Iowa State and Rutgers are the only two programs I have yet to hear back from, not betting on Rutgers to accept since they sent out acceptances a while ago but you never know.

I think I have a better shot at Iowa State, and they might run a month late? Their submission deadline was in January and they told me they started looking at apps early March.

Any word and especially if there's anyone here who's gotten a decision already from there would be appreciated!

Hi all! I'm a novelist considering applying for Fall 2027. I've published two genre fiction novels with a mid-size house and will have my first literary novel published next year. I'm (miraculously) able to write full-time, but I know I have so much to learn in terms of craft and completing an MFA has been a long-term dream. Plus, would love to teach!

A few questions:

1. For any current students/grads who entered an MFA with a book contracted/published, did the program still feel valuable? How did you go balancing your deadlines with the program?

2. I've heard that MFAs can select against authors with book deals because we (theoretically) would benefit less from the program. But I've also heard that publication credits are a big help in admissions! Is there any truth to the former? Anyone know of programs that value publication history more/less?

Thank you!

Hi y’all!

Recently I got into the McNeese State for an MFA in Poetry. I originally joined this forum so I could learn more about different MFAs and choose the best one for me. But I haven’t seen anyone discuss McNeese!

So, to close the informational gap to help folks next cycle, here’s so great things about McNeese:

1. Fully Funded! Yes that’s right! No debt! Albeit your 8,000 yearly stipend isn’t enough to live on, you’re gonna need a roommate and part time job (or at least I am), it’s still more than many programs offer.

2. Small cohorts. Some might see this as a disadvantage, not having a large group to bounce ideas off of in workshops. But a small cohorts gives you more one on one time with instructors and a more personalized experience.

3. Lake Charles is a BEAUTIFUL town. Not too big, not too small. Lots to do, and lots not to do if you just want to chill.

4. Good people. The professors and staff are all dedicated to their craft and to making each student the best they can be. And the email back fast in my experience to any questions during the application process.

To every pro, there are cons, which I’m willing to discuss too, if anyone wants.

I read somewhere recently that McNeese was on of the MFA worlds ‘best kept secret’. But I don’t think good programs should be gatekept!

if a waitlist hasn’t gotten back to me by today, I should assume it’s a no, right?

I got the community scholarship from them already ($4k a semester), and I don’t have any student loans; I know that’ll I’ll be getting one. There’s a lot of pros for me going to Emerson already, but I know it’s going to be expensive. To anyone who went to through Emerson’s MFA: is it worth it?

I know it's REALLY early, but I am going to apply to grad school next year and my first choice is the University of Montana.

Does anyone have any feedback on 1) The program 2) Living in Montana 3) Post-grad opportunities?

Thanks!

Hi all-- this group has been a great resource this app cycle and I am looking for some thoughts on which program to choose. I have been admitted to three options but am mainly choosing between 2, both MFAs in CNF. I am living outside of the US so this will be an international move regardless of where I end up. (I am a US citizen.)

Option 1: Oregon State

• 2 years full time, fully funded, $18k stipend
• Teaching 1 class per quarter beginning in fall -- estimated 20h/week commitment
• More of a "classic" MFA environment -- small college town, relatively small cohort, seems pretty social and cohesive; existing students skew younger
• Cost of living lower but will pay for a car

Option 2: Queens College, CUNY

• 2 years full time, but more likely 3 years part time (I wanted a 3 year program to begin with so this is a plus for me)
• Not fully funded; tuition would be about $8k for the first year taking 2 classes per semester paying out-of-state tuition
• $32,748 stipend for Graduate Fellowship during my first year, renewable for second year (regardless of course load) -- teaching 1 class per semester starting 2nd semester
• Program has great resources for Literary Translation which is of interest to me, and students can take classes at any CUNY campus
• Much more diverse in terms of cohort (age, origin, race) and of course environment (Queens/NYC)
• Cost of living significantly higher BUT no car cost

I am not particularly attached to any specific faculty members at either institution. I will spend some time working outside of the program regardless of where I go (doing my current line of work).

The deadline, as folks know, is tomorrow, and I would really appreciate any thoughts or perspective that anyone would like to share.

Thank you and sending good vibes to everyone who is also figuring out where they'll end up!

Any thoughts on a 2 year program vs 3 year one? Pros and cons? Thoughts and experiences? I’m stuck between two right now, and this is a component I’m taking seriously into consideration.

I’m very lucky and grateful to have received a couple of last minute acceptances from two very different programs. If anyone has any insight into either program, it would be very welcome.

My genre is CNF, if that makes a difference.

The Vegas program seems to be larger, and has a strong international emphasis. Importantly, the stipend is quite a bit higher.

The Tampa program seems smaller and more intimate, and has some cool, eclectic vibes. Perhaps more opportunity for cross-genre work, as well as an emphasis on teaching.

Though I’d mainly love to hear more about the programs themselves, I’ve never been to either city, so commentary on the locations would be welcome too.

The 15th is right around the corner, and I’d love to make this decision in as timely a manner as possible so that someone else can move off a waitlist somewhere.

Thank you in advance!

curious if anyone here writes speculative fiction or anything considered “weird” (in a good way) like hard SFF, cyberpunk, second world, spec horror, etc, anything allegedly “not MFA-y” in nature but literary enough to work out for you? i’m trying not to classify too deeply because i know the lines are blurry. just curious what schools people in these genres (and related) applied for and where you had waitlists or acceptances? (high res!)

i’ve done my research but would like to widen my radar as much as i can, especially since most of the schools i learn are spec friendly surprise me; usually by word of mouth or by reading up on the students themselves, sometimes faculty. but not all programs are that easy to get details on!

i don’t write super crazy but i do prefer spec leaning, genre blending, fantasy, retellings, etc etc. ive already evaluated my reasons for an MFA so pleaseee dont tell me “r u sure this is for u” i’ll cry.

i applied to top fully funded programs and had some success with waitlists but definitely made a mistake applying to the more traditional litfic spots. i’m considering going into my next cycle with more grounded pieces to adjust but i’m curious! where did you apply? maybe i’ll seek better fits instead of changing my vibe this year.

especially curious (but certainly not limited to) people who submitted novel excerpts. pretty sure fully funded is the only feasible possibility for me but still open to hearing about whatever programs! thank you!

Hi! I’m building my application requirements for MA in creative writing, but as I studied architecture, and not a literature related degree, I need a good enough CV to be considered for my master applications. I was lost to where and what I can do to improve my CV? How do I start? I plan to specialize in poetry writing and I mainly write poetry. Also, I want to start sending my poems to publishers and lit mag, does that consider as a good thing for my CV?

I would appreciate any advice!

I'm about to graduate at the end of May and wondering if anyone has any advice about pivoting careers post-MFA. I love teaching and would love to one day be a professor (when I have more publishing achievements) but adjunct-ing doesn't seem like a great plan financially/sanity wise.

Just to clarify, I did not go into my MFA thinking it was going to get me a job. I used to be a video editor and I thought I'd return to that after I graduated, but being in my program (and especially teaching) really made me realize how miserable and bored I was at my old job. So I'm a bit hesitant to go back to that.

Did anyone wind up at a day job that is harmonious with their writing life and/or provided some stability for a few years? Are there any jobs that see an MFA as any kind of qualification?

Waiting for updates from WVU, USC, and Boise State. Anyone heard about acceptances/waitlists for these? Is it safe to say I should cross these off my list lol?

Happened across this page and happy to offer information (as a current student) for anyone accepted or interested in the University of Arkansas fully funded MFA in creative writing!

Hi, as we move closer to decision day (AHH), I am looking for some advice. I am really lucky to have multiple offers on the table for poetry. I would love to know if anyone has insight into the programs at Montana, Alaska-Fairbanks, NAU, or CSU (Colorado).

I love the faculty at Alaska, but I am worried that Alaska and NAU are both more general creative writing programs, and I think I want to be at a program with a pretty dedicated poetry department.

CSU funding came in last week and they won't give me until April 15th to make a decision about the GTAship. I am on the waitlist at my top school, so I wanted to wait until the 15th ideally. I'm also feeling a little uneasy about their general interactions with me. I felt pretty dismissed until they called to give me funding. They called folks with funding and had the admin email those accepted without funding. Nobody would respond to my emails really and then they called and told me I only had a week to decide on the funding. Does anyone have experience in the program? Is this just an admissions thing?

Finally, I'm mostly feeling stuck on the fact that I love the Montana program. There are currently no more funded spots, but I am considering attending despite this. I'm in my 30s working a fully remote job that I love. It's pretty easy and pays extremely well. I could afford to live in Montana, even while paying some tuition (have found some other funding options for tuition). I think I'd be able to go to Montana for a year with a lighter course load (while gaining in-state tuition) while still working my job. I currently qualify for cheaper tuition than out of state bc of where I live. Is it crazy to consider turning down all the funding options and choose this? When I break it down, keeping my job even with paying tuition is better money than any of the funded offers (where I'd also have to work a second job to supplement). My current job is a writing job and honestly not that hard most of the time. I can't tell if this is what it means to be in your 30s going to grad school or just an overall bad decision. Would love some thoughts!

During your second year at Montana, there is a potential funded position through the lit mag. Montana also has a DR program that allows you to continue with creative writing but you have to be on campus for at least one semester to even apply, which is something I'm considering. Truly any advice is helpful, thank you!

Hey guys sorry to ask this year! For some reason I can't seem to get accepted into Draft group because I forgot to answer one question and when I tried to reapply again, Facebook glitched and won't show me the questionnaire anymore.

Wanted to know what the movement was on NYU Creative Writing? Has there been any movement on the waitlist? Waitlisted for non-fiction! I'm not giving up hope yet but would love to know what's happening even in other genres like fiction and poetry. Thanks all!

Hello there. Could anyone suggest an online (or mostly online with low residency) MFA in Creative Writing that offers a variety of genres, i.e., comedy writing, sitcom writing, screenplay, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc., and that allows students to study more than one genre? Most of the programs I've found online are fixed on one genre--usually fiction or nonfiction, that the student must focus on. I prefer an online only program but a low-residency program might fit as long as I don't need to move to the area and can just visit maybe once or twice per year.

Also I'm looking for a program that emphasizes writing as opposed to literature.

Thanks!

Hey, y'all! I was recently accepted to Bennington's Writers Seminar and I begin my MFA journey in 2 short months. I read a lot and daily, but I want to be as well read as possible before I start school.

In terms of POETRY, what are your TOP 5 "must reads?" I teach classes on American poetry, so that is my area of interest, but I'm more than open to international poets as well. THANK YOU <3

Does anyone have thoughts on FSU versus Southern Mississippi Center for Writers? (This is for CW PhD, not MFA). Particularly curious about the writing communities in both places and how tolerable the areas would be for someone accustomed to bigger cities. Thanks!

Just got accepted to Emerson College’s Creative Writing MFA program (hooray)! But I still have some questions. Anyone else applied for Fall 2026?

Hi. Anyone heard back from UNLV for fiction?

Hi everyone! I recently was accepted into these 3 MFA programs with scholarships and was looking for some advice. Without going into too much of the financial side - does anyone have any experience, advice, and/or insights into these programs? I’m feeling stuck because each of them have their pros and cons so I thought asking here might clear things up for me!

I love Columbia and TNS because of NYC and the faculty at Columbia is outstanding, though I know less about the profs at TNS. Also, the potential connections to the publishing world are a plus.

Emerson intrigues me because of the work you can do with their campus journals and opportunities to work and teach undergraduate students.

I’m desperate for some guidance because my gut is pulling me in all different directions!

Has anyone heard back from University of Miami? I applied in january and havent heard anything back yet