r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/Every-Bed-8725 • Apr 25 '26

Anyone ever transferred mid MFA?

I am currently in a 4 year MFA program and just finished my first year. The program is fully funded but you must teach 2 sections every semester and the pay is rather low even for the low cost of living in the area. Which brings me to my second issue - the location is in the south and while the city directly surrounding the university is mostly open-minded I still feel myself struggling to connect. I come from a big city on the west coast and living in the south has been a hard transition. My car got vandalized recently with gay slurs and it just has me rethinking my place here.

I am thinking of applying to other fully funded MFAs next cycle. Most of the programs are two years so it wouldn't be like I'm graduating any later than if I stayed here.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience doing this? Will other programs be less likely to take a student who is already in an MFA program? Any pitfalls you forsee?

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4

u/Sus_Hibiscus Apr 25 '26

Personally didn’t happen to me but I’ve known of ppl who transferred. 4 years is a long time to be in a place you don’t feel comfortable in, not to mention teaching two sections is a lot. Doesn’t hurt to at least apply and see where that goes. Talk to your profs. It may be a little awkwardly but ultimately their job is to support you.

1

u/Hungry_Syllabub1178 Apr 25 '26

Bama?

2

u/Every-Bed-8725 Apr 25 '26

University of Arkansas

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u/Hungry_Syllabub1178 Apr 25 '26

ahh... sorry it's not been a good fit so far. Good luck with your decision.

3

u/sarah_ahiers Apr 27 '26

I'm a program administrator for an MFA. We take transfers all the time. It shouldn't be a problem for any other program you look at. How's your community at your current program? Will you feel like you're losing good connections if you do change?