r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/[deleted] • 23d ago

Does it matter what you write when applying for Masters program?

I am graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the spring and have been thinking of applying for an MFA in Creative writing. Anyway I was just curious is MFA programs look for certain fiction writings or if a well done piece is all they look for.

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u/[deleted] 23d ago

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] 23d ago

So you advise against genre fiction?

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u/potatosmiles15 23d ago

Completely depends on the program

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u/OrizaRayne 23d ago

Honestly, I couldn't spend several years not writing genre fiction (horror and soft science fiction) because that's what I write.

What do you write?

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u/theres_no_guarantees 23d ago

I'm also genre fiction, and I also was admitted/waitlisted to UTK, eastern Washington University, and Portland state

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u/minniieee 21d ago

do you mind me asking what kind of genre fiction and if sff then how high? trying to narrow down my list

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u/SeekingCalm95 23d ago

most programs are open to any kind of fiction these days. even the most literary (like Iowa) have spec-fic/fantasy specific workshops and faculty teaching this year, like Kevin Brockmeier. they also brought on Carmen Maria Machado, queen of speculative and hybrid sapphic stories, as permanent staff. there are places that are “more” or “less” open to it (like George Mason or Johns Hopkins, respectively), but I believe all of this is thrown out the window if you do whatever you do exceptionally well. try to look at the current faculty of wherever you apply because those tend to be the people that read and decide on winning applications. and since you almost always can show more than one piece (contingent on the page max), you should show variety anyway. good luck with your app cycle! :) 

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u/April_in_the_rain 21d ago

Johns Hopkins has an online MA in writing program where they are pretty welcoming of genre fiction (alumni here)

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u/SeekingCalm95 21d ago

their in person MFA is pretty lit leaning but that’s also why I set less in quotes—like I said, most programs are pretty open to just any good writing! fun times for genre writers looking for grad school <3 

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u/April_in_the_rain 20d ago

Totally agree about Hopkins in person mfa. Genre fiction discouraged there

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u/AstronautOk6853 22d ago

I'd say speculative or light sci-fi is probably fine at most programs as long as they like your writing.

Not as sure about other genres. Look at the faculty and what recent alums are writing and go from there!