2025 Creative Writing MFA Applicants Forum

[everything bagel lover]

4 minutes ago, prufrock_ said:

I also just got waitlisted fiction Wyoming 🕯️fingers crossed for us!

YAYAYAY omg congratulations! ❤️ I've got my fingers crossed for the both of yall!

[GingerBB]

8 minutes ago, everything bagel lover said:

YAYAYAY omg congratulations! ❤️ I've got my fingers crossed for the both of yall!

Thank you so much! 😄

[exvat]

Pumping out good vibes for all still in the game ✨🤞🙏

Also here to report how awkward it can feel to email with current MFAs questions about their program experiences, money stuff, etc. Did not anticipate this part!

[everything bagel lover]

2 minutes ago, exvat said:

Pumping out good vibes for all still in the game ✨🤞🙏

Also here to report how awkward it can feel to email with current MFAs questions about their program experiences, money stuff, etc. Did not anticipate this part!

It does feel awkward! Thankfully, everyone I've reached out to has been super chill and happy to answer questions! It feels weird to ask about money because of the social taboo but I think there's a sort of camaraderie and empathy both ways where everyone is just trying to gather information to make an informed choice. 

[OctopusCactus]

2 hours ago, vagueblue said:

Can’t speak to UMass but I have friends who’ve gone through the Columbia program and it’s been life-changing for them. Fiction cohort is huge (60-70) whereas poetry is under 10, so the experience is very much what you make of it. There’s apparently a… cultural disparity between people who can afford the program and those on scholarship. Professors are top-notch; interdisciplinary study is encouraged and they have a translation track. Teaching isn’t built into the program but (I’ve been told) Columbia has a good reputation if you’re looking to teach after. Students can apply to TA in their second year; a friend of mine did that and then went on to adjunct. 

Columbia has very strong pedagogy resources for anyone looking to teach, though teaching is not required as part of anyone's funding package.  There is a "writer as teacher" class every semester, an online teacher training course that yields a certificate which students can do at their own pace, and the Columbia Artists as Teachers program matches students with teaching opportunities with a variety of populations.  Beyond TAing, students can also get hired to teach in Columbia's summer creative writing programs for high school students.  

[Hjanep]

Checked portal and got my UCI R

[Scribe]

1 minute ago, Hjanep said:

Checked portal and got my UCI R

there should be a vomit emoji reaction. 

[paper copy]

Hi All! Longtime lurker, first-time poster here This is my second round of applications for fiction - last year I went 0a/2w/8r in the final year of my BA and really took my waitlists as encouragement to keep going. When this year’s cycle rolled around, I was a little burnt out from finishing school and starting my first “big kid” job, but still wanted to throw my hat in the ring for a couple of schools.

As it stands right now, I’m 1a/1w/1sr/2p - I’m not terribly hopeful about my waitlist since there seems to be quite a few of us on the list, and I’m not expecting to hear from my last two schools until early April. While I was initially super excited about my acceptance, I’ve started to be a little apprehensive about the program. For one, it’s nowhere near fully funded…my post-decision research also showed that the program has a cash cow reputation. I know that schools don’t just let anybody in, but it has me wondering if they actually think I’ll be a good fit for their program or they just wanted a warm body who would pay tuition. Anyone else wrestling with these uncertainties? Or have any advice?

Thanks to everyone for making this space safe for stressed aspiring writers ❤️ And congrats to everyone who’s gotten good news this week! Only one more month til Decision Day!!

[prufrock_]

5 minutes ago, Hjanep said:

Checked portal and got my UCI R

ditto. dang. rip. puke emoji.

[OctopusCactus]

On 3/12/2025 at 8:07 PM, Magnolia Electric Co said:

Do people have strong feelings about 2-year vs. 3-year programs? I can see advantages to each: 2-year programs allow you to gain the degree more efficiently, but 3-year programs leave an extra year for things like thesis writing. Three years seems ideal from a writing standpoint, but so many amazing programs seem to only be two years. I feel like it sounds hard to relocate, then take courses, teach, and write a thesis all simultaneously in 2 years. Wondering if this is a major factor for anyone?

Something worth investigating is that some two-year programs actually just require you complete all your credits in 2 years, but will give students up to a year after that to complete and submit their thesis. 

Edited March 14 by OctopusCactus
clarifying

[SheBop]

2 hours ago, vagueblue said:

Can’t speak to UMass but I have friends who’ve gone through the Columbia program and it’s been life-changing for them. Fiction cohort is huge (60-70) whereas poetry is under 10, so the experience is very much what you make of it. There’s apparently a… cultural disparity between people who can afford the program and those on scholarship. Professors are top-notch; interdisciplinary study is encouraged and they have a translation track. Teaching isn’t built into the program but (I’ve been told) Columbia has a good reputation if you’re looking to teach after. Students can apply to TA in their second year; a friend of mine did that and then went on to adjunct. 

Is the Fiction cohort 60-70 for each incoming class? What are the upsides and downsides of being part of such a large cohort? And what is your sense of why the program has been 'life-changing'? Thank you in advance! 

[analog_e]

as someone who enjoys being able to wear a kuffiyeh without having my degree revoked, Columbia is never going to be the right option for me (plus funding is my number one sticking point when investigating a program), but I am sure it's right for some people. 60-70 is *wild* tho.

[glowingbrightly]

3 minutes ago, paper copy said:

Hi All! Longtime lurker, first-time poster here This is my second round of applications for fiction - last year I went 0a/2w/8r in the final year of my BA and really took my waitlists as encouragement to keep going. When this year’s cycle rolled around, I was a little burnt out from finishing school and starting my first “big kid” job, but still wanted to throw my hat in the ring for a couple of schools.

As it stands right now, I’m 1a/1w/1sr/2p - I’m not terribly hopeful about my waitlist since there seems to be quite a few of us on the list, and I’m not expecting to hear from my last two schools until early April. While I was initially super excited about my acceptance, I’ve started to be a little apprehensive about the program. For one, it’s nowhere near fully funded…my post-decision research also showed that the program has a cash cow reputation. I know that schools don’t just let anybody in, but it has me wondering if they actually think I’ll be a good fit for their program or they just wanted a warm body who would pay tuition. Anyone else wrestling with these uncertainties? Or have any advice?

Thanks to everyone for making this space safe for stressed aspiring writers ❤️ And congrats to everyone who’s gotten good news this week! Only one more month til Decision Day!!

I can certainly relate. I received a very generous early email from Columbia and while I don’t think I’ll be able to attend because of cost, and I know it’s less competitive because of size and funding, I still accept the validation for what it is. I wouldn’t view any acceptance as anything but an indication you’d be a good fit.

[Mr Good Man]

Does anyone know how large UTK waitlist is? 

[infiniteplane]

15 minutes ago, paper copy said:

Hi All! Longtime lurker, first-time poster here This is my second round of applications for fiction - last year I went 0a/2w/8r in the final year of my BA and really took my waitlists as encouragement to keep going. When this year’s cycle rolled around, I was a little burnt out from finishing school and starting my first “big kid” job, but still wanted to throw my hat in the ring for a couple of schools.

As it stands right now, I’m 1a/1w/1sr/2p - I’m not terribly hopeful about my waitlist since there seems to be quite a few of us on the list, and I’m not expecting to hear from my last two schools until early April. While I was initially super excited about my acceptance, I’ve started to be a little apprehensive about the program. For one, it’s nowhere near fully funded…my post-decision research also showed that the program has a cash cow reputation. I know that schools don’t just let anybody in, but it has me wondering if they actually think I’ll be a good fit for their program or they just wanted a warm body who would pay tuition. Anyone else wrestling with these uncertainties? Or have any advice?

Thanks to everyone for making this space safe for stressed aspiring writers ❤️ And congrats to everyone who’s gotten good news this week! Only one more month til Decision Day!!

this is something i also struggled with a lot initially when i got my acceptance. what helped me was really reflecting on my own attachment to notions of "prestige." did i want an acceptance because it meant my work had been recognized by these institutions? or was i serious about honing my craft in a new and challenging environment? and if it was the latter, then the reputation of the program matters a lot less. ironically it also helps to step away from online spaces like the draft facebook page. i think someone on here mentioned that the programs that are most talked about/recognized in the literary world are often not the same as those hailed as prestigious in draft circles. in the end a program is just a program, it's not necessarily an arbiter of good writing or even talent. i think we place a lot of emphasis on being a "good fit" for a program, but this implies that theres some intrinsic trait some ppl already possess that allows them to thrive in a certain environment where others wouldnt. this might be true to an extent but i suspect it also comes down to your individual efforts and what you put into it. so i've started to think of mfa programs more as a tool you can use to develop your writing/career, not as this perfect world waiting for you to step into, cause ultimately it's up to you to make it into whats right for you 

[saintjdog]

i got into the new school with a scholarship that covers 60% of tuition. it's still like insanely expensive etc etc but im truly stunned. also i applied for their childrens/YA program idk if anyone else is in that genre specifically???

[exvat]

As I start reading replies from current MFAs at the program I'm likely accepting an offer from, I'm immediately glad I thought to ask them these questions. Sharing for anyone who might find them useful.

• How real is the possibility of my half-tuition scholarship increasing before enrollment? (Have heard this is A Thing)

• What has been your experience of mentorship by the faculty?

• If applicable, do you feel like your thesis is becoming the debut manuscript of your dreams?

• What's the campus vibe like these days, especially considering the Current Political Climate?

• Do you side hustle? If so, how, and how's it working out for you?

• Where we living? Is the Off-Campus Housing page legit?

So far, the answers are largely encouraging—exciting, even!—minus the housing stuff 😂 😭💀⛺

[exvat]

13 minutes ago, saintjdog said:

i got into the new school with a scholarship that covers 60% of tuition. it's still like insanely expensive etc etc but im truly stunned. also i applied for their childrens/YA program idk if anyone else is in that genre specifically???

That's awesome, congratulations!! 🥳 And super fucking cool that they offer a kids/YA program at all.

[rrrooossseee]

7 hours ago, poet-hopeful said:

I got an email from Iowa for poetry yesterday :') it looks like they might still be calling!

Awwww I'm so happy for you, especially after reading your first two posts :,)  I hope you have a lovely time!

I'm still waiting on Iowa with little hope, but I did get into Concordia in my hometown (Montreal) with a scholarship, so I at least have this to lean back on...

Congratulations to everyone else on your acceptances and waitlists ❤️

[writeordie]

21 minutes ago, saintjdog said:

i got into the new school with a scholarship that covers 60% of tuition. it's still like insanely expensive etc etc but im truly stunned. also i applied for their childrens/YA program idk if anyone else is in that genre specifically???

It's true: Very few full-res/fully-funded programs are welcoming to kid lit. That said, I have a friend who went to New School, and she has said it was a good experience for YA/children's fic, but also that the cost was kind of egregious. (She had a quite successful debut a couple years ago, so that's a cool endorsement, if a smidge complicated by the cost factor!)

[Eloise2897]

Does anyone know how long the Minnesota waitlist is? And/or if it's ranked?

[vagueblue]

1 hour ago, SheBop said:

Is the Fiction cohort 60-70 for each incoming class? What are the upsides and downsides of being part of such a large cohort? And what is your sense of why the program has been 'life-changing'? Thank you in advance! 

Not sure if it’s per cohort or overall program—but it’s a lot of people. For context, I’m a poetry candidate and this is what a professor told me when I asked about workshop size. Happy to share more details over DM/connect you with a Columbia fiction grad if you want more details.

 

[Tinky C. Clown]

3 hours ago, Nauna said:

Has anyone heard whisperings from Ole Miss Phase II yet?

on monday the director told me it would be a couple weeks 

[infiniteplane]

1 hour ago, SheBop said:

Is the Fiction cohort 60-70 for each incoming class? What are the upsides and downsides of being part of such a large cohort? And what is your sense of why the program has been 'life-changing'? Thank you in advance! 

i spoke to a cnf prof at columbia earlier this week and she told me the program is about 70-80 fiction students, 10-15 poetry, and 30-40 in nonfiction. she also told me that workshops are capped at 12 ppl but are typically around 7-8. not sure how they keep them so small but it sounds like they manage 

[glowingbrightly]

4 minutes ago, vagueblue said:

Not sure if it’s per cohort or overall program—but it’s a lot of people. For context, I’m a poetry candidate and this is what a professor told me when I asked about workshop size. Happy to share more details over DM/connect you with a Columbia fiction grad if you want more details.

 

 

2 minutes ago, infiniteplane said:

i spoke to a cnf prof at columbia earlier this week and she told me the program is about 70-80 fiction students, 10-15 poetry, and 30-40 in nonfiction. she also told me that workshops are capped at 12 ppl but are typically around 7-8. not sure how they keep them so small but it sounds like they manage 

I’ve heard from students that there can be competition to get into workshops with desired faculty. Poetry prof I spoke with said they prioritize registration based on whether or not someone has worked with a faculty member before. So if you are dying to work with a particular writer, it will be limited unless you can form a personal relationship. Fiction naturally has more options since it is larger.