understand--so try not to get too worked up if you can help it. Edit to clarify: What I mean to say, is that while it's a bit of a lottery for any funded program, try not to get down on yourself if you don't make it into MN. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to narrow a cohort down to 6.

I take a very Jungian approach towards tarot and make no claims of being psychic, though that would be very convenient right about now. I'm also not really interested in "proving" their value to another person, especially a stranger on the internet, if it's something that doesn't resonate with them. As far as I'm concerned, no offense taken--I can handle a bit of sass. I just hate having my time wasted. On another note, have you guys been keeping up with what's happening with the Poetry Foundation right now? What are your thoughts?

I think the general sentiment is that it's hard to imagine being that pathetic, but then again it's hard to imagine why a middle-aged white dude would pose as various women of color to blather on in irrelevant Shakespeare quotes. Truly difficult to fathom, for those of us who generally just want to commiserate and hear about one another's success. But to each there own.

This has definitely crossed my mind. Yeah, it's not very hard to mess with MFA app folks. We're a neurotic bunch to start with

Yeah, the funding situations is confusing! I was under the impression that they fund their students with TA positions? But maybe that's not entirely true... it's generally talked about as a "funded" program. UW isn't my alma mater, but I have publications and awards specific to WA state, so if I don't get in at UW I'm not sure I'll get in anywhere :') It's basically my "safety school" (though of course, there is no such thing and I'd be honored and very grateful to attend--I mean "safety" as in I feel I have a better change of being admitted there than anywhere else).

Yeah, I noticed that as well and it seems kinda early? I checked my portal, and all it says is that they received everything basically. Might be the Bothell campus? Also, I think UW is a bit more demanding with their qualifications. 3.0 GPA, critical sample... wondering if maybe that has something to do with it. It's shitty that they would reject someone without sending an email.

Hey there! You might be better off asking this in the Humanities/Eng PHD thread. The majority of us are applying to creating writing MFA's, so we won't be able to answer you with much specificity. For what it's worth, I would take it as a good sign that you haven't been rejected yet--maybe they are interviewing people in waves.

Also just wanted to clarify that I wasn't meaning to imply that you were reading on a surface level!! I was actually thinking about some folks in Draft who were interpreting things as yes/no answers. I say this as someone who is currently looking at astrology videos online.... I really should be directing my advice towards myself lmao

I really underestimated how stressful this would be. I'm actually writing this from my bed haha. I haven't been rejected anywhere yet, but I'm already kind of depressed... I'm finding it really hard to be motivated to do much of anything. It's hard to talk with friends because they're so incredibly supportive, but I also feel that they don't understand the kind of pressure and competition involved in this process. It would be so much easier if we could go to a coffee shop to write or get lunch with a friend. Hard to feel motivated when my only option is to walk 30 feet over to my desk in the other room hahah. I'm so listless! Jealous of applicants in previous rounds who were at least able to go to a bar

It sounds like some folks get calls on the weekend and even after the standard 9-5, according to some vets at least. So who really knows lmao. I want to believe that there is a method to this madness, but with COVID and everything remote I have no clue what to expect Edit to add: I bet we'll be hearing a lot more this first week of February

Yeah I totally hear ya... going absolutely nuts over here, too. I'm a professional reader and have been avoiding the cards for the time being for my own sanity. Once you start over-drawing, it ceases to have much meaning and just feeds anxiety : ) But it doesn't stop me from drawing a card here and there. I think lots of folks are treating individual cards as "yes" or "no" response or even "bad" vs. "good," but this is a pretty shallow way of interpreting. Instead of asking them "will I get into xyz," it would probably be more helpful to ask a question like "what will my writing life look like in 2021" . It's all about the question you ask... they are powerful for self-development, but once we treat them like a magic eight ball they really just become an extension of our uncertainty. If you feel like sharing the cards you received or want a mini reading (no charge, just for fun) let me know! Might be a fun way to kill some time

I think that two people mentioned having interviews related to TA funding earlier this month in Draft. In the past, it seems like they conducted these interviews *after* accepting folks. Apparently no one has been accepted yet, but I'm guessing that those with interviews are going to get an offer. Obviously this is conjecture at this point! They could be asking for interviews in waves for all I know. Clearly I have too much time to think about this hahah

Welcome! I think coming from a background that isn't strictly humanities probably gives you a really unique perspective. Tbh, I kind of wish that I had gone in the direction of STEM for my undergrad for practicality's sake. Absolutely love Murakami and Tartt! I read The Secret History this summer, but have yet to read her other works. I read 1Q84 a few years ago, but since then have mostly only read his short stories. If you liked those writers, you might enjoy The Vegetarian by Han Kang. These days I'm mostly reading poetry tbh, but I'm hoping to pick up a new novel soon. Will check o ut Ozeki and Mitchell since it sounds like we have similar taste!

I agree--it's unfortunate that there's a certain stigma around community college. Especially considering that after you transfer to a four year institution, it really doesn't make much of a difference (and you save soooo much $$). The teachers I had in my cc classes were wonderful and passionate about their students. AND, my classroom discussions were 1000% more interesting than the group of 18 year old upper/middle class students at my 4 year. Not to mention that MFA programs apparently couldn't care less about where you went to undergrad as long as they see something worthwhile in your writing!

I hear what you're saying, and there's a lot to unpack on this thread. I do wonder who these "blind readers" would be--the faculty of IWW are in the best place to make these calls, seeing as they are a part of the culture and will be the ones personally investing time & attention to those admitted. Perhaps the best way to avoid biases is to further diversify the faculty/adcoms in every sense of the word? A lot of schools are trying to diversify the student body, but on the systemic level I wonder if it has to start with faculty first and foremost. Obviously I am not qualified to even touch this problem, but it's something that seems pretty relevant with regards to the literary community as a whole rn. And in the end, it's going to be subjective no matter what, right? I don't know if there's any way getting around that. It all comes down to the writing sample and the whims and/or tastes of the adcoms. Edit to add that 60/1000 applications still seems kinda generous? I mean, how many workshops have ya'll been in where *everyone's* story/poem is utterly captivating. I know I sound harsh, I just mean that not everyone who applies to a place like IWW is going to turn in something polished. Even great writers often have to apply 2 or 3 rounds. And this year, there's gotta be a number of people who applied on a whim after striking out in the job market and watching that one episode of Girls... maybe it's easier culling the initial herd than we'd like to believe. I say this as someone who is 100% terrified btw.