Spicy Potato

Eeee thank you!! I was waitlisted there last year & didn't get the final rejection until just a few days before their semester started. I was later told that it was because they had been trying all year to get funding to give me an extra spot. So for those of you who stress about crickets, know that it is often a good sign that you haven't heard back—it may mean that they just don't want to close the door on making an offer to you. I'm not 100% sure which offer I'll be accepting, but will let you all know for waitlist movement reasons! xo

I spoke with Diamond Forde at AWP (Meg Day was unable to attend, but both of them are so great!), who had said they wanted to make offers before their spring break, which would be today. Sure enough, I received an acceptance from them today via email!

***manifesting news from NC State and UNCG for poetry***

I was just placed on the waitlist for my #1 program (Virginia Tech), and I'm seriously hoping for a spot!!! I can't help but think of how my acceptance of a spot at VT would free up spots where I've been accepted (so far just 1, but things are looking up for at least one additional school). Sending hugs and love to everyone as we play this strange hybrid game of limbo and musical chairs! xo

Please don't be embarrassed. Your recommenders and the programs that you are applying to will likely see it as dedication rather than repeated failure. I used the same recommenders this second time around, and I've had their wholehearted support. Hang in there. xo

Hope you get better quickly! Also, I'm exited to attend the Disabled and D/deaf Writer's Caucus with you at AWP! ❤️

I was also waitlisted last year, so was a little bummed that I hadn't heard back for this cycle. Hence the questioning my sanity if I actually uploaded the documents correctly (since it wasn't just an email submission this year).

Last year, I had an interview for poetry on Jan 5th. Hopefully they're just behind. I haven't heard anything either. Also, is anyone second-guessing if you actually turned in your Ole Miss application? Seeing those responses has me stressed!

Definitely! I've talked to a few professors in the past who confirmed that this is generally the case. It isn't at all hard and fast rule, but still leaves you room for hope. Last year I had been waiting forever on a waitlist, only to be rejected like two days before the start of the semester. Turns out, the program had been trying to get additional funding to get me in. So waiting to hear back rather than insta-rejection could actually be a good thing!

Just a note to my fellow holders of bated breath... If you see acceptances and rejections rolling in on the spreadsheet, but it's crickets for you, that may be a good thing. It may mean that the program isn't willing to let go of your application just yet; they want to see how their initial offers shake out first. xo

Another year, another round of heartache. Got my first rejection today and sometimes it's so hard to keep my head up. Sending loves and hugs to anyone who needs it during this process. ❤️

I actually feel like my chances are better this year after having applied last year. I was waitlisted at 4 programs last year, and if nothing else, they will likely remember my previous application. They'll see that I'm dedicated enough to be giving it another go, and I'd like to think that means something! ❤️

I'm back (new account because last year's account is MIA) & applying to 15 Poetry programs this time. I learned so much from the last cycle, and have made significant changes to the list of schools that I'm applying to. I've definitely shifted my focus to smaller programs with more 1:1 time with profs. I hope you're all surviving those Dec 15th deadlines! I'm manifesting a great season for us all!