zaira

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! 

This is super helpful, thanks a ton !!! 

Thank you for sharing this wonderful advice

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! 

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! 

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? 

Look into Syracuse, Houston, Miami, Indiana, Houston, Washington, Johns Hops, and New Mexico. They all seem to ring a bell. At least some of them asked for teaching statements. 
No way should they read bone dry. you have a voice, use it. Obviously you don't want to come off crazy but it's about you and what you want. stick with that and the you that is you should come through without any effort. 
oh, and regarding the Michener/NWP thing. same professors, same workshops, same resources, same students, same building. Different funding and different screeners and juries selecting the cohort. 

Hi @Tazz are you able to take an online workshop between now and the application deadlines? You can always try that to get connected with someone who would be able to give a recommendation. I would also look at any local writing groups in your area. Other recommenders can be anyone from work that can attest to your character/ability to work with others. 

Hi all - it's my first time applying this year. Wondered if anyone had any advice - I'm from the UK and graduated in 2018, so I'm concerned about who my three letters of recommendation should come from. I've been working with a writing mentor this year who I plan on asking, but I'm unsure about the other two. My professors from university likely won't remember me very well by now (and in general, study at UK universities is more independent/self-directed than in the US, so relationships between professors and students aren't as developed). I've thought about emailing my personal tutor and asking him if he'd be happy to read my work and write a recommendation after that if he's comfortable, but not sure if that'll work. Any advice welcome, particularly from people who've applied before/are also a good few years on from graduation!

Hi everyone  
I’ve applied three (?) times before. (Not last year). All rejections. I think this may be my last time giving this a shot. We’ll see what happens. It certainly takes a lot out of you (financially and emotionally)
 @curfew I’ve read that book! I like how it focuses on different writers that went through the program through out the years. I would recommend it as well. 
Also for the Oregon program you mentioned—- which one was that? 

I’m applying for poetry this cycle  
 

Howdy @shadygrove!! Welcome to the nerve party--
As someone who's spent half their life in the northeast and the other half in southeast Texas, I'll just say that the hesitancy to apply to a TX program is 100% understandable (I had some reserve on putting MCW on my list too). The dominant politika is gross and is felt in the cities, though less so in Austin; the roads don't make sense, and there are several other reasons for agita. But there are definite real havens, both literary and not, that are always eager to accept another person. Houston has an incredible nonprofit literary org (Inprint) that has hosted everyone, from Tokarczuk to Cartarescu to Erdrich to Ishiguro. I know Austin always has local readings/open mics dottling the calendar. If you want to, I'd be happy to go in further on MCW and Texas in general:^}
There's a really neat book by an Iowa prof which talks about the conception of the IWW and its history of stars, titled A Delicate Aggression, which I recommend. It goes over that bad blood atmosphere that has trailed the program, and how past and present directors have taken it down different paths. According to the book and most other accounts, Iowa seems like a much warmer and less toxic environment than what it was in the past, and its class size has lent itself towards students finding their people. The writers I've talked to who are recent Iowa alums have said the same thing, and that the professors really go out of their way to maintain a supportive atmosphere (what with the softball game and the potluck, but more importantly the workshops). I also think any poetry program with Kaveh Akbar in it will just naturally possess a more compassionate spirit.
Brown and UMich are amazing choices! I would also look at Notre Dame, less so for the school/location, and mostly for Joyelle McSweeney and her outrageously Swedish husband. Oregon's program has a powerful poetry lineup that's based in an affordable town catering towards grad students. UMass-Amherst's faculty is strong. I'd also give Denver's PhD a look: Jennifer Soong brings a really dynamic poetry which feels both forward and rooted.

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!) 

Hello all! I'm so glad to have discovered this forum! What a comfort to have some community in this process :^)
I'm sweaty shaky nervous at the prospect of sending applications out — it's my first year applying to any MFAs (have half a MA in teaching lol) and it's been my dream since I was little. I want to write poetry all day, every day. So far I know I'll be applying to John Hopkins, Brown, U of Arizona, and U of Michigan. I'm also considering Cornell, IWW, the Michener Center, and U of Illinois Urbana-Champagne. I'm skeptical of living in Texas, honestly, which is why I may not apply to the Michener MFA.
But I've also heard that the cohorts of IWW are terribly competitive and that it isn't necessarily a supportive environment — has anyone heard differently/similarly? I don't want to count out an excellent school based on rumor.
Also, if anyone has recommendations for any other fully funded programs for poetry that emphasize formal experimentation or have faculty who do so, please let me know! 

Really happy to see everyone excited for app season:D
Personally, my dream schools are, like Zaira!, Iowa, as well as Virginia. Since I was 13 and found out Flannery and Denis Johnson went to the IWW (my two favorite writers when I was that age), I've wanted to follow them there. The interest for the program's history and previous students is too strong. And Virginia because my twin goes to law school in the state and it would be nice to be near them--
What program is it for others?

Just a little over a month til most apps open up - we are SO back y'all 😎
I'm actually excited to do this again!  

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? 

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! 

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.

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! 

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! 

that is awesome! definitely go for iowa! i think it is so important to chase what we are in love with. i was listening to the MFA writers podcast episode on IWW and they interviewed Steven Duong who read an incredible story, and everything he was saying about the program sounded amazing. im from canada and kinda new to the world of MFAs (we only have 3 here in the whole country) so it is so interesting to learn about the history and personality of them. what was the summer workshop like? a couple weeks sounds so intense. were you in workshops almost every day?
 
im in a similar position. i have life and writing experience but i dont have a lot of teaching experience. im drawn to MFAs because i miss workshops/the structure/the writing community and time to write, but also because i want more practical teaching experience. my top choices are UC san diego, vanderbilt and michener, all for slightly different reasons. i was just reading a lot about michener yesterday and i love that their teaching opportunities are more community-centric than academic. but i would be over the moon to get into any of those

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? 

im curious what everyone's dream MFA program is? and what draws you to an MFA in general? have you always wanted to be a writer? or did you go down a different path and are just now discovering a love of writing?

thanks! i hadn't looked at Syracuse before but this looks like a great program!