105 POETS & WRITERS^The Grad Cafe (thegradcafe.com)
features a database of more than
a half million graduate admissions
results and a discussion forum.Of the 158 full-residency programs
included in the Poets & Writers 2019
MFA Index, available online at pw.org,
65 (or 41 percent) offer full funding,
meaning all students are offered full
tuition support for the duration of
the program. Many programs cannot
guarantee full funding, as funding
often depends on changing university
budgets.special section MFA PROGRAMS1) a pedagogy course and check-ins during the first year to prepare students
for teaching their creative writing workshops; 2) a Life After the MFA seminar,
for which they bring in alumni of the program to speak to students about fel-
lowships, the job market, and agents and publishing; 3) the opportunity to meet
with multiple agents and practice query letters. I met my agent during one such
a meeting and was guided by my mentor in normal practices and agreement
letters before I signed. If you had to do it all over again, would you do anything
differently? I would make an effort to curb negative self-talk, which was one of
the main reasons I had any difficulties during my time in the program. I would
also take advantage of the libraries for research way more than I did. I think it’s
easy to isolate yourself, especially in studio programs where the writing is the
main focus. I would make more time for seeing the new place I lived, wouldn’t
worry so much that I wasn’t “getting things done.” Any advice for writers who
are applying to MFA programs? Above all else: Don’t go into debt for a writing
MFA. Don’t get caught up in the prestige of any institution, the shiny faculty—
until you know that what they’re offering is enough that you won’t have to stress
about making rent or getting a side hustle. Make sure you can eat and live or
else the benefit of the time won’t be as effective. I’m not saying you’re going to
be living lavishly with full funding—you’re still a grad student—but the MFA is
meant to be a kind of bubble, insulation between you and the real world while
you’re still finding your voice and learning how to do what you do better. Take
care of yourself during the application process, find your support group, and if
you’re a part of a Facebook Draft group or Grad Cafe, maybe take a little break
during notification season. What’s yours is already yours, so breathe.Other programs in Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin in Madison is
the only MFA program in the state, but the
University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee offers
both an MA and a PhD in writing.