zaira

I'm sorry you're feeling down. This process really takes a toll, especially after months and months of waiting. If it's any consolation at all, getting waitlisted on your first round after only applying to five schools is a massive accomplishment. I know it doesn't mean much when you want more than anything to be in a program. Still, it's confirmation that your work is connecting with people. Rooting for you to get good news soon!

Oh my goddd, yesssssss!!!! We might actually be magic 🕯️ I couldn't be happier for you. Seriously grinning over here! It's an incredible program.

If they know you're committing then everything is probably fine. The letter will come. Sometimes there's a delay between the program requesting the letter from the grad department and the letter showing up in the portal/inbox for you to formally sign.

What are we still waiting on and hoping for, folks? Would love to extend some positive energy your way and (hopefully) celebrate some long-awaited last-moment wins!

I don't think you have to worry about that! An MFA is a major life milestone, and programs know this. I doubt they'd hold it against you if you were to turn them down and apply again in the future. You can also be honest with them about your reasons. If the timing isn't right, I'm sure they'll understand.

Ahhhh, congrats @jinny-r and @gradschoolpspspsps (I adore your username by the way, I keep meaning to say that). I'm so thrilled for you both!! Definitely keep us in the loop if you get any updates

The fiction cohort hasn't been confirmed yet as far as I know. No clue what the status is for the poetry cohort. It's possible they would reach out to waitlists this weekend, seeing as the April 15 deadline is fast-approaching. But fwiw, I heard from them on a Wednesday. I don't know exactly how many people have confirmed their spots aside from me. Could be anywhere between 1-4 spots unconfirmed for fiction right now. Fingers crossed for you!!!

UVA is more like a 2-year program with the option of becoming a 3-year. You can decide which option you want at the beginning of your second year. The third year is there for students who feel like they need extra time to work on a thesis or those who want more teaching experience. At UVA, you teach a lot more your third year than you do the first two years. It's also rare for third-year students to take other classes and workshops in their final year. It's pretty much just: teach, write thesis full-time. I think a lot of the cohort opts for the 2-year version, even when given the choice of a third year. It's interesting! Edit to add: the folks I spoke with said they were definitely ready for the thesis by the time their second year rolled around and they didn't regret turning down a third year.

Woah, holy fucking shit is right!! CONGRATS! Absolutely thrilled for you

I don't think you need a spark. Not everyone feels a strong emotional pull toward a program, and that's totally fine! In fact it can be healthy maintaining some emotional distance. The only time I would worry about program fit from an emotional standpoint is if the culture isn't conducive to your writing process. Are you someone who thrives in a competitive environment? Are you cactus-like, growing tallest in harsh conditions? Or are you orchid-like, needing tender care in a low-pressure space? I know MFA grads who had a terrible time in their programs because the environment wasn't right. Keep an eye out for those red flags, be honest with yourself about what you need, and don't settle for a program that can't meet those needs. Ask yourself, is it a spark that's missing, or is there something specific about the program that isn't feeling right?

I think I saw on Draft that the Syracuse waitlist is a little long. Not sure if you need to send a third email, especially if you've emailed them relatively recently (like within the past two weeks). But I don't think it would hurt to email them again anyway, seeing as the deadline is on Tuesday (eeeeeek!). If you're gonna email them, it's probably better to do it before the end of this week. Programs are gonna be busy as hell next week. For your accepted program, you can probably just let them know you're still considering their offer and will need a few more days to make your decision. You don't have to go into too much detail. (Still crossing all of my fingers for you to get into your top choice!)

Awwwwwww, THANK YOU!!! That means so much. I'm ridiculously excited! It really does just take one program to say yes. That's it, just one! We gotta keep going til we find it.

I am sending every little bit of my own witchy energy your way!!! I got u 🕯️🕯️🕯️

It is!!! I'm actually pinching myself, I'm so incredibly grateful and happy. It's a dream program. I love every little detail about it and couldn't imagine myself in a better place this fall. @P i e r r o t You might actually be magic because your prayers worked!!! 🕯️ What a rollercoaster of an application season. I want to thank everyone here for being the supportive, lovely people you are. You made this stressful process feel downright enjoyable and I've loved getting to know you these past few months. I’ll still be on the forum for the next couple weeks. I want to see how the season goes for those of you on waitlists. I’m rooting so hard for you! Remember, anything can happen between now and the end of April.

This is so helpful, thank you! We love an approval-by-professional-committee!