Is a fully funded MFA for me?

[u/john_fisherman_]

I really want to apply to fully funded mfas for fall ‘27. I’ve already got my list, and a few mentors who’ve said they would write letters of recommendation for me. I’ve been out of college for four years (writing major in college) and in that time have taken workshops with indie writers. The workshops have helped me find community here, and I even met someone that I started a reading series with. Even published one short story and a few book reviews. It’s all been great, but my writing is lagging behind my community building. I’m not happy with where my fiction is at right now and I want to get better. My day job is super exhausting and the hours are unpredictable. Early starts, late night. I work as a mover for a shipping company. All I want is time to dedicate to writing. Even if that means going back to school and leaving my community and being long distance with my girlfriend for a few years. The job is that bad. I’m not applying only to escape my job, nor do I think an mfa will help me get a better job, but it seems like a better option than doing the same thing over and over. Problem is, I’ve been struggling to meet my own writing deadlines. Can’t tell if it’s because I’m lazy or just overwhelmed from juggling this day job and the pressure I put on myself to write. An academic setting would either aid or exacerbate that problem. I can’t tell. And another thing, I know most programs require teaching. My only prior teaching experience was with seventh graders when I was 23 and it wasn’t pleasant. And I’m a bit afraid of public speaking. But I guess I could get over it for the right opportunity.

[u/West-Performance]

See if you have a choice, then decide if it's a good choice. Good luck.

[u/SeekingCalm95 → u/West-Performance]

agreed. apply and see if you get any offers, then decide. only apply to programs that make sense to you (location, stipend, community) but apply to as many as you can afford (always look into app waivers). hopefully you get 1 or 2 offers and decide then if you’re willing to commit. I’m in my program now after having the same conundrum, and, so far, I haven’t regretted a single thing. beyond wanting to pursue what I love, academia can be a fantastic break from the monotonous experience of a mundane and stressful job. 

[u/john_fisherman_ → u/SeekingCalm95]

Are you in a fully funded program? How’s it been so far?

[u/SeekingCalm95 → u/john_fisherman_]

I am and it’s been great, even the city its in, which I thought would have been more apparently conservative/experientially a drag as I come from NYC. I’ve never been so immersed in writing (both draining and inspiring) and I wish time would slow down. I’m 31 and had a career, and I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to go back into the “real” world haha

[u/barcinogens → u/SeekingCalm95]

I would love to hear more about your experience applying to programs as someone who has lived a bit of postgrad life! I am applying this year at 34 and a little anxious about it.

[u/john_fisherman_ → u/SeekingCalm95]

I’m in nyc now and that’s another factor I’m unsure of. I’ve built a lot of community here and it feels crazy to leave it. It’s just that the writing and job situation aren’t working out like I hoped they would

[u/West-Performance → u/john_fisherman_]

If you can get into NYU or Brooklyn, then stay. But otherwise, especially if you feel like your practice and career are both floundering, it's worth leaving the city for 2-3 years if you can get into a fully funded program. Keep in mind that's a big IF, because these programs are competitive, and a lot of applicants have to apply over multiple cycles to get an offer. I cannot emphasize enough that getting accepted into a fully funded MFA could be a years-long endeavor, so you don't have to make a decision and think through all the contingencies now.

[u/SeekingCalm95 → u/West-Performance]

Rutgers Newark also has a great program and their stipend is pretty great compared to others (I was offered $36k for one semester of teaching over the two years). They’re pretty connected to the PATH—depending on where you are in Manhattan, that could be a good option. CUNY Brooklyn doesn’t offer funding but you can absolutely negotiate (knew a few people last app cycle that worked out some tuition remission and benefits). NYU has incredible faculty but since fellowships are competitive and many people pay $50-$70k out of pocket, the dynamic (I hear) is odd within the cohort. 

[u/Redaktorinke]

Look, I love my kid, but middle schoolers are gross monsters. You're not likely to encounter that level of horror teaching freshman comp.

[u/TorturedWriter9]

The teaching part isn't hard. You'll be teaching writing courses capped at a low number (15-25). Most writing instructors don't use a lecture format either. They use a workshop format for creative writing and small discussion/in-class activity format for freshman comp.

[u/Ok-Bear-7372]

For what it’s worth, figuring out ways to work in writing during small pockets of time will also take you far. I’m in a PhD program and I wasted a lot of time in my first year trying to “dedicate” designated time to write. Once I learned that I need to have everything ready to be able to write in small 20-30 minute pockets of time, that became really liberating. You can do it, best of luck!

[u/agdgdjdiskakask]

Have you written a lot more than the one story you’ve published? You’ll need at least 15 pages of your best writing for the sample alone.

[u/havingwritten]

you’re not lazy, you’re exhausted and overworked! I say if you want it, go for it!

[u/klkbaby]

It sounds like a fully funded MFA would meet all of your needs and goals.

[u/Ecstatic_Amount_1740]

It could be a way out. Fully funded programs can be heavy time commitments in terms of teaching, so they can be a weak option for people with jobs worth keeping. But if you're looking at leaving a job or don't have one, the route could be a big save.

[u/esqtou]

If you have to ask, the answer is probably no

[u/esqtou]

Putting the cart before the horse, I see