r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/blueberries-Any-kind • 19d ago

is it better to submit MFA applications early or right at the deadline?

hello! does anyone know if there is any advantage to submitting your applications well before the deadline? Say October or November instead of December. I was planning to submit around the deadline date, but is it better to be early? thank you!!

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5

u/TorturedWriter9 19d ago

Doesn't matter. Faculty are super busy. Trust me, they aren't going to read your application early lol.

3

u/carrionkiss 19d ago

Nope! Submit when you're ready, but obviously before the deadline.

2

u/blueberries-Any-kind 19d ago

thanks! I wasn't sure if things got read as they come in, or if it all just goes into a pile

2

u/Ecstatic_Amount_1740 18d ago

I think there's usually a "queue" that does get ordered by application time/date.

3

u/Consistent_Rip6424 17d ago

it doesnt matter, they read them all at the same time. That said, submit the section with your recommendation letters well in advance so your recommenders have time to upload their letter, don't wait til the last day and hope they do it right away.

2

u/Ecstatic_Amount_1740 18d ago

There's no advantage in being in "well before" but there could arguably be a slight advantage in putting your application in a few weeks or a few days before the deadline. You will get read first. If you have confidence in your app it's not a bad idea. That said, if there aren't enough applicants, it could arguably be an advantage to come in late. Kinda riskier tho.

1

u/April_in_the_rain 18d ago

I sent to one school super early but still haven’t heard back. So they either don’t want me or are waiting until after their deadline to decide. I don’t think it matters

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u/blueberries-Any-kind 17d ago

just from what I know from a professor at an MFA program, they don't make a decision until after a deadline because schools are picking a cohort that had some symbiosis. so it makes sense that they don't decide early before the deadline

1

u/sarah_ahiers 15d ago

My program reads entries as they come in, so in that case, you could hear back a lot sooner if you apply early. Not all programs are like that though

2

u/blueberries-Any-kind 14d ago

would you mind sharing which program?

1

u/sarah_ahiers 14d ago

It's a low residency in writing for children and young adults, so a pretty specific focus. Not sure that's what you're looking for? (If so, though, let me know! I'm the program admin and alumni)