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Yeah, I feel you! I saw one tip that's been super helpful. Connect your reason for applying directly to your writing samples or vision. You want the school to see how their program, specifically, will help you grow as a writer. So, for example, if your work has strong ties to cultures in non-English-speaking countries, you might say you're interested in the school's robust language/translation courses (supposing they have them). Or if you're applying to a program that encourages students to experiment, mention a few specific forms you're hoping to experiment with while you're in the program. I've heard a good general SOP structure is something like: Your literary vision, what you write, why you write it, what you hope to improve in your writing Literary influences, authors you feel your work is in conversation with Writing background, where you are in your writing career, which workshops you've taken, ways you're already engaging with the community Program specifics, what you hope you get and bring to the program, tie this part into your writing vision by calling out a few specific things the program offers that would make your work stronger Goals for what you want to happen after graduation. Keep this focused on internal goals instead of external ones (like getting an agent or getting published, since you have no direct control over that) As for personal statements, take a look at Cornell's Admissions page. They have some guidelines on what belongs in an SOP vs. a personal statement. Basically, your SOP should focus on your writing, program specifics, and goals, while the personal statement should give insight into your life experiences outside of writing and how these life experiences will help you foster a healthy workshop environment with your cohort. This ended up being longer than I expected! Hope this was helpful!

Yesss! It's my first time writing one and I am definitely feeling out of my depth. I've received some good tips on how to write one, but there aren't a lot of great examples of SOPs out there for me to use for reference. What are you struggling with specifically? Anything we can help sort out?

I spent a month over the summer working closely with IWW alumni and current students. From what I gather, it depends. IWW cohorts are large compared to other MFA programs, and your cohort changes frequently. Sometimes you'll end up with an amazing cohort of 8-12 people who all click. Other times you'll end up with a couple jerks. I've heard the program used to be much more traumatic than it is now. About half the alumni I spoke with had a rough time, and the other half loved it. The ones who loved it seemed to focus on doing their own thing and weren't too interested in trying to compete. I would say it depends on your personality and luck of the draw each semester. So, I wouldn't count it out! That said, if you're looking for experimentation, Brown is probably a better fit. You can always apply widely and see how it shakes out. (Caveat: I'm by no means an expert in any of this. Actual IWW students would know better than I would!)

It was fantastic! I workshopped just about every day, yeah. Intense, but so worth it. I also got to chat with instructors who are IWW alumni, which was helpful. Michener really does sound like an incredible program. I also have a friend wanting to apply to Vanderbilt (for fiction). UCSD seems fantastic too. You really can't go wrong. My workshop instructors were saying there are tons of amazing MFA programs in the US right now because teaching positions are super competitive. I guess that's bad news for prospective professors, but good news for CW students. I hope you get into your top picks!

My dream program is Iowa. I spent a couple weeks workshopping there over the summer and fell in love with the writing community. I'm aware it's a long shot, but I'm going for it! I mainly want to get an MFA because I miss being a student. I did my undergrad almost ten years ago. I'm at a point in my career where I have some life and writing experience under my belt and would like to take it to the next level. How about you?

I am still so, so green to MFAs, but I hear Syracuse focuses heavily on pedagogy. I know they require applicants to submit a separate Teaching Statement in addition to an SOP, so I assume they're looking for students interested in teaching. Other folks might know more.

Hey, all! It's also my first time applying. Trying to get my head around the process. I'm applying for fiction/prose to: Iowa, Michigan, Syracuse, Virginia, Brown, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Boston, and UT Michener. I would have added UW Madison to my list, but I don't think they're accepting fiction applications this year (just poetry). Curious to see how it goes! I'm coming into the process with zero expectations. I do have one question for the group. SOPs are meant to have personality, right? They shouldn't read bone dry? Wishing everyone lots of luck with their applications!