2022 Creative Writing MFA Applicants Forum

[lazerkabamo]

48 minutes ago, Nai23 said:

 

Congratulations!!! I'm in too! Did you get any info about funding/aid/scholarships? 

I got an acceptance email. No information about scholarships. Maybe that'll come when the portal updates.

[Nai23]

1 minute ago, lazerkabamo said:

I got an acceptance email. No information about scholarships. Maybe that'll come when the portal updates.

Yep, same!  

[RosA-R]

7 minutes ago, Nai23 said:

Yep, same!  

Sorry for not responding, but same! Just a standard email. 

[floralhell]

13 minutes ago, RosA-R said:

Sorry for not responding, but same! Just a standard email. 

Congrats! In the voicemail the director left me she said funding info will come out hopefully on Monday or Tuesday via email!

[1moreX]

32 minutes ago, floralhell said:

Congrats! In the voicemail the director left me she said funding info will come out hopefully on Monday or Tuesday via email!

I'm accepted, to Sarah Lawrence, too, in fiction. 

Congratulations, everyone!

[maz]

Congrats to everyone getting news from SL today!!

 

so confused with Boston's approach this year... anyone else still waiting?

Edited March 18, 2022 by Elwolf

[eternalwhitenights]

Just got my rejection from Notre Dame--congrats to all who got in, and on to next year's application and daily practicing my craft to improve my work even more!  

[spencerlr]

3 hours ago, Elwolf said:

Congrats to everyone getting news from SL today!!

 

so confused with Boston's approach this year... anyone else still waiting?

I'm still waiting too. I'm officially sick of checking my email and not seeing anything lol

[maz]

4 minutes ago, spencerlr said:

I'm still waiting too. I'm officially sick of checking my email and not seeing anything lol

So sick of it!! Good luck  

[panglosian]

Got the Brown rejection today, which means my season is (kind of) officially over! I'm so grateful for all the support, and I'm ecstatic at how strong I've finished this time around. I'll keep you guys updated on my waitlists and decisions in the next month. For anyone still kicking out there, good luck on the rest of your notifications! Manifesting the best for all of you ❤️

[worldcleft]

Waitlisted at Brown Literary Arts, cross-disciplinary genre, which takes like, 2 people per year. They had a massive pool of applicants for all spots, around 1000.

Admittedly know quite little about the programme -- I applied while mostly applying to visual art MFAs, as I have a strong writing component, and felt like I might want a more literary emphasis. Would love to chat with people who know a bit more. I have very competitive offers and actual acceptances from the visual art schools, but do wonder if it is a literary emphasis I want to go into ultimately.

[Nightwitch]

Got my rejection from Notre Dame today - but on the plus side, I finally got my funding info for NMSU! I got one of their three GA/TAships. I'll know more details when they issue my offer letter. I'm going to New Mexico folks! 

Edited March 19, 2022 by Nightwitch

[tigerpuppy]

Hi! I am an international applicant, I applied to the University of Iowa for the Fiction MFA. 

I havent had a call or email yet so I'm guessing I have been rejected; I checked in with Deb West but got what I assume is a generic response saying the decision letters had been mailed already. As far as I can tell, based on this thread, if I am waiting for a snail mail letter, I am waiting for a rejection.

However, international post has never been quick even at the best of times, and post-pandemic its been quite a mess in my country. I dont anticipate I will receive the letter anytime soon (I find it hard to believe they'd send a rejection letter by FedEx or whatever lol). MyUI also still says "In Progress." 

My question is: have any international applicants received their rejections (or their acceptances, for that matter) yet?

I have this tiny (naive, delusional, optimistic, idk) sliver of hope that maybe international applicants are notified later, and maybe I still have a chance of being accepted. lol. 

 

I havent seen any international people reporting their results on GradCafe (I am not on FB so can't see Draft). 
 

Does anyone here know how this works? 

[RosA-R]

Hi Everyone! I got accepted into Sarah Lawrence yesterday and am happy, but I know their funding situation is not great. I am still waiting to hear from City College, whose campus I love (I'm take a class there now) and the faculty seem cool. It's also work-friendly. However, they don't have any kind of reputation as far as I know, and from what I can tell that's a big draw for a lot of schools.

While I didn't get into Hunter, I go there now for undergrad and seeing their department made me nervous with how elitist it came off, as well as their MFA being strict (no cross genre work allowed according to their online open house.)

 

I know people say not to take out loans but seeing that a lot of people are applying cross country I figured that I do not have to take into account a certain cost since I already live here with my family and work in New York City.

 

I guess what I'm asking is if it's worth it to wait a year and apply again, and if you guys have any recommendations for programs with decent funding for creative nonfiction in New York City. I didn't know anything about graduate school before applying but having done research I really didn't want to go to any school but those three. I know that good funding is rare, regardless of where you go, which is why City college and Hunter seemed so attractive. 

 

Sorry for the long post; any advice is appreciated!

[CHRISTOPHER QUANG BUI]

Does anyone know how many actual acceptances have went out from Hollins? 

Again, congrats to everyone on the amazing news! Awesome stuff to hear!

[nicolette7766]

3 minutes ago, CHRISTOPHER QUANG BUI said:

Does anyone know how many actual acceptances have went out from Hollins? 

Again, congrats to everyone on the amazing news! Awesome stuff to hear!

It’s hard to give an actual number because I’m sure there’s plenty of people who got in that are not on draft or gradcafe. I know there was a good few people who got in though. There’s about four acceptances on draft and a few waitlists on there too. 

[CHRISTOPHER QUANG BUI]

21 minutes ago, nicolette7766 said:

It’s hard to give an actual number because I’m sure there’s plenty of people who got in that are not on draft or gradcafe. I know there was a good few people who got in though. There’s about four acceptances on draft and a few waitlists on there too. 

Thanks for giving an estimate, though! 

[koechophe]

2 hours ago, RosA-R said:

I guess what I'm asking is if it's worth it to wait a year and apply again, and if you guys have any recommendations for programs with decent funding for creative nonfiction in New York City. I didn't know anything about graduate school before applying but having done research I really didn't want to go to any school but those three. I know that good funding is rare, regardless of where you go, which is why City college and Hunter seemed so attractive. 

 

I unfortunately don't know much about programs in NYC, actually because I wasn't keen on living in a big city, and my wife was VERY not keen on living in NYC specifically, so I never considered it.

I will say this, though. I've seen a lot of people do better in their second year than their first, and I've also seen a lot of people end up really disappointed because they "settled" for a program.

Yes, getting into loans for an MFA is dicey. But something else to consider is how hard it is to get into the program. Fully-funded MFAs are harder to get into, BUT, this means that you're likely going to have a better experience with your cohort. They will likely be really solid writers because of the steep admission requirements, and your professors are also more likely to be serious too. 

A lot of where I'm coming from is I saw a few people on draft/this forum that ended up "settling" for a school with less than ideal funding, and as far as I could tell, their biggest gripe was that the workshops weren't what they wanted in terms of quality. 

If it were a matter of getting into a little debt to afford a program that you really adore, I think that's pretty reasonable. People get into debt for much stupider things than an education. But if it's a matter of getting into debt for a program that ends up being disappointing, that's not the best.

I wouldn't worry about a college having a good "reputation" unless you want to teach. It's best to worry about how competitive it is to get in, in my opinion. And I don't know, maybe SL is as hard to get into as fully-funded programs, but from what I've been told, there tends to be a steeper requirement for fully funded programs. .

I guess my main point is, consider how hard it is to get into the program, and be careful about settling for somewhere just because they said yes. The real value of an MFA is in growth as a writer, and I worry that places which you don't have to stretch to get into might not stretch you once you're a student there. 

[koechophe]

4 hours ago, tigerpuppy said:

I havent seen any international people reporting their results on GradCafe (I am not on FB so can't see Draft). 
 

Does anyone here know how this works? 

Some people on Draft posted about getting a rejection email from them somewhat recently. A few others posted about their graduate portal status updating (so it might be good the check your portal for some closure) but I think most just talked about their rejection letters. 

It's unfortunately safe to assume that if you haven't heard by now, it's a rejection letter coming in snail mail. 

[RosA-R]

16 minutes ago, koechophe said:

I unfortunately don't know much about programs in NYC, actually because I wasn't keen on living in a big city, and my wife was VERY not keen on living in NYC specifically, so I never considered it.

I will say this, though. I've seen a lot of people do better in their second year than their first, and I've also seen a lot of people end up really disappointed because they "settled" for a program.

Yes, getting into loans for an MFA is dicey. But something else to consider is how hard it is to get into the program. Fully-funded MFAs are harder to get into, BUT, this means that you're likely going to have a better experience with your cohort. They will likely be really solid writers because of the steep admission requirements, and your professors are also more likely to be serious too. 

A lot of where I'm coming from is I saw a few people on draft/this forum that ended up "settling" for a school with less than ideal funding, and as far as I could tell, their biggest gripe was that the workshops weren't what they wanted in terms of quality. 

If it were a matter of getting into a little debt to afford a program that you really adore, I think that's pretty reasonable. People get into debt for much stupider things than an education. But if it's a matter of getting into debt for a program that ends up being disappointing, that's not the best.

I wouldn't worry about a college having a good "reputation" unless you want to teach. It's best to worry about how competitive it is to get in, in my opinion. And I don't know, maybe SL is as hard to get into as fully-funded programs, but from what I've been told, there tends to be a steeper requirement for fully funded programs. .

I guess my main point is, consider how hard it is to get into the program, and be careful about settling for somewhere just because they said yes. The real value of an MFA is in growth as a writer, and I worry that places which you don't have to stretch to get into might not stretch you once you're a student there. 

Thanks for the response! I completely understand, I think I just fell in love with Sarah Lawrence's campus, plus a professor who was part of my scholarship program at my first undergrad went to that MFA and said it was amazing. 

While Hunter might be harder to get into, I don't know that it would be right for me, who likes to experiment across genres and pull magic realism into my nonfiction writing. Their open house gave me the impression they are no nonsense, plus I read the directors books and their writing is very different from mine. If anything, I thought I would gain discipline in their program, along with their rep. City College just has good vibes lol but I've never met or heard of anyone who went there.

Its just that, assuming I get zero aid, Sarah Lawrence is basically the same as my mom's mortgage, not that that amount could buy me a house nowadays anyway! 

I know people say Columbia's program is predatory, but if anyone applied to NYU or knows more about the program, what was it like?

[1moreX]

3 hours ago, RosA-R said:

Hi Everyone! I got accepted into Sarah Lawrence yesterday and am happy, but I know their funding situation is not great. I am still waiting to hear from City College, whose campus I love (I'm take a class there now) and the faculty seem cool. It's also work-friendly. However, they don't have any kind of reputation as far as I know, and from what I can tell that's a big draw for a lot of schools.

While I didn't get into Hunter, I go there now for undergrad and seeing their department made me nervous with how elitist it came off, as well as their MFA being strict (no cross genre work allowed according to their online open house.)

 

I know people say not to take out loans but seeing that a lot of people are applying cross country I figured that I do not have to take into account a certain cost since I already live here with my family and work in New York City.

 

I guess what I'm asking is if it's worth it to wait a year and apply again, and if you guys have any recommendations for programs with decent funding for creative nonfiction in New York City. I didn't know anything about graduate school before applying but having done research I really didn't want to go to any school but those three. I know that good funding is rare, regardless of where you go, which is why City college and Hunter seemed so attractive. 

 

Sorry for the long post; any advice is appreciated!

Hi there RosA-R - It's great to be able to congratulate you "in person" about SL. I've been waiting along with you to hear from SL, Hunter, and CCNY for a while.

As you think about reapplying next year, I wouldn't completely give up on Sarah Lawrence re funding. At one of the SL open houses, I spoke to Ady Gupta (https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/graduate/staff/) about funding, and told her about my financial situation as of 2022, which doesn't show up on my FAFSA. She said, "We'll take care of you." Of course there was zero guarantee of that, and it was way before I'd been accepted, but it's just to say that the terrifying bottom line on the SL website is not necessarily what you'd have to pay. At SL they seem to relish the personal touch, and I recommend reaching out.

A friend of mine who's now an established and well-regarded eco-poet, with other writing accolades to her name, got her MFA from SL and was the one who suggested I apply.

Re reputation: I intend to ask SL (and at CCNY if I get in) for what I've already received from Brooklyn: samples of student work. I can't praise Josh Henkin at Brooklyn enough for how he treats people who have been accepted there. He also sent his writing workshop guidelines. I now know enough to know that I will be challenged workshopping my stuff with really good writers, which is something I seek above all, too.

[evergreen13]

4 hours ago, RosA-R said:

Hi Everyone! I got accepted into Sarah Lawrence yesterday and am happy, but I know their funding situation is not great. I am still waiting to hear from City College, whose campus I love (I'm take a class there now) and the faculty seem cool. It's also work-friendly. However, they don't have any kind of reputation as far as I know, and from what I can tell that's a big draw for a lot of schools.

While I didn't get into Hunter, I go there now for undergrad and seeing their department made me nervous with how elitist it came off, as well as their MFA being strict (no cross genre work allowed according to their online open house.)

 

I know people say not to take out loans but seeing that a lot of people are applying cross country I figured that I do not have to take into account a certain cost since I already live here with my family and work in New York City.

 

I guess what I'm asking is if it's worth it to wait a year and apply again, and if you guys have any recommendations for programs with decent funding for creative nonfiction in New York City. I didn't know anything about graduate school before applying but having done research I really didn't want to go to any school but those three. I know that good funding is rare, regardless of where you go, which is why City college and Hunter seemed so attractive. 

 

Sorry for the long post; any advice is appreciated!

Congrats to you!

I don't know a lot about all of the NY programs, but NYU fully funds some students with full tuition + stipends (those at the top of their admit list, it seems) and all students receive at least half tuition coverage. 

https://as.nyu.edu/cwp/graduate/fellowships-and-literary-outreach.html

[RosA-R]

38 minutes ago, 1moreX said:

Hi there RosA-R - It's great to be able to congratulate you "in person" about SL. I've been waiting along with you to hear from SL, Hunter, and CCNY for a while.

As you think about reapplying next year, I wouldn't completely give up on Sarah Lawrence re funding. At one of the SL open houses, I spoke to Ady Gupta (https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/graduate/staff/) about funding, and told her about my financial situation as of 2022, which doesn't show up on my FAFSA. She said, "We'll take care of you." Of course there was zero guarantee of that, and it was way before I'd been accepted, but it's just to say that the terrifying bottom line on the SL website is not necessarily what you'd have to pay. At SL they seem to relish the personal touch, and I recommend reaching out.

A friend of mine who's now an established and well-regarded eco-poet, with other writing accolades to her name, got her MFA from SL and was the one who suggested I apply.

Re reputation: I intend to ask SL (and at CCNY if I get in) for what I've already received from Brooklyn: samples of student work. I can't praise Josh Henkin at Brooklyn enough for how he treats people who have been accepted there. He also sent his writing workshop guidelines. I now know enough to know that I will be challenged workshopping my stuff with really good writers, which is something I seek above all, too.

Congrats to you, too! I hadn't thought of that, I will definitely reach out about aid and especially to see student work and workshop samples!! Fingers crossed for CCNY  

8 minutes ago, evergreen13 said:

Congrats to you!

I don't know a lot about all of the NY programs, but NYU fully funds some students with full tuition + stipends (those at the top of their admit list, it seems) and all students receive at least half tuition coverage. 

https://as.nyu.edu/cwp/graduate/fellowships-and-literary-outreach.html

Thank you for this info, I know NYU has a reputation for being really bad about aid for undergrads, glad to hear they seem kinder for grads. If anything, I might wait to apply there next cycle.

[cherrypi]

Friends, which program(s) include pedagogical emphasis?
 

Many programs state up front that while they may equip grad students to teach, they’re unapologetically disinterested in investing too much emphasis on building future teachers, but which programs are the opposite? Know of any in particular? 
 

I know the stats, just curious.
thanks and happy Saturday 

[gagne]

2 hours ago, cherrypi said:

Friends, which program(s) include pedagogical emphasis?
 

Many programs state up front that while they may equip grad students to teach, they’re unapologetically disinterested in investing too much emphasis on building future teachers, but which programs are the opposite? Know of any in particular? 
 

I know the stats, just curious.
thanks and happy Saturday 

The one program I've been accepted to thus far and am on the fence as I await hearing about funding that has pedagogical training in the curriculum is Naropa University in Boulder, CO. It is also the only MFA I've seen with both critical and creative theses (yes, doing two theses).

The school also has an elementary education program and seems to have a lot of graduates able to go on to PhDs, so guessing they may have a strength there.

https://www.naropa.edu/academics/graduate-academics/mfa-creative-writing-poetics/degree-requirements/