MFA Creative Writing Applicants: Advice from those who got in

Graduate School
1

<p>To those who got into MFA creative writing programs, what is some advice you have for those of us who are applying? What is something you did on your application that you recommend, or didn't do but recommend? What are some writing techniques you've learned from writing in Grad school that you wish you knew when you were applying? Please give us applicants any advice you think would be helpful.</p>

2

<p>I’m not a recent applicant, but I have an MFA in creative writing, so I can contribute here:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Your writing sample is almost everything. Nothing on your application will affect your chances if the adcom does not like your writing sample. </p></li>
<li><p>Know your programs. Most programs tend toward the literary/experimental, so send in a sample that comes closest to the character of the program. In your essays/SOP, show that you’re aware of the professors and what they write. If you already have publications, you’ll have a huge edge, depending on where those pieces appeared. (Self-publishing doesn’t count, nor do those venues where you buy copies of your own work to get in.)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Remember that an MFA encompasses both the art and the academic theory behind it, which means that you must take an intellectual approach to writing while also creating fiction/poetry that works on an emotional level. Don’t mistake these programs for writing workshops; they are preparing you for a possible academic career as well as for a higher level of craft. A background in literature is helpful, but you don’t have major in English. Likewise, creative writing majors aren’t given an advantage except when it comes to LORs (which you can get if you’ve taken writing courses) and practice. Again, it all comes down to your writing. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

3

<p>you might find this mfa blog very helpful:</p>

<p>[MFA</a> Blog](<a href=“http://creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com/]MFA”>http://creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com/)</p>

<p>I’m an addict as I’m working on my mfa apps. message me if you’d like to talk MFA apps- I may not be able to help, but I can sympathize!</p>