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How the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Can benefit You

September 20, 2010 By Rocky

Many of the readers of this site are interested in finding out more about creative writing programs. While not all writers are looking for traditional classroom instruction in writing, or for advanced degrees such as the MFA in Creative Wiring, or a Ph.D. in Writing, some are. One great source of information is The Association of Writers & Writing Programs.

Here is an explanation of what AWP is about, taken from their own website:

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) is a national, nonprofit literary organization for teachers and writers. Founded in 1967, AWP is dedicated to serving writers, teachers, and writing programs. Our core services include publication of The Writer’s Chronicle, the AWP Job List, and the AWP Official Guide to Creative Writing Programs. Our Career Services, are available for members only. AWP also sponsors an annual conference & a number of annual writing competitions.

While a formal writing program is not for every writer, for some it is exactly the right path for development. If you think you might be interested in finding out more about writing programs around the country, AWP is a good resource for initial exploration. If you visit their website, be sure to check out their “Looking for a Writing Program” tab. Once there, you can search by type of writing program and location. In addition to the resources and links found there, you can also click through to some of the sponsor sites found here for more information on writing programs and training.

Remember, becoming a writer is about finding the path that is right for you. One size does not fit all when it comes to development as a writer. Look around and explore your options for development, but always return to the writing desk and write.


Filed Under: Applying to an MFA Program, Getting Into an MFA Program, Selecting the Right MFA Program

Decision Process on MFA Programs – What is right for me?

February 5, 2010 By Rocky Leave a Comment

While all MFA programs have different deadlines for application, most traditional programs will enter new students in the fall term. Many low residency programs will also begin in the fall, but some will offer a summer term admission and a few have an added option of winter admission. Add to the previous mix a small number of programs that have rolling admission and flexible starts and you can see that there is no one right answer about when all programs begin or when their deadlines for application are. With all this in mind, the best advice for a potential MFA student is to get organized and be strategic when considering programs.

Organization does not have to be complicated. Here is a simple organization structure if you are applying to MFA programs:

1. Make a simple list of the programs you are considering applying to attend.

This can be a document file, a spreadsheet, or just on a piece of paper, but make sure there is room for multiple columns of factors for each program. For example: distance, cost, travel, low-residency versus residency, number of hours required, teaching versus non-teaching based, et cetera.

2. Begin to gather information on each program.

Some of this information can easily be obtained from the internet and the schools websites. Alternatively, you can click on most programs links or email them and have hard-copy program information mailed to you fairly quickly.

Tip: If you end up talking to an operator and they are doing a hard-sell or want you to do an “immediate application” run like hell.

3. While gathering program information make a list of what you want to get out of an MFA program and what any “must have” aspects of the program are.

For instance, is it important that it be a traditional full-time program such as The Iowa Writers Workshop; do you need a low-residency format so you can work; does the program need to be within driving distance; are there specific genres you want to study; does the program have a teaching component or certification. The better you understand what you want from a program, the easier it will be for you to make the best decision you can about which program to apply for.

4. Evaluate the individual programs data as it comes in and fill out your master “spreadsheet” that was described in step “1″ above.

As you look at each programs brochures and materials keep two things in mind: First, keep in mind what your criteria for “best” is; and second, remember that the material you are looking at is a “sales brochure” – it has been created to sell the program.

Tip: Take a close look at faculty and at graduates of the program and do some on-line searches to see what they have been writing and publishing.

5. File everything and dig for details.

Make a simple file of all the program data and make sure to get all of the details you need to make comparisons. Every program will present data differently and you will have to dig or make a few calls to get apple to apple comparisons in some cases. This is especially true in the case of program length and cost.

Tip: If you are doing a low-residency program find out if residency period room and board is included in the estimated program costs. This can add up to an additional $3,000 a year in some cases.

6. Gather as much data as possible to make a good decision but trust your gut.

Okay, we are writers, and as such we understand that things are not always cut and dried. Any MFA program can deliver the goods for a particular writer if the circumstances are right for the writer at that particular time. Maybe the program is not great but the writer and one particular instructor just click; or, perhaps it is just the simple fact that the writer has finally taken the step of committing to writing by starting an MFA program.

Conversely, you can have a great writer at a great program and it just doesn’t work out. For example, Raymond Carver, one of the best American short-story writers ever, only made it through one year at Iowa’s famed workshop before throwing in the towel. Why? Because Carver thought the program was distracting him from his writing.

In the end you have to make a decision based on what you feel is right for you, but gathering data is part of the decision process. When you make your decision, you can feel good about making the best decision for you at this particular time.

Filed Under: Applying to an MFA Program, Getting Into an MFA Program, Selecting the Right MFA Program, Uncategorized

Writing Samples for MFA Applications

January 13, 2010 By Rocky Leave a Comment

Here are two questions that come up frequently: How important are writing samples to MFA program applications? And… If you go over or under on page or word count will it hurt your application?

The answer to the first question is simple. Writing samples are the single greatest factor in getting into a Creative Writing MFA program. There are other factors, obviously, but as far as key things an admission committee will weigh, the writing sample is far and away the most important part of an application.

The second question is a little harder to answer but the best advice is to go under but do not go over if at all possible. Remember, the writing sample is supposed to reflect your best work and show that you have the potential to become an even better writer. Good MFA programs will get hundreds of applications for twenty or thirty positions and you blowing off the admission guidelines won’t gain you much ground with the admissions committee.

The best thing that you can do is put forward really good writing samples that you are proud to have read. If you can do that, then it won’t matter a whit that you have provided 20 pages when the limit was 30. Most programs guidelines set a limit for pages rather than a minimum. The admission committee is made up of writers and instructors. They know that most applicants have hundreds of pages they could submit. The program is looking for your best material, material that reflects your potential.

The bottom line: never go for quantity over quality.

In the end the choice is yours, and if you put good writing forward it will serve you well.


Filed Under: Applying to an MFA Program, Getting Into an MFA Program

MFA Deadlines Loom

January 7, 2010 By Rocky

Yes, it’s only January, but now is the time to start seriously thinking abut deadlines for creative writing programs. While every program around the country has different requirements and deadlines, all will require some form of the following:

- An error free application (This is not the place to misspell the program’s name… or your own.)

- Letters of recommendation (These should address your potential as a writer.)

- A personal statement (Again, error free and a place to showcase your ability in a short form.)

- Your best writing samples (Probably the most important part of the application for an MFA.)

Some programs will also want GRE scores or have other requirements, but the list above covers what most will want. Look at putting together application packages as a creative writing project and craft each application for the individual program you are applying for. This does not mean that you cannot use the same writing samples for multiple programs, or that your personal statement cannot be basically the same, but tailor each statement and application for the program it is intended for. No one likes form letters.

It is never too early to begin working on getting good, specific recommendations from people that see your potential as a writer. MFA programs are not impressed by titles, so it is better to get a recommendation from a high school English teacher who can speak directly about your potential as a writer than having a “form letter” from President Obama’s office.

Take the time to help the people that are writing your letters of recommendation out. Give each one a package that contains specific requirements or the appropriate forms for the programs you are applying for. Give the recommender some suggestions of what needs to be addressed in the letter and even provide them a sample letter from someone else to look at… craft an example letter yourself and include it. This is not the time to be stoic or self deprecating. Believe me, the writers of your recommendations will thank you for the assistance and you will get better letters.

Finally, make a chart or spreadsheet that notes the deadlines of all the programs you plan to apply for and make a reverse timeline of deadlines. Give yourself plenty of room and figure that not all of the people writing you letters of recommendation will get them in on time. Have one or two extra recommenders lined up. It is better to have five letters come in when three are required than to have only one show up at the program you are applying for.

Treat the application process as a creative endeavor and have fun with it.

Filed Under: Applying to an MFA Program, Getting Into an MFA Program

Getting Into an MFA program in Creative Writing

December 2, 2009 By Rocky Leave a Comment

Getting into an MFA program in Creative Writing is easier now than anytime in history because of the dramatic growth in the number of programs and the development of low-residency programs. The bigger problem for writers who want to attend an MFA program is making the right selection for their particular goals. This is definitely a case where one size does not fit all. The key piece of advice for a person looking at attending an MFA program is to look carefully at what the stated curriculum of the program is, and who the teachers are that will be on staff during the time you will be attending.

Programs vary greatly in focus and in the expectations of their students. Some programs have tracks in creative non-fiction, and some do not. Some programs will allow you to work on a novel for your thesis, and others will want a series of publishable short-stories.

There are MFA programs that have very traditional schedules, where students are expected to attend regular classes, and other programs that are more loosely structured and more “workshop” oriented. Picking the right program does not have to be a complicated process, but it begins with taking the time to research programs through their websites and through printed materials they will gladly send, upon request.

If you are thinking of attending an MFA program have fun researching options. Start by browsing websites and collecting information and taking notes. Begin well in advance, and don’t jump at the first program that starts lobbying you to attend. The competition for MFA programs to grab quality students is just as keen as the competition to get into good programs. Be a savvy consumer.


Filed Under: Getting Into an MFA Program