Age?

[Writer M]

HI, I'm wondering how old everyone applying to MFA programs is. I'm in my thirties and definitely feeling like I should have applied in my twenties. If I knew then what I know now.  Thanks...

[eluveitie]

I'm 23. I think it's pretty common for applicants to be in their thirties though.

[OnBeingKenn]

I'm only 21. I figured people are typically in or near their 30's and my age would be a disadvantage haha 

[krl6]

I'm twenty-two, but I have friends in my college's MFA in Creative Writing program who are in their thirties and forties. I'm sure wherever you go, you won't be the only one in your thirties!

[Anastasia Beaverhausen]

You know, I've heard applying when you're older, you have a more fulfilling experience!  I'm 27.

[ACurlyShepherdLad]

When I was in my MFA, I think the majority of students were in their mid-20s to mid-30s. We had plenty of outliers on either end, though. The scope adds so much to the workshop, truly.

[Magician-Blue]

Hi,

Could explain yourself a bit more? What do you mean by this? Is almost everybody in class in their 20's? 

[JBeezWriter]

Well, I'm a smidge older than all of you, which makes this concept of applying rather daunting (especially with that "but will they hire me after I graduate" question hanging over my head), but I do know of several graduate students ranging in ages from 30s to "retired from a very long career" (60s), so... you will get all kinds.

The reason a good majority of grad students are in their 20s is because they go straight from the undergrad to grad without stopping. Which is fine, but... a little life experience, especially for a writer, never hurt anyone. Gives you more to draw upon.

[rbr542]

I’m going to be 30 very soon. As a first time applicant, I’m sincerely hoping that my (relatively) older age is an advantage. Good to know that not everyone is in their early 20s. 

[Ydrl]

I’ll have just reached my mid 20’s if I start in fall 2020. I would say it’s more about experience and individuality which typically come with age, but not necessarily.

[ilifi]

I'm 34. Honestly kind of worried I'm going to be a decade older than everyone else in my program, but I also think I'm going to get more of the program than I would have earlier because of all the living, reading, writing, I've been doing since undergrad.

[anarchisttiger]

I'm 29 and if I get in, I will be 30 as the program is starting.

[rbr542]

1 hour ago, anarchisttiger said:

I'm 29 and if I get in, I will be 30 as the program is starting.

Same!