lenagator1997

Hey There, Did you have any luck with admissions for this round? I just committed to SUNY Binghamton!

Hey Guys... it looks like I'm going to be submitting my deposit for Binghamton University! Good luck to whomever is still waiting and congrats to all who got into their MFA programs! I only have 2 more months until graduation and then PhD! 💚

Hey There! So it's really a PhD in English with a Creative Writing focus. You get to complete a creative dissertation with a critical element. Basically the PhD is a hybrid of creative writing, literature, and sometimes composition. It's becoming more popular to attain a PhD after your MFA, but I wanted to do it because I loved it. You can find out more reading this book: https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Graduate-Degrees-Creative-Writing-ebook/dp/B07CGXY5DM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=guide+to+graduate+degrees+in+creative+writing&qid=1679663190&sr=8-1

Hey Guys, This is probably off topic, but has anyone heard anything from University of Cincinnati or Ohio University? I am still waiting to hear back from both on PhD applications. To those who are still waiting on MFA notifications, good luck to all! I know the process is harrowing. I'm just trying to graduate in one piece from University of New Hampshire! 💙 Applying: PhD in Creative Writing Applied: 8 Rejected: 5 Accepted 1 University of Binghamton! 💚 Graduating: May 2023 MFA

Hey Everyone, I just wanted to start a forum for anyone who has applied to PhD programs in English for Fall 2023. Good luck to all!

I didn't know if I wanted to do the PhD when I first got to my MFA program. After I knew I loved graduate school and wanted to continue learning about CNF and literature, that's when I decided to apply. Also, if you are looking for a job in academia, even at a community college, they want a PhD of some sort.

Heyy Again, Has anyone applied to PhD in Creative Writing programs? that's where I'm at right now and the wait is killing me!

Hello Everyone, I have no idea where this post is going to land in the thread, but I am graduating in the spring of 2023 at University of New Hampshire's MFA program. If anyone has questions about anything feel free to reach out! Also I understand everyone's financial situation is different, but I would encourage considering non-fully funded programs if they give you a spot to teach introductory college writing. This will provide a full tuition waiver, health insurance and usually a stipend as well.

Hey Everyone! incoming 2nd year MFA CW student here! I have decided to take the insane plunge and apply to PhD programs in Creative Writing! I wanted this forum to be a place for those of us who are beginning/ are in/ continuing the application process. ?

Hey Everyone! I am still at UNH, so if anyone has questions about what it's like as a first year creative nonfiction student or a MFA student in general let me know! If I am being honest I had a real rough first semester, but the second semester made up for it. In Fall 2022 I am still working at Research and Development, the Writing Center and TA-ing with a professor of mine, as well as writing my Masters Thesis. This is the advice stemming from my own experience only I would give to someone now being one year into my program: 1. The first semester is when you begin to transition into the grad-school writing life and into your writing community, but it may not be easy. Putting out my first essay (to a mostly second year cohort!) was rather scary because it was the first impression of my writing I gave to my peers and professor. This is where the rose colored glasses come off and the real work begins. Just be patient with others and yourself. 2. Look out for professional development opportunities outside of the classroom. Try for that Writing Center job you saw in that email or even grant writing. Even if down the line you realize you don't want to do it for a career, the experience will get you far and even help you make a little money. Yes the rumors are true, everyone is kinda looking out for the same careers post graduation. Everyone is looking to have that cushy tenure track job "teaching," (even if they've never done it in their entire lives or admit to hating undergraduates) or are looking to be the Editor and Chief of Penguin Random House. People will most likely brag and use every political tool they have to get ahead, but don't let it get you down. Think outside the lines, be yourself and keep on your own path. I personally thought I would be a terrible editor for the Writing Center, but it ended up becoming a passion of mine. 3. Find that one professor in your corner. You won't like every single person on the faculty, but you just need one who sees you and your writing for what it really is. 4. Even if you don't become extremely close with your cohort, if they respect you within the classroom as a writer, that's all that matters. In my experience, that whole "you will find friends for life," thing was an inflated unrealistic myth. (But if that aspect is important to you in an MFA program, then that's fine too.) 5. You might not all graduate together. I personally had no idea about this until recently. Everyone except for me extended their time in our two year program to 2.5 years and I am apparently the only one graduating in May 2023. Just don't be shocked. 6. Take that literature class your advisor warned you about. I took 2 master's level literature classes and not only did I get to know some awesome people outside of the MFA classroom, studying literature also helped my creative writing! I am also admittedly not an MFA purist. I describe myself as a academic/artist hybrid so I believe in cross-departmental study. 7. Take advantage of alumni from your program. One published alumni subbed for my nonfiction class once last semester and he is now helping me out with some aspects of my Masters Thesis! 8. In the end, it's your writing. Just because they are your professors or second/ third years doesn't mean they have greater authority then you about your voice, style, POV ect. In the end, you get to call the play. Again, this is small sage advice from one person, but I hope it helps!

Hey There, I am also currently trying to figure out how many PhD programs to apply to. When I was applying to both law school and MFA creative writing programs, I focused not on the number of programs but the ones that were the best fit. I personally applied to 13 law schools and 13 programs in creative writing. I got into 2/13 law schools and 3/13 creative writing. I also know PhD programs are different in the way that every program is rather competitive to get into, but my approach is probably going to be similar.

Hi There, That is what I have heard as well about how most MFA programs review their applicants. The portfolio/writing sample is the most important part. If they don't think the writing is a good fit, then it's a non-starter.

Hey There! I would say if you are coming from a small undergraduate institution like I was, it's a big campus with alot of people around. The program itself is pretty small, and all our classes are in one place: the English building! Everyone here is happy to help if you need anything. The location is rural with alot of resources in close-by downtown Durham. I can't speak to the poetry program, but the nonfiction program is very rigorous and awesome! I'll admit I cannot take a day off. There are a very interesting diverse group of writers here with different insights and strengths into writing. The community is welcoming and encouraging! The courses are also diverse, with alot of options for professional development and internships. Teaching varies by professors, but they are both very different on the way they approach teaching and class structure. I am learning so much here and I am happy I chose UNH! ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************** UPDATED RESPONSE Heyy Everyone, I won't mislead any of you down the yellow brick road, so I am updating this response I posted a bit ago. Many of the above points are still true, which I am happy about. The community however, I have some insights on. The community here is indeed, sociable. There is no hostility, at least in the CNF section among the students. There is a bit of ego, posturing, and clique-iness that has gone on in workshop which can be rather frustrating. In addition, not all of the professors, like any place I suppose, will be your best friend. These are the realities of being in the arts. No one is going to hand-hold you through this program. Again, the academics and professional development are awesome. Despite my comments, the UNH MFA is not a bad program, but you have to do alot of the heavy lifting to make it work for you, and everyone's experience is different of course. Don't freak out guys, this has just been my experience as of late.

I have no idea which topic I am replying to anymore, so hang in there with me! I side note on the MFA. I am finding that you will not always know how well you or your writing will mesh with anyone else's before you really dig into workshop after committing. I know that sucks, but that's been the reality for me. People say check out the faculty and see if their writing style matches yours. Well, while this might be a vital tip, it isn't going to answer the major questions that you may have about them as a professor until after you arrive. 1. They may teach in a way you love, but they may not get your writing style. 2. The people in the creative writing cohort may have a style of writing that doesn't mesh with yours, which can become an issue when critiquing. (You may like a type of writing that they hate and vice versa and this will affect your workshop experience). 3. Ego is a thing in the arts, which changes the writing environment. 4. Workshop isn't everything. Really look into the school's professional development opportunities. I am currently interning in The Research and Large Development Office at UNH which is a Tier 1 research institution, and and I an editor for The Connors Writing Center. Those positions are much more valuable to me in the long run than anything anyone says in workshop. Those are my updates! ? Good Luck Everyone!

Hi Thanks! Classes are all in-person like pre-COVID life, except of course the masks. Some professors want to hold office hours over the phone or Zoom but so far that's been the only difference.