2021 Applicants Forum

[lunch]

1 minute ago, oubukibun said:

Huh.

I changed the format to .docx, so maybe that'll work now?  Rich text format is iffy all around.

Hm, still nothing. This is the error: "It may have been removed or the person who shared it may not have permission to share it to this location." It's possible that the forum doesn't actually allow people to share attachments? You might need to upload it to something like Dropbox or Google Drive.

[eternalwhitenights]

6 minutes ago, oubukibun said:

Hello everyone,

I haven't been lurking very long, but I figured it was time to come out and ask some questions and become a member of the forum as I fear the application process has only begun for me.

I've been a tutor and/or a teacher in some capacity or combination since my sophomore year of college (at Otterbein in Ohio), and due to an unpleasant time at a private school here in Miami, the fire under my ass finally lit itself and I realized it was time to stop diddling and get back to work.

I don't want to say I'm a poet, because that implies my work is fruitful all the time and that I've been read or published (although, watch this space), but well, I'm a poet-in-training by my own hands.  I was lucky to have one of the most wonderful and refreshing English faculties during my undergraduate (seriously, an entire Winter quarter devoted to Woolf; I'm still pinching myself I was that fortunate), so I honed my skills and had a playground to really experiment and stretch my writing muscles.  I don't write every day, which seems to be an accepted no-no, but when I do, I'm supremely happy with the result.  It's hard for me to write for the sake of writing, since I have to edit and proofread as I write and not after I've finished that session for the day.  The writing has to come from somewhere I can't place; in a way, it has to be intentional, but not with intent, if that makes any sense.

I take pride in my English because I worked so hard to learn it (Spanish is my first language), and I'm happy with my style, which I've been developing since at least the later half of eighth grade.  It makes me happy to know that my friends and even my teachers and professors 'know' me through my writing.  That distinctiveness is something I never tried to capture intentionally, so it's nice to see it be captured anyway.

Why am I rambling on and on?  Well, I didn't (don't?) truly believe I'll be getting into grad programs this year, especially since I only applied to four: Syracuse, Brown, Iowa, and Boston University.  I consciously picked from the cherry-top of the cherry-top, and figured I'd work my way down until, well, I managed to find a nook that would have me down the long, long tree of admissions (sorry, I like nature imagery, bear with me).  Syracuse right out of the gate said no, and I haven't heard from Iowa and Brown, so I assume they will be sending those "Thanks, but no thanks" or "We just don't know where you fit in our program with our diverse faculty and..." messages soon enough (actually, not soon enough, who am I kidding).  Boston U, I suppose, is the outlier here, and part of me chose it subconsciously knowing I stood a 'better' chance at getting in there...  Somehow.

I realize, of course, this is all folly, which we all willingly participate in.  We 'improve' our writing, and 'work' on our portfolios, and 'try' again, but the final choice seems so arbitrary, and subjective, that I'm not so sure what the preparation is for or how it works.  I completed my applications, but the entire time I felt so completely unprepared or that it was incomplete somehow, like I was an impostor, but surely this is how a lot of people applying to grad schools, and, indeed, how many grad schools indirectly (and even directly) make applicants feel.

I've never known how to convince people to hire me or take me in.  Somehow, I've had the chance to teach across a pretty diverse set of classrooms (students on the spectrum, students on the outskirts of the Ecuadorian jungle, students learning English for the first time, Gifted eighth graders, etc.) despite that, but, thinking on my Statement of Purpose, and what a ridiculous struggle it is to even conceptualize a page or a page and a half that can summarize one's worth...

Nothing I do or did matters.  I'm not even sure my writing matters, since someone's gold-spun wheel is another's bloody instrument of torture.

Tl;dr: Anyone know of any grad programs, fully or mostly funded, that seek out or appeal to 'poets' who seek to continue experimenting and changing the form?  And if not change the form, then a program that fosters the individual growth of a writer's voice so it becomes even more idiosyncratic?

In happier news, a good friend of mine asked if he could read some of my work for his sister's wedding as she had asked him to perform a reading.  I said, sure, and much to my surprise, he actually chose the one I thought might fit.  Having someone read my work to a group of strangers is so oddly thrilling to me, maybe even more so than a grad school acceptance...  somehow (I could just be deluding myself).

I've attached that poem so those who've read this far and can offer any advice about choosing a program 'right' for me can take a look at the writing itself and make an informed opinion...  or not.

It's been twisted fun reading through this thread, but a writer is always at least a little bit of a masochist, so that makes sense.  Take care, everyone, and breathe easy, and don't forget to dip your madeleines at tea time!

 

Manny

 

Habits Together.rtfUnavailable

Awwww Manny!! Thank you so much for sharing your heart here. ❤️ First off, what a tremendous accomplishment for you to have your command of English that you do. That's such a gift to be able to communicate in two languages so fluently; I'm sure that informs your writing and helps you communicate in ways only you know how. That's an amazing asset, and congratulations on all your success in that realm.

Something that really struck me about your post was that you seem to be coming from a place of assuming that your work has no value in and of itself. I'd like to challenge that.  For one, you as a human are inherently worthy, loved, and deserving of respect and kindness. There is only one you, and therefore, what you write is only something you can create. If you discredit yourself before you even begin, you're depriving the world of the gift of yourself and your voice. I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but I want to encourage you to not be afraid to express yourself. You can do it; I, for one, believe in you!

In terms of finding the right program, I think it makes sense to look at things from the lens of, "Who am I as a writer?" and then look for programs that encourage experimentation, and perhaps cross-genre work. I'm perhaps a bit biased because I'm really only considering one grad school (Notre Dame--I got rejected this year, but I plan on applying again next year), but from all of my Internet stalking/learning about the program, I think the poetry track might be something you'd really thrive in. They have a huge emphasis on international solidarity, translation, and some of the faculty (I'm thinking specifically Johannes Gorannson) teach from a place of experimentation, at least as far as I've been able to glean.

Unfortunately, the format of your poem wasn't granting permission to view your work. Congratulations on getting your work read in the first place; there is definitely a thrill in knowing others are hearing your heart encapsulated in your work publicly.  My best advice is to write from your depths; be yourself; have fun; and learn as you go. You've got it.

Nice to meet you, friend!

~Mary

[oubukibun]

3 minutes ago, fireflystasis said:

It still says "This attachment is not available. It may have been removed or the person who shared it may not have permission to share it to this location."

Perhaps sharing it as a Google doc would work?

Shared as a Google doc.  If that doesn't work then I give up forever, haha.

[corgeel14]

So on the 8th/9th, when all those New School acceptances came out, I got an email the morning of the 9th that said "application update" but it was just saying they had received all my materials (again) and were under review. Was that a mistake? A way of saying to keep waiting? I applied for poetry and haven't seen any poetry acceptances but that could just mean that whoever got in wasn't on this or Draft I know......What do ya'll think?

[fireflystasis]

3 minutes ago, oubukibun said:

Shared as a Google doc.  If that doesn't work then I give up forever, haha.

Yay! It works now. Thank you for sharing.

[koechophe]

Just got a no from Houston They sent out a pretty nice rejection letter before the automated one from the school, which was a pretty good move IMHO. Either way, if you're waiting on Houston, they'll probably have a decision for you soon.

[DeepSyntax]

16 hours ago, rcsteel said:

I saw a Johns Hopkins Fiction rejection on Draft. Has anyone else heard from them?

Weird. I have not heard from them. But just found that Draft post. They have been making wait list calls per the GradCafe results. But what's the point in doing "rolling" rejections?

I'm still waiting on responses from all but one program. And most of those have had some weird mix of communications already. Assuming this means rejections across the board, but it's so frustrating waiting for that shoe to drop.

[rcsteel]

There goes Houston and Johns Hopkins exactly an hour apart

[sylviaplate]

27 minutes ago, koechophe said:

Just got a no from Houston They sent out a pretty nice rejection letter before the automated one from the school, which was a pretty good move IMHO. Either way, if you're waiting on Houston, they'll probably have a decision for you soon.

It was such a nice rejection note?? It felt very heartwarming and encouraging for a minute before the actual rejection part settled in lol 

[cecsav]

36 minutes ago, koechophe said:

Just got a no from Houston 

Same boat. 

[koechophe]

28 minutes ago, DeepSyntax said:

Assuming this means rejections across the board, but it's so frustrating waiting for that shoe to drop.

I'm still waiting on 6 programs. I'm assuming on on SOME waitlists, since I've seen other people post rejections, but I totally feel this. Idk, I like to hold out just a bit of optimism. In my world view, there's no harm in waiting until I hear a "no" to actually give up on places (unless it messes with you psychologically, but I've been through a lot of rejection so it's not as big of a deal to me). 

Here's chronicle:

USC: No idea what's happening here, most other people posted acceptances/rejections early February, I sent them an email about a week ago and they said I'd get my results by email when they're available, so I'm guessing maybe a waitlist? 

University of Utah: NO idea what's happening here, a few people posted waitlists in poetry, but it's been total crickets in fiction.

Florida State University: Most acceptances happened early February, assuming I'm probably waitlisted here too since I've seen some rejections pop up over the last few days. But I also saw someone else get a call for their waitlist (but they were PHD not MFA) so maybe not. Or maybe they're just rolling out rejections and it's yet to come, idk. 

Oklahoma: A bit of movement in early February, but crickets since. Some posted rejections way back then, so I'm guessing I'm on a waitlist here too, though how long is anyone's guess. 

Las Vegas: There's not been a lot posted here, but since someone has posted a wait list and an acceptance, I'm guessing I'm lingering at the bottom of the pool 

Washington State University: No idea here. This one is a Rhet/Comp program and I've seen like 1 person post an acceptance to it, nothing else. 

[M-Lin]

53 minutes ago, corgeel14 said:

So on the 8th/9th, when all those New School acceptances came out, I got an email the morning of the 9th that said "application update" but it was just saying they had received all my materials (again) and were under review. Was that a mistake? A way of saying to keep waiting? I applied for poetry and haven't seen any poetry acceptances but that could just mean that whoever got in wasn't on this or Draft I know......What do ya'll think?

Might be worth e-mailing them about! 

[omgalexx]

I'm waitlisted at Oregon State and I just want an update soo badly! Anyone accepted and thinking of turning them down? lol

[funfettuccine]

1 minute ago, omgalexx said:

I'm waitlisted at Oregon State and I just want an update soo badly! Anyone accepted and thinking of turning them down? lol

I’m in the same boat at Alabama. The not-knowing is killer. 

[omgalexx]

1 minute ago, funfettuccine said:

I’m in the same boat at Alabama. The not-knowing is killer. 

Yes! Also how much follow up is ok? I followed up after 2.5 weeks and they confirmed their was no update. I don't want them to think I'm annoying, but I also want them to know that I'm very very eager.

[oubukibun]

1 hour ago, eternalwhitenights said:

Awwww Manny!! Thank you so much for sharing your heart here. ❤️ First off, what a tremendous accomplishment for you to have your command of English that you do. That's such a gift to be able to communicate in two languages so fluently; I'm sure that informs your writing and helps you communicate in ways only you know how. That's an amazing asset, and congratulations on all your success in that realm.

Something that really struck me about your post was that you seem to be coming from a place of assuming that your work has no value in and of itself. I'd like to challenge that.  For one, you as a human are inherently worthy, loved, and deserving of respect and kindness. There is only one you, and therefore, what you write is only something you can create. If you discredit yourself before you even begin, you're depriving the world of the gift of yourself and your voice. I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but I want to encourage you to not be afraid to express yourself. You can do it; I, for one, believe in you!

In terms of finding the right program, I think it makes sense to look at things from the lens of, "Who am I as a writer?" and then look for programs that encourage experimentation, and perhaps cross-genre work. I'm perhaps a bit biased because I'm really only considering one grad school (Notre Dame--I got rejected this year, but I plan on applying again next year), but from all of my Internet stalking/learning about the program, I think the poetry track might be something you'd really thrive in. They have a huge emphasis on international solidarity, translation, and some of the faculty (I'm thinking specifically Johannes Gorannson) teach from a place of experimentation, at least as far as I've been able to glean.

Unfortunately, the format of your poem wasn't granting permission to view your work. Congratulations on getting your work read in the first place; there is definitely a thrill in knowing others are hearing your heart encapsulated in your work publicly.  My best advice is to write from your depths; be yourself; have fun; and learn as you go. You've got it.

Nice to meet you, friend!

~Mary

Haha, it's lovely of you to write those words, but I have issues with clarity sometimes.  I certainly didn't mean my writing has zero value, but that in the context of grad school applications, it's hard to gauge that value and if it even exists for those judging the portfolio and deciding yes or no.  I was always a good student, but I was never more than decent in math and the sciences, so I can say, with no humble bragging, because of all the energy and focus I spent on learning English, and learning that I loved it, I'm more than half-decent at it, and have come a long way to accepting that it is, and that I'm proud of what I put to a page, virtual or otherwise.

I've been a member of the Church of Sisyphus since high school, so truly, it's not something I haven't dealt with before, but, it'd be grand to hear about schools or programs that cater to or accept writers who have chosen poetry as a primary form of expression and want to keep playing with language (cross-genre stuff is aces) and especially talking about bodies while also developing ways of rekindling a love for the Romantics.

But thank you, you're clearly a very gracious and kind-hearted individual to take the time to write responses to perfectly strange strangers.  It's always a nice change from the commonplace vitriol and one-upmanship on the Web.

I also want to shout out that person who associated film directors with schools.  A perfectly absurd way of 'marking' the schools and I've chosen future applications based on that criteria, haha.  I'm as big a cinephile as they come, which coupled with my absolute need for music of all kinds, has helped my voice and the lyricism I'm trying to engage in my writing.

Seriously, music and film do wonders. 

Edited March 10, 2021 by oubukibun

[funfettuccine]

Just now, omgalexx said:

Yes! Also how much follow up is ok? I followed up after 2.5 weeks and they confirmed their was no update. I don't want them to think I'm annoying, but I also want them to know that I'm very very eager.

This is a great Q. Would love advice from any vets. I followed up right after getting my waitlist email to thank them/express interest/ask when they typically reach out to waitlisted folks who get spots, but I haven’t received a response. And I also don’t want to be annoying, LOL. 

[FairleyAlfy]

Just got a double rejection literally minutes apart lol University of Maryland and FSU both said no. So that leaves 0a/2w/7r/5p

Honestly, for my first time applying, 2w is better than I thought I was going to do. Keeping my head up. ?

[Stardust RnRoll HiWay]

@rcsteel Yes, I heard from them within a week of applying - rejection.

[FairleyAlfy]

Just now, funfettuccine said:

This is a great Q. Would love advice from any vets. I followed up right after getting my waitlist email to thank them/express interest/ask when they typically reach out to waitlisted folks who get spots, but I haven’t received a response. And I also don’t want to be annoying, LOL. 

Following because I have no idea how annoying I need to be lol I definitely want to keep communication with them, but don’t want to be overbearing. 

[Ydrl]

Just now, FairleyAlfy said:

Just got a double rejection literally minutes apart lol University of Maryland and FSU both said no. So that leaves 0a/2w/7r/5p

Honestly, for my first time applying, 2w is better than I thought I was going to do. Keeping my head up. ?

I'm sorry, that's really really rough. I'm still in the dark with Maryland. But 2w is way better than I did last year, plus you got 5 more to go!

[omgalexx]

Just now, FairleyAlfy said:

Following because I have no idea how annoying I need to be lol I definitely want to keep communication with them, but don’t want to be overbearing. 

Sooo the only reason I feel like I've been following up is because I had a friend who applied to PhD programs and she emailed asking when she should expect to hear about getting off the waitlist and they were like, "oh, are you still interested? Someone just dropped out. Do you want the spot?"

That has definitely been in my head haha. I think I will follow up every two weeks....and hope that is not overkill. 

[shakyboots]

Just got a no from Montana.

[FairleyAlfy]

Just now, Ydrl said:

I'm sorry, that's really really rough. I'm still in the dark with Maryland. But 2w is way better than I did last year, plus you got 5 more to go!

Thank you! I’m trying to remain positive! Honestly, just relieved to finally have some communication from colleges. Haha

Maybe you’ve been waitlisted!! Or even an acceptance! Rooting for you! 

[FairleyAlfy]

1 minute ago, omgalexx said:

Sooo the only reason I feel like I've been following up is because I had a friend who applied to PhD programs and she emailed asking when she should expect to hear about getting off the waitlist and they were like, "oh, are you still interested? Someone just dropped out. Do you want the spot?"

That has definitely been in my head haha. I think I will follow up every two weeks....and hope that is not overkill. 

What?! That’s crazy! Okay, so yea, definitely following up.