2026 Creative Writing MFA Applicants Forum

[seezeegee]

Since Draft has started the new group for the 2026 admissions cycle, I figured I'd start it here as well.

 

This is supposed to serve as a thread to discuss schools, the application process, books, essays, unending agony and despair, etc. etc. etc.

 

I'm currently compiling my list of schools—trying to really zero in on what I want from the entire thing, from faculty to classes to location—and working on my writing sample. It's difficult and exciting and terrifying, so I'm sure the next year until decisions are out will be a breeze.

[SocialKonstruct]

Definitely applying this year to both MFA and Ph.D. creative writing programs! I just wrapped up a MFA in studio art from ArtCenter and now I would like to incorporate my visual art practice with my writing practice. Been working on doing literary submission to journals and magazines and so far, I have gotten into one publication.

By the way, the visual art world and the literary world are very separate. It's very sad but I feel that there could be more interaction between the two. Sadly enough after I graduated this year I have lost touch with all of my cohort except one person who is a very close buddy. I hope that the literary world is better and filled with less drama.

Edited July 22 by SocialKonstruct

[SocialKonstruct]

Perhaps this is a loose guide for rankings? https://creativewritingmfa.info/rankings/

[fruitforflies]

i am so nervous 

 

[snow_owl]

Applying to MFAs for the first time (fiction). Getting my writing sample ready and looking at programs. Never published my writing before, so this may be a crapshoot. Good luck to everyone!

[belleclarkwriter]

Hey, I'm Belle! I'm new to Gradcafe. Just heard this may be a good spot to chat about MFA experiences. I'm a senior English major at Purdue Fort Wayne, looking to apply to Butler's MFA (CNF) program for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. I've been doing research on other MFA programs (online or low-res) since we're pretty set on moving to Indy next winter. My next step was to work on writing samples! Looking forward to connecting