Raja012

Ok, so I just received my final rejection from my last school! This means it is finally over for me this season, and I am so glad this process is officially done. I just wanted to say thank you to all the people in this community. Connecting with other playwrights and going through this with others, even if it was only virtually, has really made this year more tolerable. We're all playwrights, and we did the damn thing regardless of the results and I'm so proud of each and every one of us. I thank you for being so generous and kind here. And to the future MFA applicants, YOU'VE GOT THIS. If you ever want to connect about the process or have questions about the Iowa Playwrights Workshop, feel free to reach out. Wishing yall the best. I can't wait to see the amazing work you all make! 3a/6r/0p

I was in the first round of offers that went out last Monday. I ended up turning down the offer to accept the Iowa offer on Wednesday morning (and the original deadline for accepting offers was set for April 8th). I got a response from Ana to my email on Friday. (She is awesome and I really had a hard time deciding because the program she is building at Indiana is going to be pretty amazing.) I do know that they made offers to three candidates but i had no word on if those people accepted.

So I actually just got a notification about getting off the waitlist at Iowa. I know there is a graduate school agreement a lot of schools signed onto that has the date for financial aid decisions set as April 15th. So most schools start seeing movement around that time too. But I have heard stories of people waiting until right up until grad schools start in some instances.

Congratulations on both of your acceptances. Although I am sure it's a difficult decision, I want to be sure to celebrate you for impressing both of those amazing programs. It truly is a remarkable dilemma to have. Like you, I'm navigating a similar situation, being waitlisted at two schools one both in NYC and one that is farther out. And thought I would share just a little bit of my thoughts on the situation atm. NYC is a city that is vibrant with opportunities to see new works and to be in an amazing community of writers. That coupled with the program at New School and their focus on expirementation could potentially be a great place that spurs your development as an artist. Not to mention the significant connections you could potentially build within the city as an artist. These are all true. On the other hand, Iowa's program seems to resonate deeply with your aesthetic sensibilities and professional goals. The financial package offered by Iowa, is a testament to their investment in your potential. This support can afford you the luxury of focusing intently on honing your craft without the looming stress of financial burden. Iowa is know for their writing programs and if you look at the program and think thats the place that I would grow the most than its definitely an amazing opportunity. While New York offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and exposure, remember that the digital age has somewhat leveled the playing field. Building a network and gaining exposure from Iowa may require more effort, but it's far from impossible. The question then becomes: Where do you see yourself thriving? Which environment aligns not just with your current aspirations but also with the playwright you aim to become? For me, the decision boils down to understanding my end goals and assessing which program aligns more closely with the trajectory I envision for myself. It's a deeply personal decision, one that factors in not just the immediate benefits but also the long-term vision for my career. Again, congratulations on being faced with such a decision. Whatever your choice, it's clear you're embarking on an exciting journey in your playwriting career.

How long have they not responded? I would say some time would make sense as they could ask for that secondary piece from you and perhaps from other applicants. That in mind with the fact that some schools just had spring break could mean it's still okay.

I haven't heard anything from UCSD or Indiana. At the University of Edinburgh, I have heard of at least one acceptance going out. The other schools I have no idea on. But I will say I have spoken and connected with several other playwrights both here and in other graduate school forums or groups and everyone has said this year has seemed very quiet thus far. I literally just got my first Interview from Columbia today and besides that, it was crickets all month long. This time last year a round of rejections from Yale had already gone out and that also hasn't seemed to happen. I wouldn't lose all your faith yet. My read on the situation is it seems programs are a little behind their typical timelines.

Posting this here because I thought it was really awesome. I received an email from Columbia University to share information about a funding opportunity for playwrights applying to a select few universities by the Dramatists Guild Foundation — the Hansberry-Lilly Fellowship. The funding is 25,000 dollars and the requirements are as follows: Persons Wishing to Apply Must: - Be a person of color - Be a woman or non-binary - Be a first-year/newly accepted into one of these graduate dramatic writing programs: Brooklyn College, Brown, Columbia University, Julliard, NYU-Tisch School of the Arts, Northwestern, Yale, University of California at San Diego I don't qualify but thought to share this to the rest of the community More information on the fellowship can be found here Hope this helps someone out. (Also this is awesome to see from a university you are applying too. Makes me glad I put in my app too that they are sending this information out to people who it could potentially help )

Oh absolutely. I check portals, I check here, read grad posts on reddit. Like it really is just unbearable lol. But I also know if I did check my email and saw a status update I’d still just be anxious to open it. You are not alone fellow playwright. Not in the slightest. only consolation is that it’s already end of January?

Wishing you the best. I also applied to brown, Iowa , and Ucsd who knows maybe we’ll both get in to the same school

Happy New Year!!! Congrats on getting it all done. This process can absolutely be draining. I also finished my apps over the holidays and felt so excited and simultaneously an anxious wreck. Sending out the best for this community as it really has helped me to connect with others going through the same process. Wether you have posted on here before, or if you are silently lurking, thanks for being you and telling the stories you do. Regardless of outcomes.

I also applied to Brown but did not run into that issue upon submitting.

Just wanted to wish people here a happy holidays and new year. I know we are just starting the app season as I know I have a few deadlines coming up. Just wanted to say wishing everyone in this community the best going into the new year!

Nice, I'm looking at Yale's submission next week as well. Also looking at Brown, Columbia, San Diego, UT, and Indiana.

I’m a few years out from undergrad. Applied initially back when I finished . This is going to be my first cycle in years. Excited nervous and all the feels and it’s only the beginning hehe .