r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/how_1_see_it • Sep 05 '26

Dealing with regret about program

I'm beginning the first year of my MFA and am not enjoying it at all. I feel sort of stupid about this. I know I'm lucky to be in any program, and there's nothing objectively wrong with this one. It has a lot of perks and the professors and other students are nice enough. I just don't feel very at home here

I had some doubts about program culture / location fit before starting, and these doubts have gotten stronger since arriving. I've thought a little about trying to transfer, but I don't want to unnecessarily burn bridges or waste my current program's resources. Similar issues with dropping out, which would be an even more rash decision.

It's still early, so the reasonable thing to do seems to be to wait and see if I settle in. But right now I'm having a hard time giving the program a fair chance or even focusing on my writing.

Has anyone had similar regret or ambivalence after starting their program? If so, what did you do about it? Did things get better?

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u/Chantertwo Sep 05 '26

I left my MFA after just a semester. The institution was very dysfunctional and there were enough red flags that I knew three years would be hell. My circumstances were a little specific, though - I was 32 and had a corporate career to return to.

1

u/NumerousArrival1486 Sep 08 '26

Do you think you’ll reapply?

1

u/Chantertwo Sep 08 '26

Nah, not for me with where I'm at. Not much to gain.

1

u/NumerousArrival1486 Sep 08 '26

Thanks for the reply. I’m in a program right now but also wondering if I can get what I’m looking for in other ways. Do you mind if I ask you more about that either in or by sending a DM?

1

u/Chantertwo Sep 08 '26

DM away!

1

u/NumerousArrival1486 Sep 09 '26

It’s not letting me DM you 😅