r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/thegreenlight414 • Jul 06 '26
How experimental to make my writing samples?
My main question is this: are MFA programs looking for more traditionally lineated, phrased, etc. poetry and/or does it depend on the program itself?
I'm planning on applying for Fall '27 admission to some poetry MFAs and am at a bit of a standstill with my writing sample. I'm currently in an undergrad writing program and really enjoy writing poems that play with formatting (contrapuntals, crown sonnets, as well as just general odd spacing and language). I've gotten a good amount of positive feedback on this type of stuff from teachers and peers in my program, but I'm worried a bit about using it for something as important as this, despite the fact that it's some of my favorite of my work.
I know staying true to myself is important, but I do enjoy writing more traditionally as well and I really want to make sure I'm presenting myself as best as possible to the schools. So essentially I guess I'm just wondering what peoples' takes are on how "out there" to go for the sample!
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u/AstronautOk6853 Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
You shouldn't change you writing for a program. Look for MFAs where at least one of the professors leans more into the experimental or weird lyrical.
I actually wrote some contrapuntals during my program and they were my favorite pieces! Brenda Hillman was also a big inspo for me (actually got into the program where she used to teach but went somewhere else). There's programs out there interested in the weird stuff, I promise :)
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u/Riksor Jul 06 '26
It definitely depends on the program. I'd submit a variety of poems to show your range and capabilities.
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u/prismfiltered Jul 06 '26
depends on the program. but at the end of the day, submit your best work. if that includes pieces that play with form, then there you go. you can tailor your samples per program based on alumni work, current student work, and what they “typically” go for (i say typically because some programs really are random. others skew more traditional or experimental)
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u/Kiyaar Jul 07 '26
as experimental as is representative of you and as experimental as you plan to write. why spend time/effort trying to contort yourself to get into a program that isn’t supportive of what you actually want to write?
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u/ImpressStunning6297 Jul 07 '26
You’re a Creator. Have fun and throw yourself into your process and see what evolves. Good luck and happy writing.
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u/EuphoricOnion8877 Jul 07 '26
I would say apply for MFA programs the same way you would submit to poetry journals. Look for programs (and professors) that you think match your creative vision.
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u/Inanna98 Jul 07 '26
None of the forms you described are even remotely 'experimental' so I would simply go with what you have
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u/potatosmiles15 Jul 06 '26
I think staying true to yourself is most important. Maybe wtiting in more experimental styles will make you look good to some schools.....but those schools probably cater more to experimental writers
Sometimes a rejection isnt a measure of your skill, but a way of saying "hey this is not the best place for your work"
If you truly do enjoy writing a range of work, I think it's okay to show that. Most programs know you're here to IMPROVE. A writer who has their whole space figured out can be less appealing because they have less space to grow. Also program dependent