<p>I think the Robertson is about the most competitive in the nation, even more so than Michigan’s Shipman IMO. It’s been several years since I looked at profiles of the winners, but I seem to remember that they had extremely strong, focused ECs, with leadership and service being very important. They’re usually published, so give them a look.</p>
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<p>My D1 is considering applying for an MFA in CW too, and at least most of the programs provide a lot of financial support through fellowships, stipends, assistantships and tuition waivers. Some, like Columbia, are full pay, but many more are like Michigan:</p>
<p>[U-M</a> English MFA Program: Financial Aid Support for MFA Graduate Students](<a href=“http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/grad/finSupport/mfa.asp]U-M”>http://www.lsa.umich.edu/english/grad/finSupport/mfa.asp)</p>
<p>Hang in there and good luck!</p>
<p>P.S. About the number of applications, 15 including merit scholarships is a lot. D1 did 11, including separate merit applications for WUSTL & Emory, and that was a lot of time.</p>