r/MFAInCreativeWriting

hi guys, would love some insight into this. i finished my undergrad in english with a 2.7. i haven't applied to any programs yet, but even considering a fully funded one feels kind of ridiculous to me lol. are there any funded programs that might overlook this? any advice in increasing my chances besides just a great portfolio? or is it even worth it to apply to fully funded programs at all with this gpa? just for context, i graduated 3 years ago. appreciate it <3

EDIT: thank you guys sm for all the responses! feeling way less nervous about applying now :) i seriously thought i was doomed lmao

I am applying with a background in literature/humanities but not English or cw. My recommenders are all scholars in my field of study and can speak to my academic and to some degree creative skills. However, I wonder if it is gonna hurt my chance if I don’t have someone speaking directly for my creative writing ability… I have taken some workshops but feel the duration is relatively short and I am not sure if I left an impression on mentors for a strong letter. Most of my recommenders have known me for two to four years…

I am also interested to know for fully funded programs and competitive programs in general
if this is gonna be a decisive factor for final deliberation

Looking for fiction or nonfiction prose or books on writing prose please! Thanks!

I’m a 23 M who’s a year into post grad and I’m considering getting an MFA in CW. I wanna know what I can with it besides becoming a professor. My ultimate goal is to become a full time novelist.

I graduated in 2022 with a BFA. Wanted to work in publishing, journalism, or a nonprofit in the arts. Tried getting the right internships but never did.

In 2023 I moved to nyc. Since then I’ve had the cliche string of odd jobs. Teaching, dog walking, art handling. I’ve kept writing through all of this, and publishing (book reviews and interviews mostly). But I’m tired of the odd jobs.

I have tried every possible “career pivot” strategy you could think of. Re-ordering the experience on my resume, sending networking emails/linkedin messages, reaching out to alumni. I even started a reading series two years ago that me and one other person are still running. It’s been successful, drawing big crowds and even getting some media attention. I’m grateful for the friends I’ve been making and the fact that it’s been successful. It’s also been a good place to “network” but hasn’t produced a job. I meet agents, editors, etc every month. But I’m still in my day job that I hate.

It feels like I’m out of options. I’m really depressed and feel like if my career hasn’t started by now it never will.

I’m applying to fully funded MFAs this fall. Something I never thought I’d do. But if I’m able to spend 2-3 years focused on improving my writing, and hopefully getting some new skills in teaching and editorial work, then it’s worth it.

What do I do?

For some context, I am currently 27. I studied Filmmaking and graduated in 2021. I am planning on applying to grad school next year. Right now, I am taking the time to write and focus on my writing portfolio — I have an idea for a short story / novel and that's what I'm working on.

I'll be the first in my family to pursue a Master's degree so I'm feeling very apprehensive about the idea of only applying to schools that are selective / would have a low acceptance rate. I know that the reason for this selectivity is moreso about program funding/teaching opportunities/etc.

I've also gotten the advice from friends that Master's admissions is not like undergrad's and you are solely going to be considered based on your application and your work — less politics than undergrad admissions, although some considerably involved still.

Below are the schools I want to apply to. Still revising them. But for the most part, considering them because I can see myself living in these areas and I want to go to full residency program.

Do you think I should broaden my horizons and look into more schools? Any advice as I go deeper into this process?

Programs I want to apply to:

• Bard College
• Brown University
• CalArts
• Columbia University
• Iowa Writer's Workshop
• University of Michigan
• NYU
• UMass Amherst