formerfreeloader

"Longtime lurker gets acceptance, shares perspective" Hey folks, for whatever it's worth, just wanted to drop a few words of encouragement based on my experience as a fiction applicant the last two years, as well as a summary of my experience in case you find some value it it. This was my second year applying (after 7 rejects and one waitlist->eventual reject (all to uber-selective programs, not a super smart move by me). This year I cast a wider net and ended up with an acceptance, a waitlist->acceptance, and a waitlist (pending funding). And 13 rejections! Point here is: if you're not sure it's worth it to go again, I would strongly encourage that you consider it. I'm glad I did. I don't have social accounts (though I did make one to post this!) so I can't update draft unless someone can provide the link to the form, but wanted to share a little bit here in case helpful. Happy to go into further detail on direct messages in case helpful. 2025: applied to 8 highly selective programs, waitlist at BU gave me a glimmer of hope -- did not get off the waitlist Definitely recommend an LOCI, I did one for BU 2026: applied to 16 programs, mix of selectivity, 5 re-apps (would've been 6 if BU was taking fiction applicants!) and 11 new apps Having heard exclusively rejections by mid-late-March, I sent an LOCI to anyone I hadn't heard from Accepted to Memphis in late March, waitlisted at Northern MI (accepted-funding waitlist?), and waitlisted at a school out in the northwesternish part of the USA. Ended up with an acceptance yesterday from the northwesternish place and have accepted the offer! While I can't say for sure, I think some possible factors were: Logistical factors Significant chance/luck, as always! Casting a wider net, including programs that may have more limited funding but still could be viable opportunities Perhaps sending LOCIs in mid-late March? Writing sample Getting one of my recommenders (an MFA/professor themselves) to actually critique my work and revising accordingly Writing and submitting new work for re-apps, and a mix of new and old work for new apps Personal statement Emphasizing re-app / continued commitment after last year's waitlist More customization of personal statements to the program, faculty, writing style(s), even the geography of the place and how that connects with my writing and goals Identifying programs at the university that align with my writing (e.g. a school that has a program/research center in a place I write about or want to write about) Articulating my personal experience/worldview, why that is potentially valuable to contribute to the program/community, and what type of work I want to create that could be an asset/credit to the program (in addition to hopefully being meaningful to readers) For teaching programs/statements, emphasizing my teaching/mentorship/facilitation experience and demonstrating an eagerness to bring that to the program