Gradapp2024

Honestly? First congrats! Second yes. I personally would take the offer if I felt it was right. By doing so you create movement for others. We are all in this together - and others are waiting on your spot etc etc. If that makes sense. I make my early ish decision based on that criteria. I felt I was def leaning one direction and decided so I can also allow movement on other waitlists etc. Best of luck!

I had three recommenders from top school and didn’t get in to that top school. lol. But several others accepted me. Go figure. It’s a wacky world out there for sure. I think each individuals experience is a good one in the end because it helps reframe what needs reframing, and gives direction regardless of outcome. To suggest otherwise is sus in my opinion as one person. it’s a chaotic and interesting experience though. Hmmmm I wonder if this now makes me a vet and worthy of everyone listening to me. Doubtful. 😂😂😂

I agree with most of what you say here. I think this fairly well articulated view is a Birds Eye rendering of what people are experiencing to a point in the cycle. Let’s not oversimplify though. People are entitled at all levels - the newbie to the “vet”. There’s no imaginary boundary of “greatness” that exists anywhere. When we believe one person is right - without question - we probably enter dangerous territory. That said, I don’t think that’s what you’re suggesting. However, my point was more a nod toward the censorship by the Draft in some ways (which - whatever it’s a moderators group - and the over “caring” that people use as an excuse to do so. Trust but verify sure. But maybe, just maybe, people aren’t as “I need to tell my story to the world” as others. That doesn’t mean they have less value. Or that they are wrong in their experience or even advice. In the end, the issue may include people giving “troll” or poorly founded advice - but who is the bellwether for that? You? Me? What I am saying is that MFA Draft or any forum that allows people to speak needs to right the ship if the endeavor is to proclaim help and get out of their own heads. 😂 This isn’t some vendetta against any particular group. There is some solid, solid advice anywhere if you look. But it is an observation that warrants a call out so to speak about the inherent inequality in some places that propose equality. Just takes a little less defensiveness to see it. peace ✌️

This application cycle has been nuts. Couple of highlights - lowlights. Florida doesn’t let MFA applicants know they aren’t accepting until they post results - then refund money. Arizona finally posts results (less than 1% and NO fiction student admits). No refunds forthcoming but there should be. And there seemed to be a lot of trolls with results as well. Finally, MFA Draft on FB is also lowkey a dumpster fire as well, where “vets” or whatever nickname they gave themselves only allow their voice, not others who have information THEY don’t agree with. It’s a small world after all. So how has YOUR cycle gone?

I don’t know that any one persons style or help can apply to anyone other than saying do it again and again until it feels right (which it seems you did). People who sell you their ideas are in the business of selling. We can’t forget that. Regardless though - for you personally I’m excited you are getting movement. That’s always amazing. For me, as a first year applicant, I found that staying true to who I am worked best. I just started my SOP as a narrative of my background and where I grew up, the circumstances, and braided that with my influences, writing and end run on journey. I’m currently at: 3a/1w/6r/3p … the first 6 school rejections were brutal - for sure - but I had a healthy perspective. Figure my sample was decent enough (maybe not the strongest) but hoped schools would notice the writing ability anyway. Which it seems they did all at the same time because since then I’m talking to four schools and have to make serious decisions soon. My thought ultimately it this: every person works differently, individually, in a process that is equally brutal to us all on some level. We don’t all “win” or “lose” the same contest. That was my main take away. I realize I’m in a unique spot with multiple offers. But I have the same angst. The battle against rejection and then decision. The battle for writing space and denying laurels to keep figuring things out. The search for identity in craft and to help others in doing so. And if that can be done at a college or university then so be it. BUT that is not my or your or anyone’s worth. It’s a small part of everyone’s journey despite how significant it is at the time. You are the important part. You are the key cog. And how you decide is what matters. i don’t mean this to be a soapbox. I’m simply saying keep writing, don’t be discouraged, don’t over value others opinion about your journey. You are the one that in the end has to be pleased with where you go (if anywhere) what you write (if anything) and how your life works out in the end (and they all will end). Continued great luck and cheers as you pursue you through your writing. May it positively impact others in the world. TLDR Be yourself no matter what. Do what’s right for you. Screw everyone else. Write, write, write. Peace.

Took about a week for draft to admit me. Kinda the same thing there. Lots of speculation and somewhat unverifiable acceptance rejections. They have a spread sheet (which is cool) but that too is honor code, ya know?

It’s like being left on “read” until you know either way. I’ve had girlfriends who hate me that have been more transparent about their break up. Of course, they didn’t have 600-2,000 suitors lined up. Hmmm. Or did they? 🫣 would explain a lot.

Nothing yet from Arizona. Not sure about others.

No Iowa, Arizona, Virginia or Syracuse? What was criteria for apps? Just curious. Good luck! Ps. Agreed - very competitive 0a/0w/1r/15p

Anyone head from Arizona, Michener Center or Iowa? How many people have heard from MFA programs? I’ve heard only one result so far. Thanks!

Indiana is a no. Last minute app. I get it. At least they let me know. So far 0A/1 R/ 0W