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  

[commandercowboy]

Applying to MFA programs (& maybe a couple B.A. --> PhD programs??) as a current senior in undergrad at UofM (B.A. Creative Writing & Lit.) Hoping to land in a full residency, fully funded (though... don't we all) program for poetry. Building my list & hitting Google docs to get writing!! Would love to hear where folks are applying and if there are any good programs I'm overlooking... most afraid of the essays so would love to hear thoughts on SOPs & personal statements.

[beellaas03]

Hi! are you at Umich? I am also a senior there applying to MFA's. Let me know if you'd like to meet and we can give some feedback and also go through the google docs together!  

Take care !!

[commandercowboy]

14 hours ago, beellaas03 said:

Hi! are you at Umich? I am also a senior there applying to MFA's. Let me know if you'd like to meet and we can give some feedback and also go through the google docs together!  

Take care !!

I am! That sounds awesome---we should definitely do that! Send me a DM whenever you want and we can chat  

[runlolarun]

On 7/21/2025 at 9:10 PM, SocialKonstruct said:

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.

Do you know why it is less common for most people to do an MFA in Creative Writing before a PhD? Is there an actual reason, or it has just become what is normal? I wondered if I should apply to PhDs since they are longer programs-- more time to develop myself.

[analog_e]

Well, last year I applied to one school just to see what happened figuring I would end up with a fun little gap year and here I am embarking on a gap year. It's not so bad-I got into the local traditional Irish ensemble, have a cozy little professional composing gig, might have a new tennis partner, wrote 50 or so pages of something new and shiny and exciting, and am interviewing tomorrow for a position as an assistant teacher at a preschool.

I have my list ready to go. The Schools That Matter: Brown, Cornell, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh. My just in case schools: Ohio State, Indiana University, University of Minnesota, VCU, Hollins. Just for kicks: Iowa Writer's Workshop, Johns Hopkins.

Pittsburgh is high priority because one of my best friends moved there earlier this year and has assured me I have a spot in her band, plus I have another good friend in nearby Eerie. VCU and Hollins I am applying to because it makes family happy if I apply to schools close to them, but I hate the idea of living in Roanoke again and Richmond is lovely and I have quite a few friends there but the VCU stipend is a bit too low for me to manage without some assistance. I hate that I cannot just try for UVA and stay where I am, but alas, I have been assured that as one of their undergrads they would not even consider my application. 

Anyhow, glad to be back on ol gradcafe. This time around it's a fair bit more serious for me.

 

[SocialKonstruct]

Creative writing programs I am applying for: 1) USC Ph.D., 2) UC Irvine MFA, 3) University of Utah Ph.D.... Maybe CalState Long Beach MFA.