2025 Creative Writing MFA Applicants Forum

[Tazz]

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.

[Leeannitha]

Anybody else having trouble with their SOP?

[zaira]

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? 

[subu]

hi can someone share the draft Facebook group, I am unable to find/join it

[Leeannitha]

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. 

[prufrock_]

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.

[zaira]

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]

This is super helpful, thanks a ton !!! 

[subu]

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

[Alibi]

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

[Scribe]

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. 

 

[Chex]

Well hello again, mes amis!

I was randomly looking at last year's thread when it occurred to me to check if a new thread had been made for this year, and voilà! Happy to see some familiar names such as @prufrock_ @pananoprodigy and our newly minted vet, @Scribe.

I'm not nearly ready to start applying yet, because honestly I've had a really challenging couple of months but I plan to jump back into the spirit of things soon. Still fiction for me, like last year. I'm looking to apply to 6 to 10 programs. I'm positive it'll include Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, Brown, Cornell, and the U of Virginia. I'm also considering Michigan, Iowa, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, among others. Will see how things go. This year, I'm trying to be more chill about the whole thing. I was borderline neurotic last year and I don't think it was good for me. Might not be here very often but I'll drop in from time to time. Wishing everyone a happy application season!

Edited September 21 by Chex

[curfew]

@Chex cheers!!

I love the list, and sincerely hope that the next few months treat you better than the last ones have. Pulling for you this season:+)

[squid05]

Hey everyone! So excited to apply this year. I am a full time working individual, so have to make the decision to go full time or low res. I think this year Ill apply to: UNCG, Warren Wilson, Bennington, and maybe: UNC Wilmington, Antioch, NC State (Im in North Carolina, if you couldn't tell). 

 

Open to other low res recommendations or fully-funded opps near NC! 

[Chex]

7 hours ago, curfew said:

@Chex cheers!!

I love the list, and sincerely hope that the next few months treat you better than the last ones have. Pulling for you this season:+)

Thank you!! 🤗

[taliaj]

Anyone know anything about OU's MA in English? I posted the same question in Draft but wanted to ask here as well. Thanks!

[shadygrove]

How are people handling their resumes/CVs for applying? I have pretty solid professional experience at this point, but I feel like I should include things like publications. I have two film reviews out there—not poetry, but it's something. I'm also seeing advice online to include things like writing interests, undergraduate classes taken in writing, etc., and I'm not sure if this is standard or expected. I don't want to skimp on relevant issue, but I'm also afraid to make it too long—my professional stuff is already 3/4 of a page. 

Any advice to share on this element of admissions? It's probably what I'm least confident about how to approach for applications.

[Chex]

16 hours ago, shadygrove said:

How are people handling their resumes/CVs for applying? I have pretty solid professional experience at this point, but I feel like I should include things like publications. I have two film reviews out there—not poetry, but it's something. I'm also seeing advice online to include things like writing interests, undergraduate classes taken in writing, etc., and I'm not sure if this is standard or expected. I don't want to skimp on relevant issue, but I'm also afraid to make it too long—my professional stuff is already 3/4 of a page. 

Any advice to share on this element of admissions? It's probably what I'm least confident about how to approach for applications.

Don't sweat it too much. For many programs, the CV is the least important part of your application and mostly serves to fulfill a formal requirement. I'd say keep it short and sweet, not more than 2 pages. In the education section, you could have a "selected coursework" bulletpoint under your school, mentioning any relevant classes you wish to highlight. But again, this is not necessary; people get in without any previous writing-related education. 

You also don't need to list everywhere you've worked, just point out the key things. As for publications, I would mention the film reviews. Doesn't matter that they're not poetry; you're not required to be a one-track person. It could also make you seem more layered and interesting. 

This is how I'd order the CV: Education, Professional Experience, Publications, Workshops/Residencies/Events Attended, Awards & Honours. Feel free to omit any section that doesn't apply to you. 

As for writing interests, if you wish to list them, that could either go on top or at the bottom of the CV. Eg, Writing Interests: Ecopoetry, Lyric, etc etc. 

 

Edited September 27 by Chex

[shadygrove]

On 9/27/2024 at 11:11 AM, Chex said:

Don't sweat it too much. For many programs, the CV is the least important part of your application...

 

This is super helpful!! Thank you for assuaging my worries 🙂

[alexisapoet]

Hi, everyone! First time applicant this year and stumbling on this site made my day. Will definitely be following along over the next several months!

One question I have is about dual applications. I'm primarily interested in poetry but there are a few programs that I want to apply to in both poetry and fiction. I'm wondering if anyone has insight on dual applications, especially how programs tend to view them. I know some programs allow them, but is there any reason to believe dual applications affect your chances of acceptance in either genre?

Also, are letters of recommendation typically expected to be very genre specific? I noticed University of Arizona says to only submit one set of recommendations even if applying in both genres, but I haven't found any specific information on that issue for other programs.

Thanks for the help!

[Hjanep]

I’m also baaack for round two. And mostly done with the admin work for this year and generally feeling calmer so far? We’ll see if that sticks. Applying for fiction to: Iowa, Michigan, Michener, UVA, Brown, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Northwestern Litowitz, Montana, UCI, Stegner (lol), NYU

[Chex]

2 hours ago, Hjanep said:

I’m also baaack for round two. And mostly done with the admin work for this year and generally feeling calmer so far? We’ll see if that sticks. Applying for fiction to: Iowa, Michigan, Michener, UVA, Brown, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Northwestern Litowitz, Montana, UCI, Stegner (lol), NYU

Ayyyyyyyy!! 💪🏾

[Alibi]

just curious, is it necessary to contact alumni in each program I want to apply, if so how to find them (just find one or two)?

or is there any other way to know more about the program(except the virtual event)?

[prufrock_]

On 10/9/2024 at 3:54 AM, Alibi said:

just curious, is it necessary to contact alumni in each program I want to apply, if so how to find them (just find one or two)?

or is there any other way to know more about the program(except the virtual event)?

Most programs discourage reaching out to current students if you're just applying. But If you're admitted, you should get a list of current students which you can reach out to and ask any questions before you formally accept an admission.

For past alumni, there's a post on the facebook draft page of alumni saying where they went, so you could reach out to them there.

For finding out more about a program, I'm applying to places mostly on vibes. Vibes and cost of living.

[Alibi]

thank you for sharing this. never thought about the aspect of vibes, your description is perfect @prufrock_