email or no email?

[Amalia222]

Hi all,

I got into TAMU, applying under creative writing (although i mentioned an academic interest in transnationalism in my SOP). I got an email from a professor which mentioned my emphasis as "American Studies", telling me that I would find plenty of support for that field and welcoming me to the department. Which made me wonder if they somehow made a mistake, accepting me under American Studies when my emphasis is creative writing. But then again, I don't want to email him and jeopardize my admit by asking for clarification. What to do? I suppose transnationalism fits inside "American Studies" if you consider North America, South America....oh, and the rest of the world (!!). Part of me thinks I should just remain quiet until after April 15th when I have confirmed my admission. Another part of me thinks: of course they know I applied as a creative writer, I sent a creative sample! WWYD?

[lyonessrampant]

If you sent a creative sample, I'm sure they're not confused. Perhaps look for intersections between CW and American studies in that prof's work and respond directly to those. I feel like that sends a subtle message.

[Rhet Man]

I was once rather humorously accepted to an MA accounting program when in actuality I'd been chosen for the MA in English. It happens.

Even if by some chance they don't want you, you wouldn't want to wait until August, after you've moved all your stuff and everything, to find out. Right?

[tinycat]

Hi all,

I got into TAMU, applying under creative writing (although i mentioned an academic interest in transnationalism in my SOP). I got an email from a professor which mentioned my emphasis as "American Studies", telling me that I would find plenty of support for that field and welcoming me to the department. Which made me wonder if they somehow made a mistake, accepting me under American Studies when my emphasis is creative writing. But then again, I don't want to email him and jeopardize my admit by asking for clarification. What to do? I suppose transnationalism fits inside "American Studies" if you consider North America, South America....oh, and the rest of the world (!!). Part of me thinks I should just remain quiet until after April 15th when I have confirmed my admission. Another part of me thinks: of course they know I applied as a creative writer, I sent a creative sample! WWYD?

Well, how did you find out your admission status? Did someone call you up and say "congrats, we want you in our poetry/fiction program" or did you find out via website, etc? In that case, I might email the grad coordinator and ask for more info about the program, funding, if you can visit, etc, and see what they have to say about the field you were admitted in. That should tell you more about what program you were admitted into, than one professor perhaps making an innocent email mistake or some such if it sounds like they might think they are talking to someone else (who isn't you.) I would say to try and get the information from the most reliable source, who might not be a professor in this or that department/program.

[truckbasket]

Do they offer a PhD in Creative Writing? A swift googling brings up that very same question from others.

It seems that many programs use a general umbrella title with an emphasis; for example a PhD in English with a specialization in Psychic Pottery, or a PhD in American Studies with emphasis on Cat Wrangling or whatever. I think there's some weird accreditation/WASCY type stuff involved with a specific category such as this, and that is why there are relatively few bona fide PhDs in Creative Writing. The schools that grant that specific degree had to go down certain paths to gain that right. Case in point: my U.G. had to jump through all kinds of fiery bureaucratic hoops to get some of their sub-field majors established.

P.S. Congrats on getting in! Rad to the max!

Edited March 6, 2011 by truckbasket

[TC3]

TAMU is a legitimate PhD in English with creative dissertation.

[truckbasket]

TAMU is a legitimate PhD in English with creative dissertation.

Oh okay, cool. Must just be some weird inter-departmental confusion then w/r/t the emphasis.

[Amalia222]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I like lyonessrampant/tinycat (I do like felines!) suggestions the best.....subtlety. absolutely great idea. I will probably just ask for more info about the creative writing aspect and in that way do a sneaky doublecheck. Nice.

[lyonessrampant]

Meow Good luck!

[tinycat]

and congrats to you, too! I see we applied to a lot of the same programs/genres! It's a tough time out there for writers!

[Amalia222]

and congrats to you, too! I see we applied to a lot of the same programs/genres! It's a tough time out there for writers!

no kidding. I think with the way I write (non commercial, literary) my best bet to avoid abject poverty is becomming a professor. Good luck with all your apps too!!