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What should be on a "Personal MFA in Creative Writing" reading list?

thepalephantom — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:05:26 -0800

What titles should be on a "Personal MFA in Creative Writing Fiction" reading list? You don't have the money/time/inclination to actually attend a MFA program for creative writing, instead you just want a reading list to plow through on your own time. What titles should be on that reading list? Non-fiction, fiction, memoir, etc.

Requesting an old set list.

summit — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:27:23 -0800

What songs did Jolie Holland play at her November 1, 2008 concert at the MFA in Boston?

Is rejection an intrinsically good experience or a future hindrance for an MFA program application?

Jeffy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:17:23 -0800

Is it a bad idea to apply for a competitive graduate program, knowing you will probably get rejected or will it be a good experience for a future attempt at the same program? My SO wants to apply for a highly competitive MFA program. The program accepts less than 10 of the over 300 applicants every year. She feels that her portfolio is not up to snuff as she has been out of the art world for a few years and the bulk of her current work rests in one large piece.

She's decided to spend the year improving her portfolio, and apply next year.

I'm of the opinion that it can't hurt to apply now and get the experience and feedback that the process will provide, but I know the academic world is often very political.

Does the cloud have an opinion on whether an application before her work is truly ready will be a hindrance to future her chances?

Are portfolio days for real?

davidriley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:02:30 -0800

I recently attended a National Graduate Portfolio Day for students interesting in pursuing an MFA. I had a positive response, making me feel confident about my work and its presentation. However, I am suspicious, as I haven't heard anyone telling stories that they were really chewed out or criticized by their reviewers. I actually tried to push some of my reviewers to give me negative feedback, but they were ultimately optimistic. Are these things for real, or are they just a way for schools to talk people into applying?

Online Creative Writing Certificate Programs

Rudy Gerner — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:54:22 -0800

Can you recommend online writing certificate programs and tell me what makes your recs good? Thanks! I am interested in pursuing a certificate in writing--either creative nonfiction or poetry (not sure which yet). My goal is to build a portfolio as well as relationships with writing professors so that when I apply for an MFA I have work to show and people in the field who can write recommendations. I already have a graduate degree (MSW) but I need to work towards building a strong application for a creative writing program.

I would like a program that can be done all online. My other main criteria is that it's a reputable program with talented, engaged instructors and fellow students.

Can you recommend specific programs? I am already taking a class with UCLA Extension Writers Program and if that seems like it fits my criteria, I will consider it, although I've been not very impressed with the level of professor involvement....

How much would you pay for a good MFA program?

nameless.k — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:33:17 -0800

How much is too much when it comes to student loans for an MFA program? So, here's the deal: I've applied to about a dozen Master's of Fine Arts Programs in Creative Writing. So far, I've been waitlisted to three programs with varying funding situations and accepted to the New School in New York. The New School seems to be a very interesting, progressive program (this is the reason I applied), but the funding situation for me in particular is not good.

Basically, my question is this. Given that I've been waitlisted to several programs (including a couple considered "Top 10" for what it's worth) and accepted to one, is it worth it for me to go into $50K in student loan debt to attend The New School?

What I'm looking for here is experience with MFA programs. I understand that acquiring an MFA is not going to pay out the bucks later on. I am leaving my Engineering job/career because I want to finally dedicate the serious time required to bring me creative satisfaction. I could return to it (even the specific job I have right now according to my boss) for a couple years to pay off debt, but in reality I would like to 'retire' from Engineering.

To boil it down into 'yes' and 'no' . . .are the academic and networking opportunities I'll find by studying at the New School for 2 years worth $50K in debt?

Also, for anyone with this experience out there . . . have you applied in successive years? How did that work out? Because it's such a subjective process, what do you think my odds are for getting into some programs next year (with a wholly new, and IMO better, portfolio)?

Sorry this is a bit scattered, all the facts aren't in yet (don't have to decide until 4/15 and there's still letters on their way), but I have some faith in the green re: these issues. Thanks!

I got accepted into grad school. How to afford?

actionpact — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:32:12 -0800

I got a phone call telling me I got accepted to grad school. Trying to work out funding options before the package gets here and whether it's worth it (sorta complicated situation, details inside). Help? Okay, so I applied to one school-- the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. A bit atypical, but I applied for their Illustration as Visual Essay MFA, and I applied based on the program rather than just the degree, so hopefully that makes sense. I live in Arizona right now and work as a freelance illustrator; while of course I don't need the degree to do what I do, the program and all its networking and focus seem like they could really push my skills and help my career in the long run. I got a phone call yesterday telling me yes, I got accepted and I'll be receiving more details in the mail next week. Of course though, I'm impatient and want to get the ball rolling to find out any financial options I have.

Few issues:

1) While I know SVA does have some merit based fellowships, they don't have a heck of a lot of options besides loans. Everyone I've talked to has mostly loved the program but have admitted it's expensive. (For the record, it's about $30,000 for '09-10, and I believe tuition will go up a bit the next year.)
2) Unlike a lot of my friends, I went to school in-state and while I did have debts, it's around $17k versus the $80-100k they had. So for two years incurring maybe $60-65k of debt... I don't know. I hear that it's the good kind of debt though?
3) Due to my ~~laziness~~ frustrations with doing my taxes, I only submitted my FAFSA on the 6th of this month. The SAR says my EFC is $1961. (While my career has been growing, I'm still not well off yet) Which as far as I know means I have a lot of financial need. I don't know if that'll make much of an impact or what?
4) I just looked on the school website and found out that the optimal filing deadline for the FAFSA was February 1. Unfortunately, the website and catalog don't always match up so I wasn't aware and the site is not the best laid out. Which means I'm potentially screwed if there's no funding.
5) I do know one of my professors (she decided to send me an open copy for my file) wrote a glowing letter and specifically suggested if they had scholarships that they consider me for it. I don't know if professors usually do that, but it seemed really nice anyhow...
6) Since I'm self-employed I can't do tuition reimbursement or anything. I do have a part time job that offers college scholarships but it's only for undergrad.
7) There just aren't a heck of a lot of arts fellowships that I can find. But maybe I don't know where to look? I have checked out Fastweb and their brethren, but I never find much. I do know that Threadless has a scholarship, which I think I'm going to try for (SVA does match outside scholarships by 25%, so)...

So I'm wondering hivemind: what can I do in the meantime? I know next week I'll receive more details, but I'm trying to get the jump on alternate funding. Is there something I'm not thinking of?

And I'm also wondering your opinions re: the debt vs. value of going. I know it's a lot of money and while it's not going to get me one job that can justify it, the building upon my skills and the networking with a lot of industry people in New York could turn into a lot of jobs and different avenues of projects down the road. (For those who don't know, it's more of a practical vs. theory-based MFA) It seems like a good thing for me. So to me it seems worth it to invest in my future for two years (and then unless I did find some kind of steady employ there, I'd probably leave). But I can't tell if I'm nuts.

Thanks! I know this is a little more complicated than your standard grad school AskMe thread (I did read a ton of them too, so sorry if it retreads a common question), but hopefully it makes sense. I can respond to questions as needed.

Love my baby, still want an MFA

esereth — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:59:17 -0800

Do any accredited, respectable, non-residential , MFA Writing programs exist out there? I've got two things. A little baby and a consuming desire to gain my MFA in Writing. I know many low-residency programs exist, but I can't leave my kid for even a week at a time.

Lots of websites are willing to take my money to enter their "workshops," but that doesn't really appeal to me.

Where can I find information about quality Writing programs aligned with a real college or university, that I can participate in entirely from my computer?

Does such a thing exist?

What's the deal with getting a creative writing MFA from an American school, as a Canadian?

skwt — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:08:53 -0800

What's the deal with getting a creative writing MFA from an American school, as a Canadian? Specifically:

money - am I eligible for funding (grants and/or loans) from American schools? Will the Canadian government lend me money (OSAP? (I'm in Ontario)) to study in the US? Can I do both?

visas - hard to get? Expensive? Long waits?

working - can I work while I'm there on a student visa?

living expenses - I want to go to Brooklyn College, but I'll probably also apply to all the other NYC MFA programs (NYU, New School, Columbia, am I missing any?), and schools in Irvine CA, Iowa, and maybe Austin. Would it be a realistic thing to support myself with whatever kind of low-skill job I might be able to find (in Brooklyn or elsewhere), and still have time to do school/write?

staying/moving to the US when I'm done - is this a hard thing to do?

Any answers are welcome and appreciated, but it would be great to hear from Canadians who have done or are doing this.

BONUS QUESTION: With respect to trying to get a teaching job in Canada afterwards, I've heard someone say Canadian schools don't care about a degree from an American school so much because they don't know which ones are prestigious, with the possible exception of Iowa. Whereas getting a creative writing MA from UofT, or the MFA from Concordia (for example), even though they might have less impressive faculty by international standards, will be more helpful in getting a Canadian teaching job afterwards. Anyone know about this? (Aside, I guess, from the obviously-better Canadian networking opportunities)

Thanks

How do I get an MFA without a BFA?

RobertFrost — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:33:47 -0800

I would like to end up teaching fine arts (specifically printmaking) at a university level but have a Bachelor's Degree in a completely different field and only a small amount of experience. Where do I start? I have always been a relatively artistic person - having spent the majority of high school drawing when I should have been paying attention. Despite the fact that I was often told I had artistic talent, I never considered art to be a possible life direction for me because I was too convinced I was headed towards post-production for film and television. I even went so far as to intern with a small studio in DC that worked in post-production (specifically sound engineering and design). Short of it: I didn't apply to art school.

Instead, I attended a fairly reputable but small liberal arts college and majored in East Asian Studies with a concentration in Japan (did you see that coming?). Around junior year, my interest in printmaking was peaked by a friend. I enrolled in an intermediate drawing class and a printmaking class. That marked the beginning of two years of inky hands and the constant smell of solvent. I graduated with a BA in East Asian Studies and moved to Japan.

Now, 2 years later, I am starting to think about my return to the states. I would like to end up teaching at a university level. I love the passion and drive that university students have (especially in art colleges) and find the teaching process to be incredibly rewarding. Oh, and printmaking makes me happy in a way that few other things do (music is on that list but I don't have the math or skill in me to teach music).

I would like to enter a graduate program but am worried that few art graduate programs would even consider a candidate who 1) has little experience and a tiny portfolio and 2) doesn't have an undergraduate degree in the fine arts. While in Japan, I have been working with a woodcutting master (of sorts) who has been, kinda, teaching me his partially non-traditional method of Japanese printmaking but the progress has been quite slow due to his age and my having a full time job.

What are my options? Do I apply to graduate programs and see what happens? Do I apply to internships so that I can work on my portfolio? Do I need to acquire an undergraduate degree in fine arts before I can move on? <----worst case scenario.

My only issue aside from the whole not-having-a-fine-arts-degree-and-wanting-to-work-in-the-fine-arts-field is that, and this might be a bigger problem than I realize, I don't ever want to be a "starving artist". That sort of uncertainty doesn't sit well with me. I can't work at Starbucks and do my printmaking on the side - waiting to be noticed. That's why music was never an option.

I appreciate any and all advice, anecdotes, etc. I feel very lost and am worried that I made a grave, unfixable mistake that will result in me working in a field that I don't want to be in or in me unnecessarily repeating 4 years of college. Thanks for your help.

MFA in the UK

occidental — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:04:00 -0800

How can I find funding for a MFA at Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland? I was recently accepted into the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland for a MFA in Painting. I have been unsuccessful in finding fellowships, scholarships, or grants to aid me in my studies there. Although ECA recently became eligible for US Stafford Loans which could cover most tuition, I would like to reduce any further debt, already being $25,000 deep. Does anyone know of grants, fellowships, or scholarships for post-graduate studies in Art for American Students studying in Scotland? I have searched the British Council Site. Specific links would be appreciated. Or, if anyone has experience with the financial aid office at ECA, I would be very receptive.

MFA Painting Programs?

CaptMcalister — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:29:09 -0800

What are the best MFA programs in painting, both national and international, and resources and techniques for further researching them?

New York Creative Writing/Critical Theory PHD

0bvious — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 05:48:51 -0800

New York Creative Writing/Critical Theory PHD: I am currently undertaking an MA in Creative Writing and Critical Theory in London, and plan to go on to PHD after I finish. I would ideally like to go to an East coast USA/New York university to do this (for several reasons). I'd like some help with finding a good list of possible institutions... I am interested in Narrative form, from a Creative/Critical theory perspective. I also want the ability to utilise other areas of any university I take a PHD in to broaden the scope of my thesis, thus:

- I am interested in the Evolutionary origins and purpose of narrative (a university established in Evolutionary Psychology perhaps).

- I am also interested in the neuro-psychology of narrative form, (i.e. Which came first: the narrative or the human mind? How does each relate to/influence the other?)

- My studies will necessarily follow a semiological/semiotics path...

A New York based university with departments and/or specialists in these fields and a firm PHD basis in Creative and Critical Theory is what I am looking for.

Does such an institution exist?

The practicality of an MFA degree

inkfly — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:08:59 -0800

I recently received my Masters of Fine Arts degree from a fairly well known program here in Chicago. I'm kinda second guessing if the whole thing was worth it. Do employers/gallery owners actually care? I know everything hinges upon my portfolio, but do I really have a leg up on the competition?

Grad school recommendations: whom to ask?

Anonymous — Wed, 16 May 2007 09:09:40 -0800

If I've been out of college for twelve years, from whom do I get recommendations for graduate school? For a variety of reasons, I'm unhappy with my "chosen" career (i.e. one that I fell into a decade ago, and from which I have yet to extricate myself), and I've decided to apply to graduate programs in creative writing. All of these programs require several recommendations, preferably from professors or others who know me in an "academic" context.

I understand that my writing samples will (depending on whom I choose to believe) be 80 - 90% of the schools' decision to accept or reject my application, but I'd prefer not to handicap myself by giving up on that 10 - 20%.

The difficulty here is that I completed my undergraduate degree twelve years ago, and I doubt that any of my college professors will remember enough about me to write compelling recommendations.

I have, as I see it, only one other option-- I'm currently taking a workshop at a non-academic community writing center, and could probably get that instructor to write a recommendation.

But from whom should I get the others? Former bosses / coworkers? Friends? Family? Random internet strangers? None of the literature I've found on the subject of applying to creative writing programs seems to address this.

And before this gets called out in MetaTalk as "OMG why is this anonymous?!?!?!," it's because I know for a fact that several of my current coworkers read metafilter (and may or may not be aware of my screen name here) and I'd prefer that my workplace not know that I am unhappy in my career and considering graduate school in an unrelated field.

Jobs with a MFA

Hands of Manos — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:52:05 -0800

I'm considering getting a MFA, what kind of jobs can you get with that? I would like to teach art on a college level and have considered getting a MFA (in drawing) to acquire this. I am also interested in seeing what other jobs are available to those who hold a MFA as well.

Hello, I am awesome and here is my portfolio.

lauranesson — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:11:54 -0800

Hey, creative sorts: I could use a little help with a theatrical directing portfolio for an MFA interview. I haven't a terribly long resume, and hardly any pictures to speak of, so I'm looking for ideas on what I might include. (I do have a very kind and sparkly recommendation from a grad program head at the interviewing school, which will help greatly, I hope.)

Ideas so far are prompt book and script analysis samples, stage layouts, publicity materials (a little sparse), and naturally a pretty resume. Would it be crass to include some write-ups from actors and intelligent audience members? I remain a little unclear on what the portfolio is meant to convey in a directing interview setting. Would it be silly to toss in a few samples of scenic painting from shows I've charged, as an example of leadership skills and professionalism?

I also plan on visiting a few classes beforehand (with permission, naturally), so with any luck, I'll meet the interviewing professors beforehand.

So, kind people, any ideas about content and presentation? I'll appreciate anything you've got to offer.

seeking an awesome painting MFA program

twistofrhyme — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 14:36:32 -0800

my roommate, a 26-year old canadian male, seeks an MFA program that is: good focussed on painting short (2 years max, 1 year is better) in a cool city at a good school taught in english. he would consider any city, but has a special love for new york, amsterdam, london, or berlin. thanks!

Phd with creative dissertation vs. MFA

Destroid — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 13:16:07 -0800

I'm wondering if anyone knows much about Phds with creative dissertations versus MFAs. I want to eventually teach college-level creative writing. I know that publishing is important to success in this field and that MFAs don't guarantee you a job, but what's the difference, careerwise, between the two degrees?

I also know sometimes, if one is qualified enough or whatever, that jumping directly into a Phd program is possible. Is it advisable to do MFA, then Phd, with a C.D.? Or just go into the Phd or just do the MFA and publish, publish, publish?

Moving to Miami

bilabial — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 20:54:06 -0800

Which neighborhood/apartment complex to choose in North Miami? My boyfriend has been accepted to a graduate program at FIU's Biscayne Campus and there will be no on campus living for either of us. Or my two cats. We have a list of neighborhoods (suggested by a faculty member at the school) that we have searched on Rent.com but a lot of the listings are not much to shake a stick at. What neighborhoods do you like/suggest?

We need:
Separate bedrooms
big kitchen
dining area
washer dryer in the apartment

MFA programs in Chicago

garethspor — Mon, 18 Apr 2005 12:53:06 -0800

Any info on MFA programs in and around Chicago? I will be moving to downtown Chicago in the near future and plan to pursue an MFA in art practice. The School at the Art Institute is an obvious choice, but I'd like to know if any mefites can give their impressions of programs offered at the other schools in the area.

MFA-filter: photography or writing?

DaShiv — Tue, 15 Mar 2005 08:57:21 -0800

MFA-filter: photography or writing? So I'm a fairly middle-of-the-pack young writer, building a portfolio toward my MFA apps. I spent my undergrad years working under a number of very highly regarded poets (resisting the urge to name-drop here) who have written me excellent recommendations in advance and are supportive of my writing efforts. Opinion on my work so far is favorable. Some within my circle of writing friends are already starting to publish and I've always assumed that I'd follow them down that path once I'm ready.

Yet for the past couple of years I've found myself stalling for time, and have completely invested myself -- emotionally and financially -- into photography instead, with no formal training in it at all. I've been very serious about improving, and I've been doing so fairly rapidly and have even gotten a some pieces placed into a few shows here and there. I'm certain that I'm at least fairly competent by now. And if you asked me right now whether I prefer spending the day in front of the keyboard writing or out on the streets with a camera, I'd choose the camera any day the weather permits, just like I've been doing since I've picked up photography.

I still enjoy writing, and I'd be satisfied dedicating myself to either writing or photography. I'm much better prepared to pursue an MFA in writing, but my current momentum is in photography. However, is it actually feasible for me to pursue an MFA in photography without a BA in photography (or even anything related to the visual arts), without any connections, and without the equivalent of all the workshop experience I've accumulated as a writer (learned under many truly excellent working poets)? I'm become pretty astute at evaluating my own work as a writer, but I don't feel I've developed the same kind of critical faculty in photography yet, so how do I know that I'm not just fooling myself? (Samples: one/two.) Lastly, I'm pursuing an MFA for artistic reasons, not for career ones, so how would I go about finding an MFA program in photography that's not geared toward commercial photography and/or photojournalism? Or is it more sensible to treat photography as a hobby or a passing phase, and work on exploiting my contacts and experience as a writer to continue on the path toward a completing a writing MFA? (Either way I go on this, I feel that setting aside time for an MFA is vital to helping me define my own goals and aesthetics as an artist.)

I can see myself "settling down" into writing at a later point in life even if I leave it for a while, but I feel that it's now or never to decide on doing photography seriously. I won't be able to alway keep up with putting in kind of physical energy to be out there with a camera day-in and day-out (I do street photography), and my youth is already starting to pass me by...

MFA Programs

Hypharse — Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:15:10 -0800

I'm looking for schools with MFA painting and/or printmaking programs that would welcome a student with a BFA in illustration. [more inside] The "illustration" part is a serious black mark, at least according to people I've spoken with, but I've also heard that different schools have radically different character in terms of student work. Are there any MFA programs that are particularly welcoming to figurative, narrative painting/printmaking? Also -- many people have advised me to wait a few years. While this might be a polite way of telling me I suck, I have noticed that a lot of MFA students do exactly that. Will the admissions officer just roll his eyes at the 22 year old who thought she had enough experience for graduate school?

My reasons for wanting to go immediately: I want to teach public high school, I want to have time to focus completely on personal improvement before I start teaching (this is why I'm not going the MAT route), and I want to do this while I am still young, unattached, and mostly debt-free.