0 Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Almost November... must be "Freak Out About MFA Applications Time"!But don't worry, we've addressed many of the most frequently asked questions below. And of course Sally Jane, Nancy, and many others will answer any new questions in the latest mailbag. Hang in there!-- Tom Kealey1. If you can afford it, apply to between 8 and 12 programs. The selection process is unpredictable. Keep your options open.2. When considering programs (and this is my advice, and not often the same advice of many other people): Consider location, funding, and teaching experience, in that order. Make a list of places where you'd like to live and where you could stand...

0 Mailbag - October 28, 2012

Looking at the mountain of apps and wondering how to begin?  Editing your writing sample and feeling anxious?  Killing time before Hurricane Sandy cuts your power?  Then post your questions, concerns, and advice right he...

0 In Case You Were Wondering What NOT To Do....

For a few good laughs: http://www.tinhouse.com/blog/17985/how-to-apply-to-an-mfa-program.h...

0 Residencies – A Step towards the MFA? An Alternative?

Over the summer I was fortunate enough to be offered a residency at betterArts in the North Country of New York.  Besides swimming in the crystal clear lakes and eating veggies fresh from the organic garden, the residency also gave me the time and space to do a lot of much-needed writing free from the demands of my “real” life.  I loved every second of it.  And it also got me thinking about writing residencies as a concept – I already have a MFA, and I work at a writers conference, so why is applying for and receiving a residency important?  And is it important/interesting to everybody?For those of you applying to MFA programs...