10 M.F.A. Programs with Absolutely Everything You Need to Know to Apply (Holy Shit)
Faculty, awards, costs, magazines, and so much more (guest post by Shannan Mann from ONLY POEMS)
Yay! Something new an exciting. MFA programs. Love them or hate them, submitting to them seems a hell of a lot more complicated than submitting to literary magazines (and that’s saying something). I figured if you’re reading this, you like to write stuff. And if you like to write stuff you might want to learn how to do it better. And we want to share all sorts of writing/submitting opportunities with you when we have them. So, I asked Shannan from ONLY POEMS to share some of her expertise on it (and provide a super detailed exhaustive list of some programs with upcoming application deadlines. Seriously, when I saw what Shannan had prepared, my first thought was “holy shit.” So, yeah. Dig it. Even if you don’t want an MFA, it’s super interesting.
I don’t have an MFA yet, so what the heck am I doing writing a Sub Club MFA list? Well, to answer this question I’d have to take you back roughly two years, when Karan (the ONLY POEMS Editor-in-Chief) and I first “met” — through LinkedIn of all places. Or rather, I messaged him on LinkedIn after receiving the May 2021 Rattle Ekphrastic Challenge Editor’s Choice poem in my inbox. It was his poem. I fucking loved it. It was winter in New Zealand. I had finally stopped breastfeeding Ana. I was aching to speak to someone who could put a sentence together. And speak we did. Plus, other things. Let’s fast forward over a bunch of serendipitous, awkward and amazing shit. One of the things Karan was trying to do at the time was get into an MFA program in the US. He lived in New Delhi with his parents, had just finished an MA in Creative Writing, and was desperate to leave home so he could have a “room of his own” and practice poetry in peace. But he didn’t know where to begin beyond google searches. (And Karan has a tendency to search for “MFA” and wind up on a page about organic pickles that will heal everything wrong with your gut and childhood). One of his graduating classmates had gotten into Purdue’s (now defunct) MFA program but when he asked her for some help and insight she told him to “do your own research.” Enter: the girlfriend. Me. Hi. Yeah, we were dating by now. Having never been on a date.
So, one evening, awake with Ana, I began researching fully funded MFA programs across the country and inputting everything into Google sheets. I found that it was hard to fully rely on online posts claiming to have researched MFAs because they usually wouldn’t be the most up to date. Well, I love research and nitpicking. So I did it all from scratch. My grand romantic gesture took several hours and greatly impressed Karan. But now we had the glorious problem of choice and actually preparing applications. Which we did. Painstakingly. Pouring over every unique Statement of Purpose, portfolio packet, sending out fee waiver requests where applicable (because, living in India, Karan couldn’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars on just applying and in order to increase your chances of getting in to the ever-elusive MFA, you do kind of need to apply to more than at least three).
When all was said and done, we were positive he’d find a place in a program and, beyond the positive development of actually getting to study poetry for “free” in the U.S., him and I would also be closer because I planned to move to Canada that year with Ana so I could have more help with baby and studies (my family lives in Toronto).
Can you guess what happened? Fuck all. I mean, I moved. Karan got waitlisted into five places (which is actually pretty cool. Kaveh Akbar, one of Karan’s recommenders, told him that the first time he applied to MFAs he didn’t even get waitlisted anywhere. And that’s Kaveh freakin’ Akbar, so!). Cue a lot of turmoil and feelings of defeat and confusion about our relationship and that crushing sense of lost time.
But here’s something you should know about Karan and I. We’re totally in love. And love has a way of inspiring you to never give up. Fast forward to 2022 and we were living together in India, back at it with MFA applications and this time with double the research, effort, and refinement.
Karan’s most desired program was the MFA at Virginia Tech because of two reasons. Bob. Hicok. Okay, that’s one reason. Actually, that’s a person. The poet Bob Hicok. Karan’s obsessed with him. And, thankfully, Bob quite likes (and now mentors) Karan. I had organized everything perfectly and each application we made was in preparation for the Virginia Tech application. This one would have to be more than perfect. Luckily, the date was later than the usual December 15 deadline. It was January 17th. Yes, quite a ways away. New years came. Still preparing. La, la, la. Everything’s in order. Ana’s toilet trained herself. She can count to forty. We have a genius baby. We’re going to get into every single program. Oh it’s January 11th, let’s just look up one arbitrary detail about the Virginia Tech MFA. Um…wait…what…in…the…fucking…hell.
The deadline had been extended to January 8th from January 1st and had now passed.
NO. No no no no no.
I had everything figured out! I had left no stone unturned in organizing my MFA data. This can’t be fucking happening. KILL ME!
Ever the kind soul, Karan did not once get even a little upset with me. In fact, he joked about it while I was losing my shit.
So here’s the thing. It actually wasn’t my fault. Mostly. The university had kind of slipped up. They’d advertised two different dates on two different pages. And then, without any fanfare, they had changed both of those dates, then extended them, and then closed the applications. Well, I had screenshots.
To cut a long story short, Karan was able to apply. And he got in! Our hours and days and weeks worth of hard work paid off. And he actually got into THREE other places. And waitlisted another two.
MFA Help
So yeah, I don’t have my Mother Fuckin’ Artist degree yet, but like…I know a shit ton about this stuff. And I’m sure it can help make the process a bit smoother for you. Below, I’ve detailed 10 MFA programs. You can find more information in our free 52-page MFA guide here.
If you are thinking of applying to an MFA program this year, we’re also offering consultations and application review packages here.
Plus, the ONLY POEMS Substack will feature deep-dives into every single MFA program out there regularly, as well as articles on composing your Statement of Purpose, portfolio, and more.
Basics
All international applicants will require a proof of English proficiency. This is generally done via TOEFL or IELTS.
Most programs require Official Transcripts only after you’ve been accepted.
No MFA program here requires a GRE score though for some it is optional
We strongly recommend applying at least a week before the deadlines noted as a lot of things can go wrong in the process. You don’t want to risk missing out on your favorite program because of this
The fully-funded programs generally provide a full tuition waiver and health insurance coverage, though be sure to check your detailed financial package because there might still be outstanding fees that you need to pay plus the health insurance might only be partially covered (like 88% at Virginia Tech, for example).
10 M.F.A. Programs with Upcoming Application Deadlines
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Creative Writing, MFA
The MFA in creative writing at ASU has always been an unswervingly student-first program. Through small classes, intimate workshops or one-to-one mentoring, the centuries-old apprenticeship model thrives within the New American University. Poets and fiction writers work with outstanding faculty who have published more than 80 books and garnered national and international attention through awards and honors that include:
Guggenheim, Howard Foundation, Lannan Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and United Artists fellowships
International Griffin Poetry Prize and Whiting Award
Multiple Pulitzer Prizes
Two Medals of Achievement from the National Society of Arts and Letters
Two Chancellors of the Academy of American Poets
Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets
Furthermore, students have access to a variety of additional professional development opportunities, including serving on the editorial board of an international literary journal, Hayden's Ferry Review translation experience through the Thousand Languages Project, and internships with award-winning independent literary press Four Way Books.
Location: Phoenix metropolitan area
Cost of Living: According to ASU the average annual Arizona resident grad student cost of living breakdown is:
Housing and food: $17,771
Transportation: $3,352
Personal: $4,364
Deadline: January 1, 2024
Application Fee: $70 for US applicants / $115 for international
Waiver: NO waivers offered (emphatically)
Duration: 3 Years
Enrollment: 8-10
Funding: $24,586
Student Amenities: 800+ student clubs, Sun Devil Fitness Complex, free intercampus shuttles and Tempe city Orbit shuttles, reduced-cost public transportation U-Pass, ASU Counseling Services, Student Crisis Fund, Community Resources, Child Care Services
Faculty
POETRY: Sally Ball, Natalie Diaz, Eunsong Kim, Alberto Álvaro Rios, Safiya Sinclair
FICTION: Matt Bell, Jenny Irish, Tara Ison, Mitchell Jackson, T.M. McNally
CREATIVE NONFICTION: Sarah Viren
Notable Alumni: Dorothy Chan, Sarah Vap, Hugh Martin
APPLICATION MATERIALS
3.0 GPA minimum
Official transcripts
Resume or CV
Three letters of recommendation
Students applying for a teaching assistantship must submit a statement of teaching philosophy and an academic writing sample
Statement of Purpose: The personal statement should include the applicant's writing background, intended area of specialization, and a brief self-evaluation of recent work (double spaced, up to three pages or 750 words). Students applying for a teaching assistantship must submit a statement of teaching philosophy and an academic writing sample.
Portfolio: up to 20 pages of poetry OR up to 30 pages of prose (double-spaced)
Lit Mag — Hayden’s Ferry Review
Associated Events: MFA Reading Series, The Distinguished Visiting Writers Series, Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference
CULTURE SCENE
Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix is an arts district with galleries, studios, and public art installations
The Herberger Theatre Center and the Orpheum Theatre host a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and dance shows.
The city has a thriving music scene with venues like The Van Buren, Crescent Ballroom, and Valley Bar hosting concerts spanning various genres.
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival is a popular annual event featuring a diverse lineup of musicians.
Local food festivals, such as the Devour Culinary Classic, showcase the talents of local chefs.
First Friday is a monthly art walk in downtown Phoenix, where galleries and businesses open their doors to the public.
Phoenix is home to several professional sports teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), and Arizona Coyotes (NHL).
Cultural festivals, such as the Arizona Matsuri (Japanese Festival) and the Phoenix Film Festival, provide opportunities for community engagement.
VIRGINIA TECH
Creative Writing (M.F.A.)
Our three-year M.F.A. degree offers tracks in Poetry and Fiction, and all students are fully and equally funded via GTA-ships of more than $20,000 per year. We encourage cross-genre experimentation, offer additional courses in creative nonfiction, playwriting, new media creative writing, and literary editing, and all students have the opportunity to teach creative writing and composition, as well as serve as editors of our literary journal, The New River Journal. In the years since the program started, we’ve been consistently ranked among the top 30 programs in the country by Poets & Writers in their M.F.A. rankings. The faculty members in our creative writing program at Virginia Tech are accomplished, prize-winning, innovative, and diverse: Ed Falco, Evan Lavender-Smith, Khadijah Queen, Lucinda Roy, Sophia Terazawa, and Matthew Vollmer. Our program is small—we admit 4–5 students a year in each genre—and we pride ourselves on the diversity and rigor of our program, our respect for our students’ voices, our financial support for our students, the individual attention students receive from faculty, and our robust Visiting Writers Series. Our students and alumni are exceptional; they have published books, received prestigious awards and fellowships for their writing, and gone on to further success as writers, teachers, and professionals. All students have the opportunity to to hold editorial positions and gain publishing experience working on the digital journal, The New River Journal. Emily Morrison Prizes in Fiction and Poetry, and other M.F.A. writing awards offered each year.
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Cost of Living: According to VT the average annual Blacksburg resident grad student cost of living breakdown is:
Housing: $9,839
Groceries: $2,400
Parking/Transportation: $2,351.52
Personal/Other: $11,028
Deadline: January 15, 2024
Application Fee: $75
Waiver: The Virginia Tech Graduate School offers an application fee waiver for applicants who qualify. Please see their website to see if you meet any one of their listed criteria. To request a fee waiver from the VT Graduate School, you must fill out the Fee Waiver Request on the online application. For questions or help with this fee waiver request, please email grads@vt.edu or call 540-231-6691.
Duration: 3 Years
Enrollment: 9
Funding: $23,000
Student Amenities:
McComas Hall — fitness center, indoor pool, basketball courts + other recreational spaces
Dining Services — the country’s top 10 university dining services (Dietrick Hall)
Squires Student Center — hub for students including meeting rooms, food court, bookstore, and various student organizations
Schiffert Health Center — provides free and low-cost medical services to students, including routine care, counseling, and wellness programs
Public transportation all over Blacksburg is 100% free
800+ Student organizations
Faculty
POETRY: Janine Joseph, Jeffrey Mann, Khadijah Queen, Soham Patel, Sophia Terazawa
FICTION: Edward Falco, Evan Lavender-Smith, Matthew Vollmer
Notable Alumni: Bessie F. Zaldívar, Yasmine Ameli, Christopher Linforth, Soraya Palmer
APPLICATION MATERIALS
3.0 GPA minimum
Transcripts (official after acceptance)
CV
3 Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required for Creative Writing (M.F.A.). You can include references/recommendations email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to the department. M.F.A. applicants should include recommendations from professors, published writers, or others who can credibly assess their potential as creative writers. Applicants have also used letters of recommendation from employers, supervisors, and colleagues. Please note that our system accepts recommendation letters via Interfolio. See the detailed instructions provided by Interfolio for this purpose.
Statement of Purpose: A personal statement (250-500 words) is required by the M.F.A. Program along with your latest Curriculum Vitae.
Please address the following questions in the personal statement:
Why do you want to undertake graduate work?
Why do you qualify to pursue a graduate degree at Virginia Tech?
What do you expect to derive from your program of study?
If you have a concentration or area of interest in mind, briefly outline your interests in this area.
What do you expect to contribute as a student and subsequently as a member of the profession?
If you have not previously indicated in your application the names of faculty members you are interested in working with, please include that information in this statement
Portfolio
25-page portfolio of original fiction (stories and novel excerpts), double spaced OR
15-page portfolio of original poems, single-spaced, with no more than one poem per page
Lit Mag — minnesota review, The New River
Associated Events/Places
Multiple poetry salons throughout the school year
CULTURE SCENE
Moss Arts Center: This state-of-the-art facility at Virginia Tech hosts a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and events. From contemporary art exhibitions to concerts featuring renowned musicians, the center offers a broad cultural experience.
Steppin' Out Festival: Held in downtown Blacksburg, this annual event showcases local artists, craftsmen, and musicians. Streets are closed to traffic, and vendors line the roads, offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious food.
The Lyric Theatre: This historic theater hosts a variety of events, including independent and classic film screenings, live music performances, and community events. It's a cultural hub for entertainment in the heart of downtown Blacksburg.
Blacksburg Farmers Market: A vibrant place to experience the local culture, the Farmers Market operates year-round, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, live music, and a chance to interact with local farmers and craftsmen.
School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech: They host theatrical productions, musical performances, and dance shows throughout the year, showcasing the talents of students and faculty members.
Local Art Galleries: Places like Perspective Gallery and XYZ Gallery feature works by local and regional artists, providing a platform for emerging talents and contributing to the town's artistic vibrancy.
Cultural Diversity Events: Virginia Tech's diverse student population contributes to cultural events such as international food festivals, dance performances, and discussions that celebrate different cultures and traditions.
Outdoor Activities: The Huckleberry Trail, a popular trail for walking, running, and cycling, is a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the nearby Appalachian Trail and Jefferson National Forest offer opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
MFA in Creative Writing
Consistently ranked among the top writing programs in the country, Florida State University’s Creative Writing Program has an internationally recognized reputation of excellence. Among our faculty are winners of the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, and the National Poetry Series. Our faculty is not only dedicated to the craft of their own writing, but is also widely known for strong mentorship and committed teaching.
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Cost of Living: According to FSU the average annual Florida resident grad student cost of living breakdown is:
Housing: $9,426
Transportation: $1,562
Personal: $5000
Deadline: January 15, 2024
Application Fee: $30
Waiver: NO
Duration: 3 Years
Enrollment: 20
Funding: $16,400
Student Amenities: 700+ student organizations, intramurals, Innovation Hub, Fraternities and Sororities, Oglesby Union, Flying High Circus, Student Life Cinema, Child Care
Faculty
POETRY: Barbara Hambly, James Kimbrell, David Kirby, Virgil Suarez, Jillian Weise, L. Lamar Wilson
FICTION: Robert Olen Butler, Skip Horack, Ravi Howard, Elizabeth Stuckey-French, Mark Winegardner
NONFICTION (some fiction professors also teach nonfiction): Diane Roberts
Notable Alumni: Kaveh Akbar (Creative Writing PhD Alumni), Alexa Doran, Eric Schlich
APPLICATION MATERIALS
3.0 GPA minimum
Transcripts (official upon acceptance into program)
Resume or CV
3 Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
a short essay describing the applicant’s academic and professional experience and goals (500-750 words will likely suffice; maximum is 1000)
Specify your intended genre (poetry, fiction, non-fiction) within the statement of purpose
Portfolio
up to 10 poems OR
20-40 double-spaced pages of prose
Lit Mag — Southeast Review
Associated Events/Places: The Jerome Stern Distinguished Writers Series, Word of South, Midtown Reader
CULTURE SCENE
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
MFA Program in Creative Writing
Oregon State University's high residency MFA program in Corvallis has a long tradition of excellence in producing and teaching creative writing, going all the way back to the 1950s when the future distinguished novelist William Kittredge was a student here, and Bernard Malamud won a National Book Award while teaching in the English Department. Our MFA faculty have published more than 40 books, several of which have been New York Times and New Yorker Notable Books, and have received prestigious prizes, such as the National Jewish Book Award, the award for Best Poetry of the Year from the Poetry Foundation, and 6 Oregon Book Awards. Their work appears regularly in top national magazines such as The Paris Review, Poetry, McSweeney’s, and The New Yorker, and in anthologies such as Best American Short Stories and The Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses. The faculty’s many national prizes for writing, such as the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Hemingway Short Story Award, the John Ciardi Prize, and the Whiting Award are complemented by a commitment to teaching and one-on-one mentorship.
Location: Corvallis, OR
Cost of Living: According to OSU the average annual Oregon resident grad student cost of living breakdown is:
Housing & Food: $15,075
Transportation: $702
Personal: $2,334
Deadline: January 2, 2024
Application Fee: $75 / $85 international
Waiver
Only U.S. citizens, Permanent Residents, and Undocumented students are eligible
Request for a fee waiver at the end of your online application
More information:
https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/admissions/graduate-application-fee-waivers
Duration: 2 Years
Enrollment: 10-14
Funding: $16,000 + Considered for Oregon State Provost Fellowships of $25,000 in first year
Student Amenities: 400+ student clubs, 40+ intramural sports leagues and tournaments, 40+ club sports, counselors, nutritionists, wellness coaches, Career Development Center, Beyond OSU, Child Care
Faculty
POETRY: David Biespiel, Karen Holmberg, Jennifer Richter
FICTION: Sindya Bhano, Nick Dybek, Susan Jackson Rodgers, Keith Scribner
NONFICTION: Elena Passarello, Justin St. Germain
Notable Alumni: Julia Malye, Michael Wasson, Erica Trabold
APPLICATION MATERIALS
3.0 GPA minimum
Transcripts (official upon acceptance into program)
Resume or CV
3 Letters of Recommendation
Please ask your recommenders to compose letters on official letterhead. Each letter should attest to your academic abilities and, if you are applying for a graduate teaching assistantship, your promise and potential for college-level teaching.
Statement of Objectives (500-750 words)
Your statement should address the following points:
Your long-term goals as a writer, including how you hope to develop personally and professionally during your two years in our MFA program and what this degree will ultimately mean to you.
Your preparation for graduate-level coursework, which may include preparation in the study of creative writing and literature but which may also involve leadership experience, community service, and knowledge in a non-writing field.
Your strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
Any experience(s) you have as a member of a diverse community, and how you have worked through the challenges of living and/or working in a diverse community, or with diverse populations.
Any additional experiences that seem particularly relevant to this application.
Portfolio
10-12 poems (single-space is acceptable) *no longer than 20 pages OR
15-20 double-spaced pages of prose
Lit Mag — 45th Parallel
Associated Events: Visiting Writers Series, Literary Northwest Series, The Stone Award, MFA Reading Series, National Poetry Month
CULTURE SCENE: The Arts Center, Majestic Theatre, Corvallis Museum, Philomath Frolic & Rodeo
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
BU Creative Writing Program
The Boston University Creative Writing Program, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country, offers students the opportunity to complete the MFA degree in fiction or poetry in one year. Students complete their academic requirements, a rigorous combination of creative writing workshops and literature courses, over the course of two to three semesters. Cohort sizes are small – ten fiction writers and eight poets per year– and all admitted students for 2022-23 received full tuition coverage, basic health insurance coverage, and a stipend of $16,750. Each student is required to teach one course, either at Boston University or at a local public high school, during the fall or spring semester. We pride ourselves on being a program with an international focus: all of our students must fulfill a foreign language requirement during their time in Boston, and each will be eligible to receive a Global Fellowship allowing for travel, writing, and study anywhere outside the United States upon completing their coursework and submitting their thesis.
Location: Situated along the Charles River in Boston’s Fenway-Kenmore and Allston neighborhoods
Cost of Living: According to BU the average annual Oregon resident grad student cost of living breakdown is:
Housing & Food: $15,450
Transportation: $630
Personal: $4,412
Deadline: January 16, 2024
Application Fee: $95
Waiver: Only for domestic (U.S.) applications
More information:
https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/fee-waiver/
Duration: 1 Year
Enrollment: 18
Funding: $16,750
Student Amenities: 24 NCAA Athletic Teams, 450+ Student groups, FitRec Center, Agganis Arena, The DeWolfe Boathouse, BioSquare Discovery & Innovation Center, Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre, Boston Medical Center, BUild Lab IDG Capital Student Innovation Center, Judson B. Coit Observatory, Engineering Product Innovation Center, Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center
Faculty
POETRY: Andrea Cohen, Karl Kirchwey, Robert Pinsky
FICTION: Leslie Epstein, Jennifer Haigh, Ha Jin
Notable Alumni: Ellen Bass, Jhumpa Lahiri, Elizabeth Alexander, Ha Jin
APPLICATION MATERIALS
3.0 GPA minimum
Transcripts (official upon acceptance)
up-to-date CV
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement: This should be no more than two double-spaced pages in length. We’d like to know more about you: why you write and/or why you’re choosing to pursue an MFA in creative writing, what writers and works have influenced your writing, what you hope to do at BU (and beyond), and why the BU creative writing program is the place for you. Please double-space this document as well.
Portfolio
10 poems OR
no more than 40 double-spaced pages of prose (short stories are preferred)
Associated Events: Robert Lowell Memorial Lectures, Ha Jin Visiting Lectures series
CULTURE SCENE: Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Ballet, Boston Opera House, Coolidge Corner Theatre, Boston Book Festival
VERMONT COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
MFA in Writing
One-on-one mentoring is the backbone of VCFA’s unparalleled writing program. Students work individually with teachers who are also esteemed working writers, bringing each student’s talent into full bloom. Through this collaboration, students’ art, craft, and aesthetic evolve exponentially. More than any other program—low-residency or traditional—our MFA in Writing offers study options for students who wish to explore the intersections of various forms and disciplines, as well as the opportunity to concentrate in a single genre. And, we offer a rarity in low-residency programs: an MFA in Literary Translation.
Location: Montpelier, Vermont
Cost of Living:
According to VCFA, the estimated 2-year program cost is $53,711
Deadline: February 1, 2024 (Priority Deadline)
April 1, 2024 (Final Deadline)
*These deadlines are for the Summer Residency which runs from July 13-21, 2024 in Colorado Springs, CO (Colorado College Campus)
Application Fee: $75
Waiver: VCFA offers need-based application fee waivers. To request a fee waiver, please email your program's Associate Director of Admissions or email admissions@vcfa.edu.
Duration: 2 Years
Enrollment: 25-30 per semester
Funding: https://vcfa.edu/admissions/tuition-scholarships-financial-aid/
Financial Aid Info Session: https://apply.vcfa.edu/portal/fa
Faculty
POETRY: Richard Jackson, Philip Metres, Tomás Q. Morín, Natasha Sajé, Betsy Sholl, Leslie Ullman, Nance Van Winckel, David Wojahn
FICTION: Connie May Fowler, T. Geronimo Johnson, Ellen Lesser, Brian Leung, Bret Lott, Clint McCown, Adam McOmber, Hasanthika Sirisena, Nance Van Winckel
NONFICTION: Harrison Candelaria Fletcher, Barbara Hurd, Patrick Madden, Elena Passarello, Natasha Sajé, Sue William Silverman
Notable Alumni: Bob Hicok, Wally Lamb, Tim Seibles, Ann Davila Cardinal, Jude Ford
APPLICATION MATERIALS
2.5 GPA minimum
Transcripts (official transcripts required)
up-to-date CV
2 Letters of Recommendation
Letters should describe your qualifications for master’s level study and your aptitude for independent learning.
Personal Essay
Submit 2-3 double-spaced pages addressing the following:
How long have you been writing seriously?
What is your previous study in writing and literature?
Do you have additional experience relevant to your application?
Are you prepared to use direct criticism of your work?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your writing?
Are there any challenges that may prevent you from devoting 25 hours per week to study or corresponding regularly with your faculty advisor?
Portfolio
10 pages of poetry OR
20-25 pages of fiction or creative nonfiction (double-spaced)
Optional Items
You may also submit a list of workshops/classes you have taken and a list of awards/publications you have achieved. Publication is not required for admission, but an applicant’s publishing history is helpful information for the faculty reviewers.
Lit Mag — Hunger Mountain Review
Culture Scene: Montpelier Alive, Vermont Arts Council, Lost Nation Theatre, Bear Pond Books, VCFA Alumni Association
BENNINGTON COLLEGE
Bennington Writing Seminars
One of the top low-residency programs in the country, the Bennington Writing Seminars is a two-year, rigorous exploration of craft. You commit as much to reading as to writing and critical literary analysis. You create bold new works of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, and may work in a dual-genre. You finish with a polished thesis and a critical paper. All this with the expert 1:1 guidance of acclaimed authors who develop a stake in your work. Our alumni, faculty, students, and staff publish work at the highest levels.
Location: Bennington, Vermont
Deadline: March 1, 2024
*This deadline is for the Summer term residency from June 6-16, 2024
Application Fee: $70 / $100 if applying for two genres
Waiver: Though there is no information on the website, if you require a need-based fee waiver, you can try to ask for one using this Google Form linked:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepru0zHzTrl3W11oqtqecNS00e4i1O43ATwDwZZZBrdg4-kA/viewform
Duration: 2 Years
Enrollment: 25-30 each term
Funding: https://www.bennington.edu/mfa-writing/mfa-scholarships-financial-aid
One full-immersion teaching fellowship to MFA students
https://www.bennington.edu/mfa-writing/mfa-teaching-opportunities
Graduate students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens may use federal student loans to help finance their studies at Bennington. When applying for admission, interested students should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the online Bennington College Application for Financial Aid. More information available here.
Student Amenities: 40+ clubs and organizations, Bennington Athletics Department,
Faculty *There are more than the ones listed here and they keep adding every year!
POETRY: April Bernard, Michael Dumanis, Randall Mann, Craig Morgan Teicher, Mark Wunderlich
FICTION: Monica Ferrell, Amy Hempel
NONFICTION: Eula Biss, Jenny Boully
Notable Alumni: Rider Strong, Tod Goldberg
APPLICATION MATERIALS
no minimum GPA requirement
Transcripts (official transcripts emailed)
Resume/Work History (optional)
3 Letters of Recommendation
These should be from people who are familiar with your writing and/or your ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Essay
A 2-3 page double-spaced (essay discussing your reading life and your engagement with the literature of other writers is required.
Portfolio
10 pages of poetry OR
20 pages of fiction or nonfiction double-spaced
Lit Mag — Bennington Review
Associated Events: Residency Reading Series
Culture Scene: Where to Eat, Sleep, Explore
ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY
MFA in Creative Writing
Antioch University’s low-residency MFA in Creative Writing program is devoted not only to the education of literary and dramatic artists but to community engagement and the pursuit of social justice. The program features one-on-one mentoring with a variety of successful publishing writers and includes instruction in craft, revision, and critical reading and thinking skills. The rights and ethical responsibilities of creative writers are also addressed, along with practical career concerns related to the business of writing and publishing. The MFA program prepares students for careers and meaningful lives as writers, editors, teachers, and engaged literary citizens.
Location: Culver City, Los Angeles, CA
Deadline: March 1, 2024 (The 1st Residency will take place from June 13-22, 2024)
Application Fee: $50
Waiver: YES if you attend information session
Duration: 2 Years
Enrollment: 22
Tuition: $44,822
Funding: https://www.antioch.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/
The MFA Program has numerous scholarships available for students based on factors such as merit and need. Once you are accepted into our program, you will receive additional information about how to apply for these scholarships. We offer one full scholarship (The Rainbow Pineapple Foundation Scholarship) for LGBTQIA+ students (currently for an incoming December 2023 student), two $10,000 scholarships for UCLA Extension Writers’ Program Certificate holders, three to four $10,000 merit and need-based scholarships, along with other scholarships of varying amounts through the Eloise Klein Healy Scholarship Fund.
Faculty: Victoria Chang, Lisa Locascio
Notable Alumni: José Hernández Diaz, Khadijah Queen, Anna Dorn
APPLICATION MATERIALS
no minimum GPA requirement
Transcripts (official transcripts required upon admission)
Resume/Work History (optional)
2 Letters of Recommendation
Portfolio
10 pages of poetry maximum (single-spaced and one poem on each page) OR
20 pages of prose maximum (double-spaced)
Lit Mag — Lunch Ticket
Associated Events/Places, etc
Lit Cit – a student-run literary podcast
Culture Scene – Explore
SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE
MFA in Writing
Sarah Lawrence’s nationally recognized MFA Writing program gives you the opportunity to work in close collaboration with faculty members who are both distinguished writers and devoted mentors. While we offer concentrations in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, or speculative fiction, students are encouraged to take classes outside their concentrations and to explore their writing fearlessly, transcending genres and positioning them for success in an ever-changing unbounded world.
Location: Bronxville, NY
Cost of Living: According to SLC the average annual resident grad student cost of living breakdown is:
Housing & Food: $17,546
Transportation: varies
Personal: $800
Deadline
January 10, 2024
Application Fee
$60
Waiver
NO
Duration
2 Years
Enrollment
10-15 poets
Tuition: $63,128 (annually)
Funding: https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/financial-aid/graduate/sarah-lawrence-funding.html
Student Amenities: Details here
Faculty *View their complete faculty details here
Vijay Seshadhri, Hala Alyan, Jay Deshpande, Patricio Ferrari, Matthea Harvey, Marie Howe, Sally Wen Mao, Dennis Nurkse, R. A. Villanueva, Afaa Michael Weaver
Notable Alumni: T Kira Mahealani Madden, Arriel Vinson, Moncho Alvarado
APPLICATION MATERIALS
3.0 GPA minimum
Transcripts (official transcripts required upon acceptance)
CV (1-2 page, should accurately reflect your completed educational background and your professional and writing-related experiences to date)
2 Letters of Recommendation
Applicants will be asked to submit the names of two recommenders with their online application. Applicants should ask people who can give an informed opinion of intellectual ability for sustained academic effort.
If an applicant is unable to contact former teachers, we welcome letters from others, such as employers, who can make similar assessments. Preferably, one of those should be from a person in your field of interest.
Note: Please inform your recommenders that they will be receiving an email from Sarah Lawrence College indicating that they have been asked to recommend you, and that the letter may be submitted electronically through a secure site
Personal Statement
Tell us something interesting about yourself and what led you to pursue an MFA at this time (500-1000 words)
Portfolio
10-15 pages of poetry
15-30 pages of prose
Lit Mag — Lumina Journal
Associated Events
MFA Literary Colloquium is a weekly series of talks given by writing faculty members, visiting writers, and publishing professionals, touching on every aspect of the writing life. Also, every spring, second-year students have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with literary agents.
Culture Scene: NYC & Local Area
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
MA in the Field of Creative Writing
The Department of English at the University of Toronto launched the MA Program in English in the Field of Creative Writing (MA CRW) in 2004-05. The program draws both on the expertise of faculty at the University of Toronto and on the extraordinary vitality of Toronto’s writing community. Internationally acclaimed writers, a multiplicity of cultural traditions, and an energetic publishing industry provide the environment for nurturing new talent. Students have at their disposal the academic and creative resources of the English Department, including its strengths in historical research and traditional scholarship, numerous interdisciplinary collaborations, its acknowledged expertise in world literature, and a faculty engaged in new theoretical studies in culture, race, and gender. Students also have access to one of the world’s great library systems, including the manuscript collections at the Fisher Rare Book library. While the program is designed to prepare participants for careers as professional writers, it will also qualify those wishing to pursue further graduate studies.
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Cost of Living: According to UofT, the average annual resident cost of living ranges from approximately $8,000-$15,000 per academic year. If you’re planning to live in rental housing off campus, your rent and food costs could total anywhere from $15,000 and up.
Deadline: December 20, 2023
Application Fee: $125
Waiver: NO
Duration: 3 Years
Enrollment: 7 students total
Funding: $17,500 (tuition not included)
To offset tuition costs, Creative Writing students are conventionally offered a teaching assistantship for each year of study. Be advised that you may receive a TAship that spans a semester or a full academic year. A single- semester TAship might occur in the Fall or Winter semester depending on the availability of appointments. Because the time commitment required for the MACRW program is substantial, some students elect to forgo the opportunity to TA in favor of devoting time and energy to their coursework and writing. From year to year, allocated hours can vary between 140 and 160 hours, depending on t h e Department’s needs. Duties include grading assignments, holding office hours, corresponding with students, and, in some cases, leading tutorials. The supervising professor will draw up a breakdown of hours, outlining the parameters of your role, in a Description of Duties and Allocation of Hours form. As a Teaching Assistant, you will be a member of CUPE 3902 Unit 1. You will want to review your rights as a member of CUPE 3902 at http://cupe3902.org/unit-1/. You have every right to refuse work that extends above and beyond your contract.
Each year, there may be a limited number of TAships for Creative Writing courses. When the TA coordinator solicits your TAship preferences, be sure to indicate your willingness to teach in your field, and indicate your qualifications (e.g., publications, awards, courses taken, program of study).
More information here:
https://www.english.utoronto.ca/sites/www.english.utoronto.ca/files/MACRW_Handbook_2021-22.pdf
Student Amenities
Robarts Library: The largest research library, housing over 4.5 million volumes, and offering various study spaces, computer labs, and research support services.
Gerstein Science Information Centre: Focuses on science and health sciences, providing study rooms, research assistance, and access to specialized resources.
Pratt Library (Faculty of Music): Specialized collection for music-related studies and performances.
Athletic Centre: Features multiple gyms, a swimming pool, squash and basketball courts, fitness classes, and personal training services
Goldring Centre for High-Performance Sport: State-of-the-art facility with fitness areas, multi-purpose courts, and sport science labs.
Hart House: Offers fitness studios, a weight room, a pool, and hosts recreational classes, clubs, and cultural events.
Health & Wellness Centre: Provides medical care, mental health support, counseling, health education, and wellness programs.
Accessibility Services: Offers support and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure access to facilities, exams, and academic resources.
Hundreds of student clubs and organizations: Cover diverse interests such as academic, cultural, recreational, and professional development.
Multiple dining halls and cafeterias: Offer a variety of cuisines, dietary options, and meal plans across different campuses.
Career Exploration & Education: Provides career counseling, job search support, workshops, and networking events.
Computer labs and IT support: Available across campuses, providing access to software, printing, and technical assistance.
U-Pass (transit pass program): Offers discounted public transit passes for students.
Bike-sharing programs and campus shuttles: Facilitate easy commuting between campuses.
Faculty: George Elliott Clarke, Andrew DuBois, Richard Greene, A.F. Moritz, Avery Slater, Daniel Scott Tysdal
APPLICATION MATERIALS
3.3 GPA minimum
Transcripts (official transcripts required)
CV (Work experience — academic or non-academic — is as important as any publishing credits (the latter is not required or expected at this stage of applicants’ careers). There’s no need to try to impress us. In fact, listing a series of service jobs will earn our respect.)
2 Academic Letters of Reference
These should address your performance in university English and/or Creative Writing coursework. At least one letter must discuss your performance in English coursework. Do not use editors, publishers, employers, or fellow writers as referees.
Statement of Purpose — about 500 words
Portfolio: max 25 pages of poetry OR prose
Associated Events: Several events throughout the year featuring notable and famous poets and writers from around the world.
Culture Scene
Art Museum at the University of Toronto: Located on campus, it comprises the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery and the University of Toronto Art Centre, showcasing contemporary and historical art exhibitions.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Situated nearby, it houses an extensive collection of art, culture, and natural history from around the world.
Hart House Theatre: Hosts a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and student productions.
Royal Conservatory of Music's Koerner Hall: Features world-class musical performances and concerts by renowned artists.
Tarragon Theatre:** An acclaimed theater company staging innovative and diverse plays.
Nuit Blanche Toronto: A city-wide contemporary art event where art installations, performances, and exhibitions take place throughout the night, often featuring exhibits around the university area.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): One of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, showcasing a diverse array of films and attracting filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the globe.
Toronto Fringe Festival: Showcases independent theater productions at various venues near the campus, featuring diverse and experimental performances.
Kensington Market:* A vibrant and eclectic neighborhood near the campus known for its diverse community, street art, independent shops, and multicultural dining experiences.
Chinatown: Close to the campus, offering an immersive cultural experience with authentic cuisine, markets, and cultural events.
I attended (and loved) a low-residency MFA program, Randolph College's (Kaveh Akbar is actually one of the instructors so it was funny to see him cited here too!). It was life changing for me, and I could never have attended a full-time one, even a fully-funded one, because of career, house, baby, family, etc etc. I'd be happy to share more but can't recommend it enough. I feel like low-res MFAs are the future, and this one was stunningly high quality (and had far more faculty of color than every other MFA program I've ever heard of). If anyone has questions please shoot. - Maggie
Leaving a lil innocuous comment here as an FSU PhD. I don't want to discourage anyone, but the MFA program here has a lot of issues and I encourage any and all applicants to talk with current students about their experiences!