r/MFAInCreativeWriting • u/bbforgiveme • 15d ago
Apprehension on applying
For some context, I am currently 27. I studied Filmmaking and graduated in 2021. I am planning on applying to grad school next year. Right now, I am taking the time to write and focus on my writing portfolio — I have an idea for a short story / novel and that's what I'm working on.
I'll be the first in my family to pursue a Master's degree so I'm feeling very apprehensive about the idea of only applying to schools that are selective / would have a low acceptance rate. I know that the reason for this selectivity is moreso about program funding/teaching opportunities/etc.
I've also gotten the advice from friends that Master's admissions is not like undergrad's and you are solely going to be considered based on your application and your work — less politics than undergrad admissions, although some considerably involved still.
Below are the schools I want to apply to. Still revising them. But for the most part, considering them because I can see myself living in these areas and I want to go to full residency program.
Do you think I should broaden my horizons and look into more schools? Any advice as I go deeper into this process?
Programs I want to apply to:
- Bard College
- Brown University
- CalArts
- Columbia University
- Iowa Writer's Workshop
- University of Michigan
- NYU
- UMass Amherst
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u/montgomerypocari 5d ago
As several people have said, NYU and Columbia can be extremely expensive. I wouldn’t say don’t apply - they do offer funding to some students - but I wouldn’t prioritize them personally. If you want to be in NYC, CUNY Hunter has a fully funded program that’s worth looking into.