pomelo

MFA programs are wild. You either go into debt for one or you luck into a fully funded program (but will still likely struggle because they will give you just enough to survive). Because most of us don’t want to go into debt, we will apply for the fully funded programs, making them wildly, stupidly competitive. We will apply anywhere from 5 to 25 programs. Considering the odds, most of us won’t get accepted to our top choice(s). It doesn’t mean we didn’t deserve it or that we’re incompetent or that our writing sucks. While it’s natural to dwell and agonize and think the worst of ourselves, it’s impossible to know exactly why we weren’t selected. I hope this doesn’t come off as negative or cynical. I didn’t get into Northwestern and I’m feeling doubtful about Amherst since I didn’t get an interview. I cried last night because I knew a rejection from Northwestern was coming but, in retrospect, no institution is worthy of our tears. Hang in there, y’all.

First rejection of the season! Northwestern CNF. 0a/0w/9p/1r

You’re not alone! They were one of my top choices. Onward and upward indeed! I’m rooting for all of us. Not naive! The only people who know how these things work are the ones making the decisions. And it doesn’t look like they’ve sent out waitlists yet.

Since 2018 they have admitted 5 to 8 students per cycle. Last year they admitted 6 out of 239 applications. They are one of the few programs I’ve seen that is very transparent about how many people apply and how many are admitted. tgs(dot)northwestern(dot)edu/about/program-statistics

Someone on Draft just shared they got a phone call acceptance to Northwestern for poetry. Congrats to them (and anyone who has been accepted). Guess the rest of us will soon find out if we were waitlisted or rejected.

Good luck to you too! At the very least I hope decisions come out swiftly, whatever the outcome may be

I applied to Northwestern and have not received an update yet (just checked my email and the application portal). How do I go about my day knowing a decision is coming lol? 😬

Gotta try bbq while you’re in NC! Pho Hien Vuong in Gboro is my childhood comfort food and you can’t leave without trying Cookout and Bojangles.

I’m from Greensboro and I didn’t realize UNCG’s program existed, let alone was reputable or prestigious, until I started looking at MFAs. Didn’t know about the Greensboro Review until I started looking at literary journals to submit to. I love my hometown, but I’ve never considered it to have much of a literary scene, save for a literary festival that takes place every summer. I’m sure being a UNCG student is different. The cost of living is affordable and it’s a diverse, progressive city, so I definitely understand the draw there! I wish I knew more about the program but if anyone has any questions about Greensboro itself, I’m happy to chat.

Indiana folks - someone on Draft just announced they were waitlisted for fiction. 👀

Honestly if your apps are in, it’s best not to think about what you could have done or said differently in your SOPs, or you’ll be torturing yourself! Same goes for the writing sample. I picked mine apart so much I can’t even look at it anymore lol. Off topic but does anyone recommend any writing workshops to take this spring? I’ve been eyeing SmokeLong Quarterly’s “Smokey Winter Fête” and their March Micro Marathon.

I’ve never heard of it but I feel the same way about Rosemont College, a small private Catholic school just outside of Philly. They have an MFA program and the opportunity to get a dual degree MA in Publishing. I’ve never seen anyone mention it. I would say most people I’ve seen have their sights set on the fully funded programs. Personally, I don’t want to go into debt for this degree!

I feel this! This is my first year applying but I’ve been seriously considering it since ‘21, a year out of college. I thought I would apply for Fall ‘23 enrollment but I didn’t feel ready. Now I look back at the year and think, where did the time go? I was supposed to read and write more, wasn’t I? Lol. Application season is so stressful, it will really have you contemplating every choice you made that felt “wrong” but who knows! It may very well work out

Sending hugs to people already receiving decisions. I can’t imagine. As much I want this timeline to speed up, I don’t know if I’m emotionally ready to handle a rejection yet (though I know it’s coming!) At least I have a friend’s birthday, Lunar New Year and Galentine’s/Valentine’s celebrations next month to cushion my fall. And Oscar nominations just came out! I’m gonna spend the next few weeks watching as many nominated movies as possible. Happy to see “Past Lives” nominated. I hope you all can find ways to bring yourself comfort and joy 🫶🏽

Same boat. One of the pieces I included in my writing sample is brand new and I’ve been debating submitting it to a journal but I haven’t mustered up the energy or courage. My writing practice has flatlined but I’ve been reading, cooking, walking, and spending time with friends. Such a hard time to be waiting for life changing decisions when it’s cold and gray (here on the east coast anyway), makes the wait feel even more agonizing. I’m on Gradcafe and MFA Draft entirely too much but I can’t seem to resist!

Congrats and good luck! I applied to Amherst for fiction but haven’t gotten an email about an interview so that must be a good sign for you.

Based on the amount of years out of undergrad alone, I think your likelihood of getting in is as good as mine. Which is to say, don’t count yourself out! Plenty of people are applying straight out of undergrad. I feel very similarly to you. I am resigning from my job because I’m ready for something new. But I don’t want to work another 9-5 for another year. I think enriching your life with travel and new experiences is valuable, necessary even, for our growth—especially our growth as writers! If grad school doesn’t pan out, I would love to live abroad. It may not be the most practical or “smart” choice, but I feel I’ve been playing it safe for the past 3-4 years (in large part due to the pandemic) and I’m ready for an adventure.

Since this is my first year applying, and there’s a chance I end up with 0 acceptances, I have been thinking about what my “back up” plans will be. I applied to a teaching fellowship abroad but was rejected so I’m a bit stumped. I’m 3, almost 4, years out of undergrad and I’ve been working. I plan to resign in June regardless of the grad school outcome. Of course, I could find another job and work even harder on my applications next cycle. I’m curious as to everyone else’s ideas and plans. Do you have a “back up” if grad school falls through this time around?

Hey folks! Excited and scared out of my mind for this process and honored to be in your company. I’m 26, graduated in 2020 with a BA in Education and minor in Asian Studies. Applied to Brown, Cornell, Michigan, Michener, New Writer’s Project, Sarah Lawrence, Iowa, UMass Amherst, and UW-M for fiction and Northwestern for CNF. I have done minor literary stuff (published an essay and short story) but have never held a fellowship, internship, residency, etc or anything of the sort 0a/0w/0r/10p Good luck everyone!