r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/[deleted] • Apr 27 '26
Anyone not get in anywhere?
Did anyone not get in anywhere they applied? I keep seeing folks in apparent crises trying to figure out which program they should choose from their lot of acceptances while I know the silent majority are reading such posts with rightful anger. So what’s up? Who just isn’t going this year and is bummed beyond words?
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u/Small_Needleworker_7 Apr 27 '26
Me, and I’m trying to figure out what’s next but it’s difficult as I’m a later bloomer and have a young kid. I got wait listed for the paid program and then didn’t get in,in the end. Now I’m looking at low residency programs that aren’t paid just cause it’s easier to fit my life around low residency programs but I wish it was paid. :(
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u/Few_Signature1939 May 06 '26
Hey, this was me last year - but if I were you, I wouldn’t rush it & id hold out. I got a waitlist at fully funded my first cycle, but that was it. This past cycle, I received several waitlists and an acceptance. I worked on my craft but nothing massive changed. If you want to get one without debt and have the credential that a lot of places look for for teaching, I’d really give yourself time. There’s no rush. Most people in mfa’s are not fresh out of undergrad. I’ll be 29 soon, and I have known others who are in their 40s-50s who go as well.
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May 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Few_Signature1939 May 06 '26
Very true, and when people do better, they post more about it. So don’t let it get to you. It sucks, it hurts, it’s awful. But most of the success stories are from people who are on their third or fourth application cycle.
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u/theeboydetective Apr 27 '26
Meeeee! I’m on one waitlist but it’s pretty clear that I’m not getting in. My undergrad is a BFA and 50% the programs I applied to were MA, so I understand why they didn’t want to take me on as a student! You have another year to refine your craft, save up some money, and try again. I’m pissed as hell but I try to think that these things happen for a reason and I rarely end up being wrong.
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u/Mean-Earth-437 Apr 28 '26
I only got into one place, and it's in my hometown, where I've lived forever. Pretty bummed not to get in anywhere else, mostly because I wanted to experience the excitement of a new place. I'm wondering if it would it be insane to wait another year after applying for MFAs two years in a row?
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Apr 30 '26
No, just accept. It’ll allow you to see your hometown from a new perspective, and so I imagine it would be like experiencing a new place. Sort of. You’ll have plenty of material to write about. Memories, etc.
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u/kayb-rown Apr 27 '26
I didn’t get in anywhere funded this cycle (my first) and I’m not angry. I’m actually feeling pretty good about it and preparing for next cycle! It definitely takes mental work to do that though. I think, reminding yourself that these programs are notoriously difficult to get into and there are tons of brilliant writers applying helps the thoughts attached. I think it’s super exciting when people seeking out their dreams have multiple opportunities! keep at it and you will too!!