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How should I decide on an MFA program for Writing?
I see a lot of programs and I'm overwhelmed by which factors I should consider. Preferably, I would like a high-residency program that wouldn't require me to go into debt or expects me to pay too much out of pocket. My strongest medium is poetry, but I also like to write in prose.
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10 answers
Updated
Joy’s Answer
Hi Maya,
Choosing the right MFA program can be daunting, but I'm here to help. Consider the following factors to find the perfect fit:
1. Genre focus: Look for programs with a strong emphasis on poetry and prose.
2. Residency requirements: High-residency programs offer more in-person interaction. Ensure the program's residency format aligns with your needs.
3. Funding and financial aid: Prioritize programs offering:
- Full or partial scholarships
- Teaching assistantships (TAs) or graduate assistantships (GAs)
- Low or no tuition fees
4. Faculty and mentorship: Research faculty members' expertise in poetry and prose. Ensure you'll have access to mentors who align with your writing style.
5. Program length and structure: Consider the program's duration, curriculum, and flexibility.
6. Location and setting: Think about the program's location and how it might impact your writing and overall experience.
7. Alumni success and network: Research the program's alumni and their achievements.
8. Accreditation and reputation: Verify the program's accreditation and reputation in the writing community.
To minimize debt, focus on programs offering:
- Full funding packages
- Scholarships or assistantships covering tuition and living expenses
- Low tuition fees
Research programs that meet your criteria, and create a list of potential programs. Reach out to their admissions teams, faculty, or current students to ask questions and gain insights.
Some affordable high-residency MFA programs to consider:
- University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
- University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
- West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
- University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY)
Remember, Maya, finding the right program is crucial for your writing growth and financial well-being. Take your time, and don't hesitate to reach out to programs directly. Good luck!
Choosing the right MFA program can be daunting, but I'm here to help. Consider the following factors to find the perfect fit:
1. Genre focus: Look for programs with a strong emphasis on poetry and prose.
2. Residency requirements: High-residency programs offer more in-person interaction. Ensure the program's residency format aligns with your needs.
3. Funding and financial aid: Prioritize programs offering:
- Full or partial scholarships
- Teaching assistantships (TAs) or graduate assistantships (GAs)
- Low or no tuition fees
4. Faculty and mentorship: Research faculty members' expertise in poetry and prose. Ensure you'll have access to mentors who align with your writing style.
5. Program length and structure: Consider the program's duration, curriculum, and flexibility.
6. Location and setting: Think about the program's location and how it might impact your writing and overall experience.
7. Alumni success and network: Research the program's alumni and their achievements.
8. Accreditation and reputation: Verify the program's accreditation and reputation in the writing community.
To minimize debt, focus on programs offering:
- Full funding packages
- Scholarships or assistantships covering tuition and living expenses
- Low tuition fees
Research programs that meet your criteria, and create a list of potential programs. Reach out to their admissions teams, faculty, or current students to ask questions and gain insights.
Some affordable high-residency MFA programs to consider:
- University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
- University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
- West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
- University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY)
Remember, Maya, finding the right program is crucial for your writing growth and financial well-being. Take your time, and don't hesitate to reach out to programs directly. Good luck!
Thank you so much! I will take all of this into account carefully
Maya
Updated
Jules’s Answer
Hi, I am a graduate of the MFA in Writing program from the University of San Francisco (Class of 2018). I entered my studies with an emphasis in Poetry, and that's how I rounded out my time there over the course of two-and-a-half years as a graduate student. However, I discovered that there was plenty of crossover in my coursework. I took one or two courses that required as much prose writing as they did poetry. I had the opportunity to workshop students who were fiction and nonfiction writers, too.
I would suggest reaching out to any of the programs you're interested in and learn whether or not they allow for cross-genre studies in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
When reaching out to admissions or advisors in the programs you're applying to/interested in, ask if you have the ability to change* the genre you enter to study to something else if you find that you prefer fiction or nonfiction to poetry while you are a student there.
You can also ask if there are any opportunities to establish student groups in which you could pool a collective of writers from every genre to have private workshops outside of your scheduled classes.
Jules recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! USF’s MFA programs has been one of the main programs that I like so it was great to hear your answer!
Maya
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hello Maya,
Choosing the right MFA program for Writing can indeed feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors can help you make an informed decision. Start by identifying programs that offer full or partial funding to minimize out-of-pocket expenses and avoid debt. Look for high-residency programs that provide a vibrant community and opportunities for in-person mentorship and networking. Since your strongest medium is poetry, seek out programs with a strong faculty in poetry as well as prose, ensuring you can develop both areas of your writing. Additionally, consider the program’s curriculum, alumni success, and the overall support system they offer for emerging writers. Remember, the right program will not only enhance your skills but also support your financial and professional goals. Keep pushing forward, and trust that with careful consideration, you’ll find a program that aligns perfectly with your aspirations!
Choosing the right MFA program for Writing can indeed feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors can help you make an informed decision. Start by identifying programs that offer full or partial funding to minimize out-of-pocket expenses and avoid debt. Look for high-residency programs that provide a vibrant community and opportunities for in-person mentorship and networking. Since your strongest medium is poetry, seek out programs with a strong faculty in poetry as well as prose, ensuring you can develop both areas of your writing. Additionally, consider the program’s curriculum, alumni success, and the overall support system they offer for emerging writers. Remember, the right program will not only enhance your skills but also support your financial and professional goals. Keep pushing forward, and trust that with careful consideration, you’ll find a program that aligns perfectly with your aspirations!
Thank you for the advice, Victoria.
Maya
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Updated
Steve’s Answer
Here are some thoughtful responses for you to ponder over. This should hopefully shed some more light on your situation. The crux of the matter is, you need to choose your career path. Frankly speaking, earning a livelihood as a poet could be quite a difficult pathway. If you're keen on pursuing poetry as a side gig while having another source of income, then by all means, give it a shot. However, stay grounded in reality as it won't be long before you'll be on the hunt for your first job. It might be beneficial to do some research to figure out what job direction suits you best. Then, explore how you can channel your creativity through other activities.
Wishing you the best of luck.
Wishing you the best of luck.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Maya
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Maya !
I don't know if you'd be interested in researching some of these colleges for your Masters Degree, but there are some very low tuition colleges in California that offer a Masters. Some of these are University of the People, Grace Mission University, World Mission University, and United States University. I know that they are not well known colleges but if you are trying to do your Masters on a budget for Writing, look into them but know that there are alternatives that will help you go to a well known college and apply for assistance to fund it. It is always beneficial for a writer to have a Masters Degree.
Many times, some writers I have read and heard, do not have their Masters in a writing subject, rather a special area that they tend to write about frequently so you should consider that, too. There are writers that write about politics, health, social issues, human development and psychology and so many other subjects. So it is just like writer advisor Cyril mentions here, what is the purpose of obtaining your Masters Degree ? Knowing that can help you navigate the many Masters programs that are out there.
To help with the cost of your Masters Degree, you can apply for Scholarships and Grants. I have left some referral links for you below so that you can read about scholarships but there are many more that you can do a search for. Keep in mind that sometimes they put undergrad and grad scholarships listed together so you will have to read the descriptions. You will most importantly have to make note of each scholarship application deadlines.
To get the most out of a writing career, consider being as versatile as possible. Subscribe to trade websites and magazines that have opportunities to submit your work. Register at Linked In and Indeed for writing work, also. It may take a lot of internet research to find resources but it will be well worth it as you go through your pursuit of your Masters Degree. Visit your public library also and explain what you may need and the librarian may have resources that have gone overlooked. The staff there may even have some opportunities for you so it is good to network and learn more about your local writer community.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR MASTERS DEGREES https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/graduate-school-scholarships-grants/
CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIPS https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/california-scholarships/
GRADUATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS https://bold.org/scholarships/by-year/graduate-students-scholarships/
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM https://www.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/pages/scholarships.aspx
WRITING SCHOLARSHIPS https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-scholarships/
I don't know if you'd be interested in researching some of these colleges for your Masters Degree, but there are some very low tuition colleges in California that offer a Masters. Some of these are University of the People, Grace Mission University, World Mission University, and United States University. I know that they are not well known colleges but if you are trying to do your Masters on a budget for Writing, look into them but know that there are alternatives that will help you go to a well known college and apply for assistance to fund it. It is always beneficial for a writer to have a Masters Degree.
Many times, some writers I have read and heard, do not have their Masters in a writing subject, rather a special area that they tend to write about frequently so you should consider that, too. There are writers that write about politics, health, social issues, human development and psychology and so many other subjects. So it is just like writer advisor Cyril mentions here, what is the purpose of obtaining your Masters Degree ? Knowing that can help you navigate the many Masters programs that are out there.
To help with the cost of your Masters Degree, you can apply for Scholarships and Grants. I have left some referral links for you below so that you can read about scholarships but there are many more that you can do a search for. Keep in mind that sometimes they put undergrad and grad scholarships listed together so you will have to read the descriptions. You will most importantly have to make note of each scholarship application deadlines.
To get the most out of a writing career, consider being as versatile as possible. Subscribe to trade websites and magazines that have opportunities to submit your work. Register at Linked In and Indeed for writing work, also. It may take a lot of internet research to find resources but it will be well worth it as you go through your pursuit of your Masters Degree. Visit your public library also and explain what you may need and the librarian may have resources that have gone overlooked. The staff there may even have some opportunities for you so it is good to network and learn more about your local writer community.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, especially for all of the wonderful links to scholarships!
Maya
You are very welcome, Maya !
Michelle M.
Updated
Tami’s Answer
Your investment in your goals will determine your choice. Many universities come with hefty fees, but these can often be broken down into manageable payments or even include specialized programs for a reduced cost. It's essential to do your research and understand the costs involved, even though you might have access to top-notch advisors. Don't get stuck on costs though.
Be aware that many programs start late, which can affect your budget. For instance, after you start a program, there may be a new and cheaper (even better) program at the same university that you're no longer eligible for. It can mean exclusion from certain internships, understudy and TA opportunities.
It's beneficial to research which schools rank the highest. It means a lot because the less competitive schools find alternative ways to draw in students. That said, it's very possible to become "lost in the dust" at highly competitive schools. Based on my experience, transferring or retrieving transcripts can become extremely challenging once you're committed to a specific program.
Giving the output the school wants maybe not the output you want in the long run. It could even be or become the exact opposite of what you want. You can be focused on a goal and offered work outside your field as well. It's a challenging experience that could be part of lifelong learning.
Search out top ranked programs.
Weigh out the options.
Decide where you're most likely to show academic achievement (high GPA).
Talk with a variety of advisors about specific aspects of various "track" programs (Creative, Journalism, etc.).
Take time for yourself and reflect on all the options before rushing into anything.
Be aware that many programs start late, which can affect your budget. For instance, after you start a program, there may be a new and cheaper (even better) program at the same university that you're no longer eligible for. It can mean exclusion from certain internships, understudy and TA opportunities.
It's beneficial to research which schools rank the highest. It means a lot because the less competitive schools find alternative ways to draw in students. That said, it's very possible to become "lost in the dust" at highly competitive schools. Based on my experience, transferring or retrieving transcripts can become extremely challenging once you're committed to a specific program.
Giving the output the school wants maybe not the output you want in the long run. It could even be or become the exact opposite of what you want. You can be focused on a goal and offered work outside your field as well. It's a challenging experience that could be part of lifelong learning.
Tami recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Tami!
Maya
Wish I could be less generalized
Tami Sullivan
What would you specify if you could?
Maya
Well, the options themselves are varied. You'll have to be your best judge and even try talking to people who have experience with particular programs.
Tami Sullivan
Updated
Marguerite’s Answer
Hi!
I got my MFA in playwriting ages ago. There are a lot of factors that go into picking out a school, but the one that I feel is most important is who your mentor will be. The one professor who will be in charge of your degree, the head of your committee, and lead you through the process.
I went to SIUC because a friend recommended the playwriting professor as someone who could work specifically with my weaknesses. And he did, and I learned so much from him. He changed me as a writer.
But something I wasn't expecting was how difficult he was. Difficult professors in the arts can be a problem. I went on to a Phd program in theater and the problems were multiplied. But that's theater, of course.
I would sit in on classes and watch and listen to how the profs talk to their students. Talk to the students and ask for all the dirty details.
Also (and this just occurred to me), pay attention to the way students critique one another. Some creative writing classes can turn into a war. It's possible to navigate a war in college (I did), but it's exhausting.
Good luck!
Margie
I got my MFA in playwriting ages ago. There are a lot of factors that go into picking out a school, but the one that I feel is most important is who your mentor will be. The one professor who will be in charge of your degree, the head of your committee, and lead you through the process.
I went to SIUC because a friend recommended the playwriting professor as someone who could work specifically with my weaknesses. And he did, and I learned so much from him. He changed me as a writer.
But something I wasn't expecting was how difficult he was. Difficult professors in the arts can be a problem. I went on to a Phd program in theater and the problems were multiplied. But that's theater, of course.
I would sit in on classes and watch and listen to how the profs talk to their students. Talk to the students and ask for all the dirty details.
Also (and this just occurred to me), pay attention to the way students critique one another. Some creative writing classes can turn into a war. It's possible to navigate a war in college (I did), but it's exhausting.
Good luck!
Margie
Thank you so much for your answer! The advice you are giving me factors in these I’ve never considered before.
Maya
Updated
Cyril’s Answer
Hey Maya,
I hear you about high-residency MFAs and not wanting to get into debt. I am in my thesis semester at SF State in the fiction track.
A couple of things to think about:
1. Are you open to moving out of state? If you get into the top-tier programs - Iowa, Brown, Columbia, etc.- could you possibly get funding? The Stegner at Stanford is not technically an MFA (it is a fellowship), but if you get in, it is fully funded. As you can imagine, these kinds of programs are extremely competitive, to say the least.
On the other hand, if you decide to stay in California and get into the UC/CSU system, you can get in-state tuition.
2. What is your primary purpose of the program? Is it just to improve your writing, or are you also considering teaching creative writing as a career path, going on to do a PhD, or work in publishing?
The answers to these questions could possibly clarify things and narrow down your choices.
All the best!
I hear you about high-residency MFAs and not wanting to get into debt. I am in my thesis semester at SF State in the fiction track.
A couple of things to think about:
1. Are you open to moving out of state? If you get into the top-tier programs - Iowa, Brown, Columbia, etc.- could you possibly get funding? The Stegner at Stanford is not technically an MFA (it is a fellowship), but if you get in, it is fully funded. As you can imagine, these kinds of programs are extremely competitive, to say the least.
On the other hand, if you decide to stay in California and get into the UC/CSU system, you can get in-state tuition.
2. What is your primary purpose of the program? Is it just to improve your writing, or are you also considering teaching creative writing as a career path, going on to do a PhD, or work in publishing?
The answers to these questions could possibly clarify things and narrow down your choices.
All the best!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Maya
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Your direction is up to you but trying something that will keep you out of debt, as much as possible, is a smart move. If you enjoy poetry and prose then find a program that will build up those skills without having to take too many extraneous classes you might not need. I'm a novelist so I went into a program that helped with my fiction writing and even turned me on to screenwriting. But again, find a program that's best suited to you and your needs. It might take a little searching, but it's possible to find something that will make sense to you.
This is when you follow your own intuition and pay attention to what you want and the direction you've selected. Listen to the advice of others, but choose your course based on what you think will work.
This is when you follow your own intuition and pay attention to what you want and the direction you've selected. Listen to the advice of others, but choose your course based on what you think will work.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Maya
Updated
Zoya’s Answer
Understanding Your Priorities
It's fantastic that you're considering an MFA in Writing! With so many options, it can be overwhelming. Let's break down your priorities:
High-residency: You prefer an immersive on-campus experience.
Affordability: You aim to avoid excessive debt or out-of-pocket costs.
Strong suit: Poetry is your primary focus, but you enjoy prose as well.
Key Factors to Consider
Program Focus:
Does the program specialize in poetry or offer a strong foundation in both poetry and prose?
Align your strengths and interests with the program's emphasis.
Faculty:
Research the faculty members. Are there poets or writers whose work resonates with you?
Consider their expertise and teaching styles.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Explore the financial aid options available.
Look for programs that offer generous scholarships or assistantships.
Consider the cost of living in the program's location.
Program Culture and Community:
Consider the program's atmosphere and the support system it offers.
Look for a community that aligns with your writing goals and personality.
Career Opportunities:
Research the program's alumni success rates and career paths.
Consider your post-graduation aspirations and how the program can support them.
It's fantastic that you're considering an MFA in Writing! With so many options, it can be overwhelming. Let's break down your priorities:
High-residency: You prefer an immersive on-campus experience.
Affordability: You aim to avoid excessive debt or out-of-pocket costs.
Strong suit: Poetry is your primary focus, but you enjoy prose as well.
Key Factors to Consider
Program Focus:
Does the program specialize in poetry or offer a strong foundation in both poetry and prose?
Align your strengths and interests with the program's emphasis.
Faculty:
Research the faculty members. Are there poets or writers whose work resonates with you?
Consider their expertise and teaching styles.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Explore the financial aid options available.
Look for programs that offer generous scholarships or assistantships.
Consider the cost of living in the program's location.
Program Culture and Community:
Consider the program's atmosphere and the support system it offers.
Look for a community that aligns with your writing goals and personality.
Career Opportunities:
Research the program's alumni success rates and career paths.
Consider your post-graduation aspirations and how the program can support them.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Maya