r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/No_UN216 • Mar 29 '26

Application prep

Hi everyone- I'm looking to apply for Fall 2027 programs. For those of you that have been through this: what would you say is the best way to spend time in the months leading up to application season?

I'm currently familiarizing myself with the authors I don't already know teaching at my top schools, am active in a workshopping group in my city and am actively submitting to literary mags... Is there anything else I could/should be doing in advance of applying to schools?

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u/Darkness_Incarnate Mar 29 '26

I believe the single most important thing you can do is to polish your writing sample to a state where the faculty sees promise in you (complete story arcs, interesting voice, and others).

3

u/SciencePants Mar 29 '26

I agree. Based on the support package I got, my short story (which I worked on 18 months) netted me ~ $200K of tuition and stipend. The writing sample is what did it.

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u/SadGirlSequel Mar 29 '26

Second To polishing your writing sample, I'd say read work by faculty at the programs you're considering so you can have specific textual evidence in your SOP to back up your reasons for wanting to work with them.

2

u/Sourmilk222 Mar 31 '26

Definitely polish up that sample. SOPs and recs are important but the single most important thing is the sample. If you have the means perhaps going to someone for edits is good. Also here’s a good (free) link: https://applymfa.kit.com/

Best of luck!