lenagator1997

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

I'm a first year MFA student but considering a PhD right afterwards and so scoping out these forums to figure out where to apply that has full funding (and then from there focus on area of interest).

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 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 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
 

Cincinnati notified about PhD acceptances a while ago. 
 
edit: beginning of February 

Rejection from Brown earlier today!
Luckily I’ve gotten personal good news and was expecting this given yesterday so it didn’t really hurt.
0a/1w/7r
Now it’s time to bother my waitlist school more I guess! I’ll update one last time when I know from them. Crazy to see this process come down to the wire. Feeling a bit blessed and a bit cursed (from even more waiting to come!). 
This is almost the end of the road for me. Thanks for helping me along ❤️
 
 

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.

I thought about trying for PhD creative writing programs but I figure it's hard enough to get into the MFAs! If I end up going to an MFA program, I'll consider applying to a PhD then. Could extend teaching opportunities for example.
I've applied to eight places and so far only heard back from Alabama (rejected ). I've got the support from people at my undergrad institution with wikipedia pages who've read my writing, but it just seems like luck of the draw when so few spots are available. Best of luck to everyone and hoping for good (or at least more) news soon.

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 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 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 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. ?

·       
A few weeks ago, I was asked to talk to first-year M.A. students about the Ph.D. application process. I prepared a list of what I figure to be key elements, and I figure it might be useful to many on GC who are preparing to go down this path as well. I'm quite certain that some of these points are purely subjective and open to discussion / debate, but having gone through the process a couple of times now, these items ring true based on my experiences and observations.

----------------

Others have surely told you about the state of the industry, so I’m just going to assume that you already know the “there are no jobs” spiel.
·        Others have also surely told you about how relatively difficult it is to get into a Ph.D. program—I have yet to hear of a program that admits over 10% of applicants.
o   Because of this, if you are committed to applying to Ph.D. programs, I strongly recommend considering applying to at least ten. Even though merit is a critical part of determining who gets in, there is a very real element of “luck of the draw” which pure numbers will help to mitigate.
·        With that in mind, NOW is a good time to get started on your program research
·        Your first consideration when entering the process should be to determine what era you would like to study, and ideally a general sense of methodologies you want to employ. These elements will be reflected in the two most important components of your application: the Statement of Purpose (or SoP), and your Writing Sample (WS).
·        Some basics:
 
o   The SoP and WS should ideally work together
o   When thinking about potential areas of study, avoid proposing transatlantic or transhistorical concepts: admissions committees are still very much set up by period, and your application should be easily sorted into a field group (i.e. you’re clearly a Romanticist, or you’re clearly a 20th century Americanist).
o   GRE scores, GPA, and other elements are important, but remember that the things you can control the most at this stage are the WS and SoP.
o   Given the importance of these two documents, you will want to get as many eyes on them as possible as soon as possible.
§  My SoP and WS were read and commented on by at least five professors and several fellow students, and ultimately went through at least six rounds of revision each—several of them top-to-bottom revisions.
·        There are multiple factors to consider when looking at programs. Some of the most important include:
 
o   Are there multiple professors actively working in your chosen field
§  By “active” I mean that you should be able to find publication credits from within the past five years—they need to be in touch with current scholarship.
o   What level of financial support do they offer—not just the annual funding, but whether they fund in summer, and how many years of funding are guaranteed
o   What courses have they offered in the past? What courses are they offering in the fall?
o   What is the teaching load like, and how do they prepare you for that load?
o   So-called rankings matter to a certain extent, but remember that those rankings are almost completely arbitrary. USNews rankings are helpful as a list of all programs offering Ph.D.s in English…and a very, very general sense of the strong programs vs. the less strong. But FIT with your interests trumps all.
§  (E.g. the Strode program at U of A is highly regarded, even though U of A itself is somewhat less so)
o   Location and cost of living. A 20k stipend will get you a lot further in Lincoln, Nebraska than in New York. And elements like small town vs. large city, cold vs. warm climate etc. are all perfectly valid factors when looking at programs. You’ll have to live in this place for 4-6 years, after all!
·        A few quick and random tips:
 
o   It can be helpful to contact professors ahead of time to determine research fit etc., but it can also be quite valuable to contact current grad students to get a sense of the program and the environment.
o   Remember that an important part of professionalization in a Ph.D. program is publication. More than anything, this means that before you go down the road toward application, give some serious thought to whether or not your writing and research inclinations have that kind of potential. And whether or not that’s something you really want to deal with at all.
o  Also remember that teaching is a huge part of your job, and always will be. If you don’t enjoy teaching (or the prospect of teaching), you’d better really love the other components of your position, because there’s not going to be any getting away from it for many, many years.
o   It might go without saying, but be very courteous in all of your communications with professors and other graduate students. And that courtesy should be sincere!
o   Consider the total cost of applications: application fees average about $75, sending GRE scores is $27 (more if you need the subject test), and if you have multiple transcripts, that can tack on another $10. In other words, each application will likely be upward of $100. Given that I recommend applying to at least ten programs, you’re looking at a commitment of over $1000. There ARE fee waivers you can find, however.
o   Forums like GradCafe are a good way to socialize with fellow applicants, and commiserate with people in the same situation. Just remember to take all advice you see on those forums with a grain of salt.
o   Finally, there are NO SAFETY SCHOOLS. Just to reiterate, rankings are arbitrary, and almost every program gets ten times as many applicants as they can admit (let alone fund). As a result, you want to look at the best overall fit for you.
 
 

Hello! From what I've read, this does seem to be the general practice. If the admissions committee isn't excited about your writing sample, they aren't going to take the time to look at your other materials. Essentially, committees choose "finalists" based on writing samples, and then look at the other materials like SoP and Letters of Rec to whittle down their decisions. 

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.

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!

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!

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!

Hey Guys,
Just started my MFA CW Nonfiction program at University of New Hampshire! If anyone wants to know more about the program or the application process let me know! ?

Hey Guys,
Just started my MFA CW Nonfiction program at University of New Hampshire! If anyone wants to know more about the program or the application process let me know! ?

Hey There,
This might not be for all MFA programs, but I've observed if the page limits for the portfolios are 30+ or 20+ pages on certain applications, they like to see the different types of skills you have as a writer. (Unless you want to submit 20+ pages of a fiction novel. I'm nonfiction so I am less well versed in what you would do for that.) I made a very diverse portfolio which showed my range of style and thus depth. Even if the page limit was 10 pages, I would submit two very different essays in the two contrasting forms I was strongest in. (I think I had at least four different essays in my portfolio if the page limit was 30+ pages).

Hi! I am an extreme planner and planning to apply this year. Working on getting my list of schools whittled down over the next few months. :)