The MFA Application Process Begins

It’s time to begin the MFA process. Over the coming weeks, months, and years, I’ll document all of my failures and (hopeful) successes as I begin and go through the journey.

The first step is, of course, applying to programs that I think will be a good fit. I have a list of about five programs that I’m most interested in. I plan to apply to each. However, one is my top choice, and if that school accepts me, I’ll stop where I am in my application process and commit.

Each of the five programs I’m interested in operates in a low-residency style. For where I am right now in my life, that part is a non-negotiable. After much reading and researching, here are the five programs I’ve narrowed it down to:

-Queens University of Charlotte

-Sewanee School of Letters at The University of the South

-New Orleans University

-Spalding University

-Eastern Kentucky University

Each program has its own special appeal. Queens has the ideal structure of residency requirements, and the faculty is top notch. Plus, the communication is EXCELLENT. Sewanee has an incredible faculty and is close to home. And Sewanee is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Lots of inspiration around for sure. New Orleans has some really great travel opportunities and has a proven track record of helping some fantastic writers. Spalding and EKU both have great communication, and their respective programs seem great, too.

I’m excited to report that I’ve applied to my first program: Queens University of Charlotte. I wasn’t going to start applying until December, but Queens offers an early decision application for folks who apply before October 2nd. I got my application through about three hours before the deadline.

I have no idea how long it will take to hear anything. It could be a couple of weeks, I guess, but it could also be months.

I’m trying to put it all in the back of my mind and focus on getting the other applications together. But, really, I mean, who am I kidding? I’ll be checking my email every few hours and making sure my ringer on my phone isn’t muted (I hear the Queens MFA director calls if writers are accepted). Exciting times, indeed…