Majorly freaking out

[DeWinter]

Hello all,

Would really love some advice. I switched fields from a major in the Social Sciences to Creative Writing. I've been on the ball this year, applying to programs, staying on top of things. Applied to about 6 schools so far and today was the deadline for about 4 of them. As I started getting comfortable, I get on University's A extremely confusing departmental page (just to browse again) and then, my heart plummeted.

I'm applying for a MFA and apparently, only the MA and Phd folks get to upload a critical writing sample on the online application. I uploaded my Creative Writing sample online. Apparently, the MFA's had to mail in their creative writing samples. I feel extremely anxious. Apparently, I cannot read directions very well. I am freaking out. The deadline was today. Am I screwed?

[gouache]

I think it's fine, just mail in the creative writing sample and contact the grad admissions office.

[angelmon]

Sorry to hear that. You'll probably still have to mail in the sample so prepare to mail them tomorrow. Browsing this forum and from my own experiences I've found departments to be pretty understanding, so just give them a call tomorrow explaining your circumstances and see if they'll accept the uploaded version or if you can e-mail it. Best of luck though!

[DeWinter]

Thanks so much. Your feedback gives me hope til the morning. Hoping they'll accept it.

Edited February 16, 2012 by DeWinter

[gouache]

I'm 99.9% certain they will accept it. Unless they specify on their website that the application date is NOT the "postmark" date for mailing in things you should be fine. The only time universities will give you a hard time is if they say something like this on their website "MFA applications are due February 15, 2012 (not a postmark date; materials must be received in our offices before or on February 15)." Does the website for this school say that? If so then I might worry, but even then they'll probably be slightly lenient.

Edited February 16, 2012 by gouache

[DeWinter]

Unfortunately, it does. And I just frantically wrote to the Assistant of the Grad Director. They've been lenient about a LOR from abroad when I asked about it a week and a half ago. So, I'm hoping that this will be ok.

Anxiety......

[gouache]

Ah, okay I see. Then if I were you, I would email in my creative writing sample so they at least have that on Feb 15th and then fedex same day or next day so they get it asap.

[DeWinter]

Thanks for the tip. Just emailed it in! Going to wait for a response tomorrow and see what she says.

[Arcadian]

It sounds like their application system is too convoluted. Why would two programs have an online submission and other one requires a mail in? That's kind of dumb on their part. Obviously you're not going to say that, but I'm just saying they must be aware of the potential confusions and understanding when they do happen.

[DeWinter]

My thoughts exactly. I hope someone else made the same mistake, too.

[DeWinter]

I didn't get an email back but I'm guessing they were swamped yesterday. Supposedly, it's a huge department so should I follow up? I don't want to be annoying.