Just got the "no thanks" email from Northwestern. Not surprised – still stings a bit though.
I know it's disappointing but ultra competitive MFA programs don't have the final say in your worth and validity as a writer. It's not humiliating to put yourself out there. You're pretty much going to have to for the rest of your life if this is something you want to pursue. It's helpful for me to remember the reason I applied in the first place: to learn and to improve. An MFA program is a really great opportunity to do that, but it's not the only way it can be done. I'm gonna write no matter what.