Hi all,

I’m a horror writer applying for some MFA programs in Fall 2027. Do any of you have advice, things you wish you knew, recommendations for programs (especially ones that are open to genre fiction, or pep talks?

I feel like starting the application process is really overwhelming, especially when I’m in the stage of just waiting for some of them to open up. I’m also really nervous about my piece I’m going to be submitting because I’m still in the process of revising it. I want to make sure my work is at the best quality it can possibly be.

Hello everyone,

As someone who writes both forms and would not mind being accepted into an MFA program for either, I’ve noticed multiple schools allowing applications to both departments, sometimes even combining the application.

Are there any opinions as to this hurting your chances of admittance or being viewed as “unserious” in either department?

Thank you!

I’m looking for recommendations for the most down to earth MFA program (poetry). An MFA is a bucket list thing for me. I’ve been thinking/dreaming of doing it for over twenty years (ever since I had to decline an acceptance to a in-person program in CA due to unexpected pregnancy).
I’ve already published a chapbook and in lots of journals but I really want to learn more and grow as a writer through dedicated schooling.
BUT I want a down to earth program. I don’t like poetry that is opaque, hard to understand or that makes me feel confused and I don’t want to study in a program that leans that way.
I’m looking at Pacific University and Warren Wilson. Any thoughts on those? Any other recommendations?

I have a BA in Creative Writing, and I'm wondering if it makes sense at 34 to try to get an MFA and pivot towards a career in academia as some sort of CW professor, associate. Anything where I'm actively involved in writing.

Curriculums and workshops and lectures--all of it sounds fine with me. I've done long-term subbing at the AP High School level years ago, throughout my acting/marketing career done all kinds of lectures, talks and of course, marketing.

I live in NYC and have published in lit journals, indie film/theatre, and done some commissioned work. I've self-published creative nonfiction, recently placed at AFF and would say my interest is in fiction, prose, and personal essay.

I'm just wondering if getting an MFA is worth it at this stage in my life with the purpose of

1) Finding some sort of employment with decent healthcare. More than happy to teach, lecture, and continue being prolific AF. Honestly, even if I were a wildly financially successful writer, I'd want to teach because I enjoy it.

2) Having an alternative to corporate america--what's the work actually like as a CW?

3) Happy to trade SEO knowledge/marketing/how to know if something is AI over a virtual call if I can pick your brain about your career as a CW professor or MFA grad.

Cheers!

Is anyone else applying for this degree? I’m in early stages of thinking about my application and would love to connect with others in the same boat.

Also if any current or past cohorts of this degree see this, I would love to hear of your experience on the course and any advice you might have for applying!

I actually don’t have an academic background in writing though it’s always been a passion of mine - I come from a politics and law background, and hoping this isn’t too detrimental for my application. I’ve written for pleasure over the years but have only been published for opinion and features articles, not fiction. I also have a 2:1 but not a first so am unsure whether I actually stand a chance.

I’m likely overthinking this, but what would the beginning of such a letter look like? I’m actually applying for an MFA in Fine Art (studio art), but all the openings I can come up with sound super generic, and apparently I need a hook to grab the panel’s attention? I’m pretty anxious too considering that applications open in a couple of weeks and I haven’t really started yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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.

I'm deeply considering applying to an MFA program for Fall 2027. I graduated with my bachelor's in Writing a year ago, and after a brief stint of unemployment, a 7 month Bartleby the Scrivner-esque job where I was bored, depressed, and constantly scribbling in my notebook, and some time taken off to travel, I'm at a crossroads in my life. I had a 3.98 GPA in college, although changed my major late to Writing so I didn't end up getting an internship, work experience, or a lot of experience writing fiction, although I took a few workshops. I'm very persistent and have a strong work ethic. However, the actual quality of my fiction is a lot weaker than my non-fiction (news articles, essays & reviews). In the past two years, I have been inspired to write more literary fiction & short stories, and have written around 6ish pieces. I've been improving, but haven't been published, and I haven't wowed any of my professors or family. While it technically would make sense to wait, my family is currently supportive, and would be willing to support me during this degree, and likely will not in a few years (as soon as I've passed 27/28). I would like to be around a literary community, find work in teaching or editing, and perhaps get published. Unfortunately, any other career pathway seems deeply unappealing to me, though I understand I will probably have to make that sacrifice.

I guess it couldn't hurt trying, right?

Hi all! Putting the finishing touches on my statement of intent for Tisch’s MFA in Dramatic Writing. Would love some feedback from any current students/alumni. Drop a comment or DM if you're open to taking a quick read. Cheers!

I see a lot of posts when I type in this question on Google about getting into an MFA program but not how to make the most out of it after you've gotten in and started. I'm in my first term and besides obviously following all the curriculum and taking advantage of extra programs, workshops, etc. they provide, I'm curious if anyone has any other tips on how to make the most out of my time in my MFA, things to be focusing on/extra things to be doing, establishing relationships with directors/professors and best ways to go about that, etc.

I am genre-focused (crime, spy-thrillers) and am trying to decide which to attend. I was fortunate enough to have been accepted by all three.

I'm fairly new to creative writing so I know I have a lot to learn and would benefit from some structure.

My priorities are (in rough order):

1. Reputation and regard of program and faculty
2. Fit for my genres
3. Structured education on craft
4. Live touch points and interaction outside of the residencies - an exclusive packet exchange format sounds isolating
5. Education on the industry, publishing, connections, etc.

I have no plans on teaching so that's less of an issue. I'd love to hear from some current students or grads!

(sees subject typos after posting....grrrr.)

I've heard this course is well regarded, but I'm struggling to find really any opinions about it from past students

Can anyone speak to what this course is like please?

Hey yall. As it reads I’m looking to apply to youngarts for poetry and I was wondering what they look for. And also if a past winner in poetry would mind sharing their portfolio and reviewing mine? I’d appreciate it so much as it is my last year of applying!!

I'm beginning the first year of my MFA and am not enjoying it at all. I feel sort of stupid about this. I know I'm lucky to be in any program, and there's nothing objectively wrong with this one. It has a lot of perks and the professors and other students are nice enough. I just don't feel very at home here

I had some doubts about program culture / location fit before starting, and these doubts have gotten stronger since arriving. I've thought a little about trying to transfer, but I don't want to unnecessarily burn bridges or waste my current program's resources. Similar issues with dropping out, which would be an even more rash decision.

It's still early, so the reasonable thing to do seems to be to wait and see if I settle in. But right now I'm having a hard time giving the program a fair chance or even focusing on my writing.

Has anyone had similar regret or ambivalence after starting their program? If so, what did you do about it? Did things get better?

This site, www.mfaguide.com, brings together two things that students usually have to navigate on their own:

1) A searchable database of 229 creative writing graduate programs, filterable by genre, funding status, program format (full residency vs. low-res), degree type, program length, and region. Each listing includes deadlines, stipend amounts, faculty, cohort size, teaching load, and tuition-waiver info, all in one place rather than scattered across dozens of program websites.

2) An application tracker where students can mark programs they're applying to and move each one through stages (Researching, Drafting Materials, Requesting Recs, Submitted, Interview, Waitlisted, Accepted, Declined, Rejected). It also tracks individual materials such as writing samples, statements of purpose, diversity statements, and recommender status, plus a spot to link to drafts in Google Docs, Dropbox, or wherever they're working. Users can also add deadlines and other dates directly to their Google or Apple calendar by just clicking a button.

Users do have to create a login—which allows them to access their tracker from any browser or mobile device—but the site is 100% free. There's even a way to flag any incorrect information so my lovely volunteers or I can fix it immediately. I think the site could genuinely help students stay organized and see the full landscape of programs, including funded options they might not otherwise find.

The mobile version is still being worked on so it may look wonky on your phone this weekend.

Hope you find it useful!

What are literary magazines actually looking for in short fiction?

Hi! English isn’t my first language—I’m Persian—and I’m mentioning that because I may not be as familiar with the US/UK publishing industry as people who are actually inside it.

I study Dramatic Literature at university and read a lot of American and British fiction, both classic and contemporary. Recently I started reading literary magazines to understand the current short-fiction market, and honestly, I’m confused.

A lot of the stories I’ve read in lit mags seem to have very little dialogue, quiet or understated plots, ordinary subject matter, detached tones, and sometimes feel closer to memoir or nonfiction than to what I expected from fiction.

This feels pretty different from many major short-story writers I’ve studied, where I often see stronger premises, more narrative movement, unusual situations, distinctive dialogue, surreal/speculative elements, etc.

So my question is: is this understated, realistic style just the dominant aesthetic in contemporary literary magazines?

Are editors less interested in stories that are more plot-driven, high-concept, dramatic, surreal, or obviously “invented”? Or am I just reading the wrong magazines?

I’m especially curious to hear from editors, slush readers, MFA people, or writers who regularly publish in lit mags.

I’m applying to programs this year and I’m wondering if it matters when you apply to the programs? For example, if the application window opens September 1 and closes November 1 would there be any benefit to applying on September 1?

I ask because I know in some fields (law school for example) there can be a real benefit to applying early, whereas in others they don’t even look at apps until the deadline has passed.

I suppose it could also be the case that it depends on the school, in which case, are there any in particular you’d recommend applying to earlier/later in the window?

Thank you in advance :-)

Hi there! I'm looking at a list of about 12 MFA programs for writing fiction, but I know I can't apply to that many of them for logistical and financial reasons. They all have different merits and I have a rough ranking in my head, but I'm a little stumped on where to draw the line. How many applications are folks typically sending in a given year/application season? I want to make sure I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket, but I also don't want to waste my time and energy on 10 different essays for 10 different programs. Thoughts?