2024 Creative Writing MFA Applicants Forum

[Scribe]

So long UVA. my achievement of more green than red is done. and we're past the halfway mark. 

[Chex]

Kudos to UVA for a timely, courteous, and altogether uncomplicated rejection email. I respect that. 

[Hjanep]

Another R down with UVA. So discouraged I’m not even getting close with any of these. 

[jadedoptimist]

Lol, there's a girl who announced her Iowa admission on Twitter. I looked her up and she's my age; a great poet. More than that, she was featured in TIME magazine at 19 years old, and is published in NPR, poets.org, and Poetry Magazine. 

Wow. All I can say is, this process has really made it clear to me how far behind I am. Discouraging, much? Good for her. I'll consider my life a success if I have that many accolades by the time I die, let alone by the time I'm in my mid-20s 😂

[Hjanep]

10 minutes ago, jadedoptimist said:

Lol, there's a girl who announced her Iowa admission on Twitter. I looked her up and she's my age; a great poet. More than that, she was featured in TIME magazine at 19 years old, and is published in NPR, poets.org, and Poetry Magazine. 

Wow. All I can say is, this process has really made it clear to me how far behind I am. Discouraging, much? Good for her. I'll consider my life a success if I have that many accolades by the time I die, let alone by the time I'm in my mid-20s 😂

I feel you. The last Iowa fiction admit I know of has an agent, is ~24 and wrapping up an MA in the UK. I’m… 36 and struggling to find time to write with my general life/work obligations (my kids are 1 and 3) and I’m having such a hard time giving myself grace and not losing hope entirely

[pomelo]

14 minutes ago, jadedoptimist said:

Lol, there's a girl who announced her Iowa admission on Twitter. I looked her up and she's my age; a great poet. More than that, she was featured in TIME magazine at 19 years old, and is published in NPR, poets.org, and Poetry Magazine. 

Wow. All I can say is, this process has really made it clear to me how far behind I am. Discouraging, much? Good for her. I'll consider my life a success if I have that many accolades by the time I die, let alone by the time I'm in my mid-20s 😂

Wild! I saw that exact tweet. Congrats to her, she seems amazing.
 

I truthfully don’t think any of us are “behind” but I know exactly what you mean. There’s a student at my alma mater who recently published a novel her sophomore year of college. Her parents are college educated and teach music at a college. She was in a creative writing club in high school. I graduated in ‘20, am unpublished, have refugee parents who work blue collar jobs, and at no point in my K-12 was I offered the options of a creative writing class or club. 
 

All that to say, I was jealous of this young author and I thought I was “behind” because I’ve never even written a novel length piece, let alone published one. But while some people have the cards stacked in their favor, others have the cards stacked against them. Sometimes it’s not a matter of talent, but a matter of luck (and privilege, access to resources, and connections.) Of course, I’m not trying to say that the poet who got into Iowa or the young author are untalented. I’m certain they deserve all the success they’ve gotten. Just as we deserve all the success coming our way! Whether we’re in our 20s or 50s, with an MFA or without. 

[jadedoptimist]

Thanks @pomelo and @Hjanep so much for the solidarity. I agree, I don't really think there's a right way to be a writer and you're never behind, per se... but still, it's human to compare, and seeing people getting into programs who already are wayy more established in the literary world is pretty hard to handle emotionally. But as long as we don't give up, there's always hope!

[Hjanep]

4 minutes ago, jadedoptimist said:

Thanks @pomelo and @Hjanep so much for the solidarity. I agree, I don't really think there's a right way to be a writer and you're never behind, per se... but still, it's human to compare, and seeing people getting into programs who already are wayy more established in the literary world is pretty hard to handle emotionally. But as long as we don't give up, there's always hope!

And if I’ve learned anything, life is long and it’s easy to burn out on things or to start losing the passion for what you’re doing. So just keep showing up and writing and nurturing the wonder and some of these people won’t last anyway. 

[dasiena]

I see there's an interview post for fiction at Brown on the results section of this website. I didn't think they did interviews for fiction? & on a Sunday? 

[Scribe]

On 2/8/2024 at 4:50 PM, Scribe said:

Let an old man give some advice: This is nothing. It's everything too, but it's only one everything in a lifetime of everythings. I've heard a bit about privilege here, the idea that there's some unearned advantage or ability that makes unfair one process or another, or perhaps more importantly gives one some advantage in coping. In a process so inherently unfair, it can be difficult to see the privileges one has themselves.

If you are young and hanging your future on an acceptance, you can absorb this loss - the race is long. 

If you are miserable where you are and think this change will cure it, you may be right - but there's more change than this. You took the risk here. You can and will take others. Why wait to be forced. 

If you are in need of validation, remember this is rejection season not just for us, but for the programs. It's why god created waitlists. Iowa's worth is not determined by the number of applicants or who applies or who turns down their offer. The worth is determined by whatever students attend while they attend. 

To repeat, we find ourselves engaged and embroiled in a process unfair by any measure. There are to many variables for chance not to have an outsized roll. Life. 

 

one more thing, use sunscreen.

[ssuunn]

I feel like I applied to Iowa more out of obligation and prestige more than an actual desire to go there. One of my letter writers used to teach there, (not in IWW but very adjacent, let's say), and they said that students can get overlooked while in the program. I think I also read an anecdote about Iowa "taking a risk" with someone they thought could be promising and then that writer didn't live up to their expectations.

Just giving some perspective that Iowa might not be right for everybody! Obviously I can't say that from a place of certainty myself, but it's not the be-all and end-all for all writers.

[Scribe]

i think i post too much. 

anyway, i've told everyone here to play to the buzzer. I have an acceptance and a good one and I'm pretty sure it's where I'm going, nevertheless, I'm here till the end. You've all been supportive and inspiring and I'm not giving up on anyone. 

I'm throwing some thoughts into a document and I'll post it towards the end of the cycle for anyone applying next year. I've learned a lot and would do some things differently and I want to pass it on. I can't promise to help anyone get an acceptance but I'm certain it will help someone handle the journey more effectively. Anything anyone thinks i should address? Questions or things you've learned? 

no one is behind. I'm 49 forty fucking nine. I drank most of my life and believed i had wasted it. one of my recommenders (who has absolutely no time for bullshit) said it was all part of what got me here. nothing is a waste. I don't know about you, but i'm a better writer just for all the work i did on my essays. jesus it was a lot of writing and under pressure and in a short time. You are all better than you were yesterday. an athlete or a laborer or even a surgeon has a limited time to peak. We have a lot more. just don't stop. hell, you can even take off a cycle, but do not stop writing. and do not ruin the process by making it about something else. 

[Scribe]

13 minutes ago, ssuunn said:

I feel like I applied to Iowa more out of obligation and prestige more than an actual desire to go there. One of my letter writers used to teach there, (not in IWW but very adjacent, let's say), and they said that students can get overlooked while in the program. I think I also read an anecdote about Iowa "taking a risk" with someone they thought could be promising and then that writer didn't live up to their expectations.

Just giving some perspective that Iowa might not be right for everybody! Obviously I can't say that from a place of certainty myself, but it's not the be-all and end-all for all writers.

no, this is exactly true. and it's true for anywhere i guess. not the overlooked part. there are programs with such tiny cohorts i don't see how you could be missed. no, finding the right fit is more important that the rep of the school. I'd love to figure out how to do that.

[rhiannonna]

11 minutes ago, Scribe said:

no one is behind.

100% agree! Life experience is only a good thing for writing. Plenty of writers and Nobel laureates find success later in life.

[brdiget]

3 hours ago, jadedoptimist said:

Lol, there's a girl who announced her Iowa admission on Twitter. I looked her up and she's my age; a great poet. More than that, she was featured in TIME magazine at 19 years old, and is published in NPR, poets.org, and Poetry Magazine. 

Wow. All I can say is, this process has really made it clear to me how far behind I am. Discouraging, much? Good for her. I'll consider my life a success if I have that many accolades by the time I die, let alone by the time I'm in my mid-20s 😂

i feel this tho..... the number of poets ive stalked on twitter being like this poet is YOUNGER THAN ME and has done ALL THIS ALREADY?????? i really need to stop bc it is not a good use of my time but its so hard!!! 

[pananoprodigy]

2 hours ago, dasiena said:

I see there's an interview post for fiction at Brown on the results section of this website. I didn't think they did interviews for fiction? & on a Sunday? 

Has Brown ever done interviews before?? I feel like I've never seen a report of that🤭

[brdiget]

5 minutes ago, pananoprodigy said:

Has Brown ever done interviews before?? I feel like I've never seen a report of that🤭

yeah i thought someone said in draft that they expressly say on their website that they dont do interviews??

[decayingballads21]

2 hours ago, Scribe said:

i think i post too much. 

anyway, i've told everyone here to play to the buzzer. I have an acceptance and a good one and I'm pretty sure it's where I'm going, nevertheless, I'm here till the end. You've all been supportive and inspiring and I'm not giving up on anyone. 

I'm throwing some thoughts into a document and I'll post it towards the end of the cycle for anyone applying next year. I've learned a lot and would do some things differently and I want to pass it on. I can't promise to help anyone get an acceptance but I'm certain it will help someone handle the journey more effectively. Anything anyone thinks i should address? Questions or things you've learned? 

no one is behind. I'm 49 forty fucking nine. I drank most of my life and believed i had wasted it. one of my recommenders (who has absolutely no time for bullshit) said it was all part of what got me here. nothing is a waste. I don't know about you, but i'm a better writer just for all the work i did on my essays. jesus it was a lot of writing and under pressure and in a short time. You are all better than you were yesterday. an athlete or a laborer or even a surgeon has a limited time to peak. We have a lot more. just don't stop. hell, you can even take off a cycle, but do not stop writing. and do not ruin the process by making it about something else. 

Scribe, this is so well said and very sweet of you. You’re amazing and so supportive and full of wisdom for all of us here.
 

I’m grateful for you and the rest of you folks on here! You all deserve good things. It’s been great to see some of you get em. But it’s not over till it’s over, or whatever that means. 
 

don’t stop writing- cheers to that 

 

[Rixor]

Not to discredit this Iowa Twitter user's wonderful achievements in any way, but those of you feeling insecure--please try to put things into perspective. It's natural to feel insecure, but you all haven't failed, nor have you 'failed to use your time wisely.' I don't want to use an example from the literary world, so consider Billie Eilish. Admittedly I don't listen to her music, but I know she's young, wonderfully successful, and massively talented. But both of her college-educated parents are actors, her uncle's a politician, she was homeschooled and raised and trained in music from an extremely young age, was highly encouraged to participate in, and rewarded for, creative endeavors, etc. If anyone is going to succeed as a young artist, it's going to be someone like her.

It's not universal, but it stands that a huge amount of people who achieve massive success in youth were afforded opportunities that others didn't have. 

Do you have enough free time and money to write consistently? Did you have access to opportunities to learn creative writing growing up? To share it? Is English your first language? Are your parents well-educated? Did you grow up someplace with a quality school system? Is your family and/or enviornment supportive? Did you have access to books? To the internet? To stories? Do you have people in your life eager to read your work and cheer you on? Do/did any parts of your identity bar you from 'appealing' to readers? Did you have people you could ask for free advice on your SOPs and writing samples? 

And, I mean. Even if you were set up for success in every way from the very beginning--though I doubt any of us were--living life isn't wasting time. Experiences only serve to strengthen one's writing. 

[Mxxyr]

Re: rando twitter Iowa user.
 

Hi all, I just wanted to pop in and say you all are incredibly impressive and the world needs your art. Never stop writing. You’re not behind. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. 
 

I have never been published in anything. I’m 25. The most I have is a substack. I don’t have teaching credentials I really don’t have anything but a BA. I’m a bit of a no name. I live in Brooklyn.  I’ve done readings where I’m the only unpublished poet reading. Where all the other poets have published or have forthcoming pieces in big name magazines. It’s always made me feel insecure. And it was hard for me psychologically to put myself out there, so I’d begin to submit somewhere and would just never click the send button.
 

My father passed in February of last year. He was my biggest cheerleader in everything I did. Putting myself out there became even harder. But I decided to apply to MFA programs anyway. Pushing past the feeling that I had absolutely no publishing or accomplishments or anything that would grab their attention. 
 

I’m now weighing offers from NYU, UMich Helen Zell, and the Iowa Writers Workshop for poetry. 
 

Keep going. Keep trying. You don’t need to world to tell you you’re amazing to do what you want to do. You’re amazing because you’re showing up for yourself and doing the work. 
 

Ive quietly read this thread for months and I believe so many of you have the empathy and awareness of true writers. The world needs your words. Someone is always listening/reading. Much love to you all

Edited March 3, 2024 by Mxxyr

[jadedoptimist]

@MxxyrThank you so much for joining the conversation! You deserve this good turn. Can't wait to see where you end up ❤️

@Rixor, @Scribe, wise words. Thanks for the perspective. 

We are exactly where we are meant to be!

[taliaj]

16 minutes ago, Mxxyr said:

Re: rando twitter Iowa user.
 

Hi all, I just wanted to pop in and say you all are incredibly impressive and the world needs your art. Never stop writing. You’re not behind. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. 
 

I have never been published in anything. I’m 25. The most I have is a substack. I don’t have teaching credentials I really don’t have anything but a BA. I’m a bit of a no name. I live in Brooklyn.  I’ve done readings where I’m the only unpublished poet reading. Where all the other poets have published or have forthcoming pieces in big name magazines. It’s always made me feel insecure. And it was hard for me psychologically to put myself out there, so I’d begin to submit somewhere and would just never click the send button.
 

My father passed in February of last year. He was my biggest cheerleader in everything I did. Putting myself out there became even harder. But I decided to apply to MFA programs anyway. Pushing past the feeling that I had absolutely no publishing or accomplishments or anything that would grab their attention. 
 

I’m now weighing offers from NYU, UMich Helen Zell, and the Iowa Writers Workshop for poetry. 
 

Keep going. Keep trying. You don’t need to world to tell you you’re amazing to do what you want to do. You’re amazing because you’re showing up for yourself and doing the work. 
 

Ive quietly read this thread for months and I believe so many of you have the empathy and awareness of true writers. The world needs your words. Someone is always listening/reading. Much love to you all

I'm so honored to have read your story here! In a similar boat, not quite 25 yet (I'm 23) but my dad passed two years ago and he was a cheerleader like yours. He didn't go to college and barely finished high school, but he loved reading and I would always send him letters with stories when he was away. I just moved across the country and as such could only apply to one program (nearby) as I can't relocate again so close to having just moved (and I'm really happy where I am currently so I'm not sure if I'd want to). I haven't heard back yet, and my hopes aren't high, but hearing your (and everyone else's) positive words have made me so happy! You guys are going to do amazing things, whether you got into your dream program or no program, or anywhere in between!

[writernity]

Happy Monday all!! Back to the days of eager anticipation! Time for the Weekly Writernity Forecast (as usual, mostly focused around the schools I applied to since I haven't closely tracked the stats of others):

I'm predicting this week and the next will be a flood of news! Brooklyn has started accepting poets and may call a few more in the next couple of days. It seems they usually do interviews for fiction, not sure if that's the case this year or what the situation is for playwriting, but in any case I expect they'll start contacting fiction interviewees/acceptances this week as well. Hunter should also start contacting interviewees soon, but might be a little later than usual this year. I'm planning to go to their reading event tonight to get a feel for the vibe and see if I can scope out any info, will keep yall updated!

Brown, Columbia, and The New School are also looming on the horizon, more likely to contact admits next week rather than this one, but it's possible we'll get early news. Hold those umbrellas high, the storm is coming!

[ie.impensive]

16 hours ago, brdiget said:

i feel this tho..... the number of poets ive stalked on twitter being like this poet is YOUNGER THAN ME and has done ALL THIS ALREADY?????? i really need to stop bc it is not a good use of my time but its so hard!!! 

I'd like to weigh in on this—as there are a number of things I wish someone had said to me when I first started putting myself through the process of agony and ecstasy that is graduate applications:

Where it comes to assessing your sense of self-worth—especially when taken within a creative context—be kind to yourself. I’ve been lurking and reading through this board's discussions over the past few weeks, and I can say with absolute confidence you're all talented, dedicated, and generous people—and should be proud of the risk you’re taking, just by putting yourselves out-there.

It’s hard to communicate how valuable it is to tackle the prospect of major change—even more-so when the stakes can feel so high—and especially when you’re aiming to achieve something you truly care about. Making that move is an immense accomplishment, on its own, and many people don’t have the guts to attempt it. I know it’s essentially impossible it is to avoid measuring yourself against the yardstick of the other people's success—but you’ll drive yourself crazy. Holding your personal trajectory through life to that of anyone who exists in the public eye—or idols in cultural memory, or strangers who encapsulate the apex of a dream—is an exercise in anxiety, and it privileges unreasonable expectations that boils down to giving credence to false-equivalencies. Your own life experience cannot find objective measure against standards set by the lives of others; nor should it. You’ll find yourself hollowed out by an existential anguish, and do yourself a great disservice in the process.

There is no right way to find success and accomplish amazing things, and that won’t mean the same thing to everyone. It took me far too long to realize that change doesn’t come without risk; but even longer to realize that what makes my life exceptional has nothing to do with my colleague, who’s high-profile accomplishments came early—though I truly loathed how much I envied him for the longest time. The realization finally set in a couple of years ago when I accepted that I simply couldn’t have reproduced what or how he got where he is. My life has been characterized by a monumental series of improbable complications and unexpected barriers, but I wouldn’t be half-way proud of where I’ve come to in life if I hadn’t swallowed a great deal of self-doubt, and just took on what seemed to be the hardest path in the world. (I have also realized that I’m not that fond of my colleague's writing; or his work; and that most people we both associate with aren't fond of him at all.) So, success comes in different forms. Ultimately, I suppose my point is that in making the effort, risking rejection, etc., you’re building toward a kind of change will alter how you see your own life—and likely contribute to how you gauge your own accomplishments.

This all sounds quite saccharine and platitude-y, but there’s only so many ways you can go about making your own life into something that you’re proud of. That doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone, by nature, and you can also be sure that it will change as you move forward in life. I think you’re all doing an amazing job of representing yourselves honestly, and that you have a tremendous amount to be proud of already.

 

[justasmidge]

Whew, I can feeeeeeel the anxiety already for these next couple of weeks. I did have breakfast with a professor from Stony Brook which was really nice since she's a friend of my colleague's. I really enjoyed it!

Still trying to figure out if going to Italy is a good or a bad thing with being six hours ahead of all of this, but at the very least, it will be a distraction. I'm an amateur photographer, so I'll probably be busy taking photos. Anyone else here shoot film? It's my favorite medium. I'm taking 3 rolls of Ektar 100, 1 roll of Portra 160, and 1 roll of Lomography Purple.