prufrock_

No problem, glad you're feeling better! (Also, not sure if you know, but Northwestern Litowitz does require an academic paper, which is uncommon-- so if you don't have one ready to go, it might be better to sub in a different program.)

If your writing sample is in a good place (as in you have 20-30 pages of your best work that you're ready to ship out right now), and you already have 3 people willing and prepared to write letters of recommendation this round, then applying to 18 places is realistic. I'm applying to 17; it seems about 10-15 is the normal range for MFAs, but I didn't get any push back from my recommenders about 17 (this is my second round; i did 12 last round). Is it possible you can apply to a smaller number of your top choices this year, with a plan on applying to more next round if you don't get in?

Less than 30 days for quite a few deadlines now!!! I hope everyone is making good progress on their SOPs!

to address your insecurity: i have a very uncommon academic background as well. But like, in the opposite direction of you: no masters; took 10 years to graduate from a no name school; hardly had a 3.0 gpa. Last round I got cold feet and took a lot of big names off my list, scared I was wasting time. But then I got into the most academic program I applied to. Which proves to me that the application process really is 95% based on the writing sample.

Most programs discourage reaching out to current students if you're just applying. But If you're admitted, you should get a list of current students which you can reach out to and ask any questions before you formally accept an admission. For past alumni, there's a post on the facebook draft page of alumni saying where they went, so you could reach out to them there. For finding out more about a program, I'm applying to places mostly on vibes. Vibes and cost of living.

testing my link theory here, but I found this very helpful https://litreactor.com/columns/statements-of-purpose - big take aways being don't talk too much about yourself, keep it short, talk about writing more than yourself.

I am too! I feel like my writing sample is quite a bit stronger, and my list of schools are more aligned with my goals as a writer. There is of course a strong chance I get into 0 programs this round and curse my past self for declining what I did last round, but, oh well, gotta enjoy the journey! I'm applying to 4 more schools this time round than last year. Gonna try and be a lot better about NOT waiting until the deadline to apply so it's not a mad rush at the end.

Thanks for the heads up on UW Madison, you are right! (I had this on my list!). Alternatively, Northwestern is admitting Fiction this year (but was only admitting poetry last year). Since you are applying to Michener, maybe take a look at the New Writers Project MFA @ ut austin. They require separate applications, but only require one application fee to apply for both.

Keep an eye on the programs teaching load -- if a school is having you teach 2/2 (two classes in fall, two in spring) for funding, then you are not going to have time for a side gig. Not many schools are 2/2, most are 1/1. But also, many funded mfa's have a thing in the student handbook saying 'you agree not to have a side job while we fund you - your focus is our program.'

I'm here! This will be my second round applying in fiction. I got a couple acceptances last year, even one with full funding, but I turned them down to hopefully get into a school that aligns more with my long term goals (and ideally offers funding that isn't poverty levels -- let this be a warning to look at stipend levels compared to cost of living y'all, especially in the post apocalyptic hellscape of 2024 housing). The community here is great, but the draft '25 group on facebook is also a resource everyone should keep an eye on; there is definitely more responses on their spreadsheet.

One of my apps turned into an acceptance with funding! but after trying to do the math, I decided to turn it down. the stipend did not cover the cost of living in the area. Kind of surreal to turn down a funded opportunity, but i told myself i'd only do this if it meant no debt. Going into debt for rent is worse than going into debt for tuition considering interest rates. I'm looking forward to applying next year. I'll only be submitting apps for very well funded schools, and if i don't get in, that's life. I hope to see some of ya'll next year here. And grats to ya'll who wont be here! This has been a fun experience of communal dread and excitement.

university of oregon has finally declined my admissions... for fall 2021

Congratulations!! If you don't mind answering, is this for fiction? I'm also curious if you had spoken with the department much while on the wait list? (i'm waitlisted there but didn't reach out other than an initial thanks, so i wanna increase my chances next year if I'm in the same position again, hah!)

Most schools say 'we can't give feedback on rejections' on their website. I suppose asking for feedback on a rejection from the waitlist is a bit different, but worth double checking their site to make sure they say not to even ask. I'm not sure how much actionable advice you'd get other than 'you would have been accepted but xyz fit better for rounding out the cohort, try again next year.' i'm just speculating though, if anyone else has more insight i'm also curious (since i'm on a few waitlists as well!).

Congrats, and thanks for letting us know! The Ark waitlist seems rather large, so good luck yall!