Tazz Posted September 6 Share Posted September 6 1 hour ago, Hank Moody said: I think it's supposed to be 1-2 pages. And you could maybe send your recommenders this article if they're not familiar with writing rec letters for MFAs: https://kendalldunkelberg.com/2022/02/12/advice-on-writing-letters-of-recommendation-for-the-mfa-in-creative-writing/#:~:text=It should be written like,with it, in other words thank you! appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeannitha Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 Anybody else having trouble with their SOP? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaira Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 1 hour ago, Leeannitha said: Anybody else having trouble with their SOP? Yesss! It's my first time writing one and I am definitely feeling out of my depth. I've received some good tips on how to write one, but there aren't a lot of great examples of SOPs out there for me to use for reference. What are you struggling with specifically? Anything we can help sort out? Leeannitha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subu Posted Friday at 09:07 AM Share Posted Friday at 09:07 AM hi can someone share the draft Facebook group, I am unable to find/join it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeannitha Posted Friday at 11:01 AM Share Posted Friday at 11:01 AM On 9/11/2024 at 8:06 PM, zaira said: Yesss! It's my first time writing one and I am definitely feeling out of my depth. I've received some good tips on how to write one, but there aren't a lot of great examples of SOPs out there for me to use for reference. What are you struggling with specifically? Anything we can help sort out? This is so kind of you! I am trying to make it unique and not just “I want money and time to write” which is probably what everyone is writing and why anyone applies to MFAs in general. I also have one school that wants an SOP and personal statement. I’m having a lot of trouble putting those together and making sure they are distinct enough. Scribe 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prufrock_ Posted Friday at 07:59 PM Share Posted Friday at 07:59 PM On 9/11/2024 at 6:18 PM, Leeannitha said: Anybody else having trouble with their SOP? testing my link theory here, but I found this very helpful https://litreactor.com/columns/statements-of-purpose - big take aways being don't talk too much about yourself, keep it short, talk about writing more than yourself. Leeannitha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaira Posted Friday at 11:09 PM Share Posted Friday at 11:09 PM 11 hours ago, Leeannitha said: This is so kind of you! I am trying to make it unique and not just “I want money and time to write” which is probably what everyone is writing and why anyone applies to MFAs in general. I also have one school that wants an SOP and personal statement. I’m having a lot of trouble putting those together and making sure they are distinct enough. Yeah, I feel you! I saw one tip that's been super helpful. Connect your reason for applying directly to your writing samples or vision. You want the school to see how their program, specifically, will help you grow as a writer. So, for example, if your work has strong ties to cultures in non-English-speaking countries, you might say you're interested in the school's robust language/translation courses (supposing they have them). Or if you're applying to a program that encourages students to experiment, mention a few specific forms you're hoping to experiment with while you're in the program. I've heard a good general SOP structure is something like: Your literary vision, what you write, why you write it, what you hope to improve in your writing Literary influences, authors you feel your work is in conversation with Writing background, where you are in your writing career, which workshops you've taken, ways you're already engaging with the community Program specifics, what you hope you get and bring to the program, tie this part into your writing vision by calling out a few specific things the program offers that would make your work stronger Goals for what you want to happen after graduation. Keep this focused on internal goals instead of external ones (like getting an agent or getting published, since you have no direct control over that) As for personal statements, take a look at Cornell's Admissions page. They have some guidelines on what belongs in an SOP vs. a personal statement. Basically, your SOP should focus on your writing, program specifics, and goals, while the personal statement should give insight into your life experiences outside of writing and how these life experiences will help you foster a healthy workshop environment with your cohort. This ended up being longer than I expected! Hope this was helpful! Leeannitha, curfew, Alibi and 1 other 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeannitha Posted Saturday at 03:59 AM Share Posted Saturday at 03:59 AM This is super helpful, thanks a ton !!! zaira 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subu Posted Sunday at 02:43 PM Share Posted Sunday at 02:43 PM On 9/14/2024 at 1:16 AM, prufrock_ said: i dont think links here work, so it's facebook.com then /groups/810651540474997/ after that. omg thenguu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alibi Posted Sunday at 03:36 PM Share Posted Sunday at 03:36 PM On 9/14/2024 at 7:09 AM, zaira said: Yeah, I feel you! I saw one tip that's been super helpful. Connect your reason for applying directly to your writing samples or vision. You want the school to see how their program, specifically, will help you grow as a writer. So, for example, if your work has strong ties to cultures in non-English-speaking countries, you might say you're interested in the school's robust language/translation courses (supposing they have them). Or if you're applying to a program that encourages students to experiment, mention a few specific forms you're hoping to experiment with while you're in the program. I've heard a good general SOP structure is something like: Your literary vision, what you write, why you write it, what you hope to improve in your writing Literary influences, authors you feel your work is in conversation with Writing background, where you are in your writing career, which workshops you've taken, ways you're already engaging with the community Program specifics, what you hope you get and bring to the program, tie this part into your writing vision by calling out a few specific things the program offers that would make your work stronger Goals for what you want to happen after graduation. Keep this focused on internal goals instead of external ones (like getting an agent or getting published, since you have no direct control over that) As for personal statements, take a look at Cornell's Admissions page. They have some guidelines on what belongs in an SOP vs. a personal statement. Basically, your SOP should focus on your writing, program specifics, and goals, while the personal statement should give insight into your life experiences outside of writing and how these life experiences will help you foster a healthy workshop environment with your cohort. This ended up being longer than I expected! Hope this was helpful! Thank you for sharing this wonderful advice zaira 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scribe Posted Monday at 09:14 PM Share Posted Monday at 09:14 PM On 9/11/2024 at 5:18 PM, Leeannitha said: Anybody else having trouble with their SOP? Everyone. Always. I rewrote mine over three dozen times. Then I reworked it for each school. You are not alone. Leeannitha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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