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So you've decided you want to be a writer and you think getting a M.F.A. degree in creative writing will help you learn the craft, develop a work ethic, and make connections. The next step is take into consideration your needs and then put together an outstanding application.
Know yourself: Before you apply, ask yourself a series of questions. What do you want out of a M.F.A. program? Are you willing to move? Are you willing to get a degree with little practical application? How much can you afford to pay in tuition if you don't get financial aid? Once you have got an idea of how committed you are and what exactly you want out of this experience, find programs that match your agenda.
Things to look for in a prospective program:
* Writers who teach in the program. It's important to actually see a list of courses offered and who actually teaches these courses because some schools list high profile writers but these writers rarely teach at the school and are there only in name. Read some of the work by the writers teaching in that program.
* Reputation of the program. How long has the program been around? A well established degree, like the one at Iowa, comes with its own opportunities and earns respect.
* The amount and quality of visiting writers the program brings in. Check to see if these writers teach seminars or only give readings.
* The length of time it takes to complete the program. Many M.F.A. programs are two years but some are three.
* Is the degree a studio degree (all writing), a literature degree (mostly reading), or a mix. The advantage of a studio degree is it takes less time and you don't have to take literature courses. The advantage of the other two degrees is that they give you the credentials to teach, not only creative writing but low level English classes.
* The program's literary magazine. Often the school's magazine can give you a boost with opportunities for publishing and/or editing.
Tips for the application process:
1. Writing Sample! Writing Sample! Writing Sample!: It's all about the writing sample. M.F.A. programs are looking for potential to mold into accomplished writers (who will in turn help the reputation of the program as renowned alumni). To determine that potential, the selection committees look at the writing sample (sometimes referred to as a writing portfolio) you send in with your application. Most programs don't allow mixed genre portfolios so it's best to first choose which genre you will apply under: fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, screen/play writing (fewer programs offer degrees in the last two genres). Then, pick a sample of your best work (the amount is determined by the programs requirements--often thirty pages). Next, spend as much time as you have polishing and improving that sample.
2. Don't sweat the GRE: Many programs don't even ask for GRE scores and those that do only look at the score in Verbal. Again, what matters is the writing sample.
3. Apply to as many programs as you can. Normally, when applying to college or graduate school, you are told to apply to at least three: top choice, second choice, safety. Because getting into an M.F.A. rests mostly on the subjective response to your writing sample is important to apply to as many programs as financially possible. This approach gives you not only more chances of getting in but a higher chance of getting a teaching assistantship or a fellowship at one of the schools.
4. No creative statements of purpose: Your creativity should come through in your writing sample. In your statement of purpose, or other relevant essay on your future intentions, don't show off your experimental attitudes toward prose. Use this essay to clear and concisely express your career motivations, writing background, and goals. Stress any publications you have or any experience with editing.
5. Get recommendations that speak to your writing. An excellent recommendation from your undergraduate algebra professor may be better than nothing but it's not likely to help you get into an M.F.A. program. Instead, seek letters from your English or History professors and ask them to specifically address your writing skills in the letter.
Again, the key to getting into any M.F.A. program lies in a strong writing sample that shows off your potential. The other factors will do little to make up for a weak portfolio.
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