Getting into a Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing Program is not easy, especially with the current state of the industry. The competition is intense, and there are a limited number of places available, which only encourages more individuals to try and achieve this valuable qualification.
Is it possible to get into a MFA creative writing program without a stellar track record, or at least a good degree of academic achievement? The answer is yes. However, it takes some serious dedication, and a willingness to put in the time and effort to ensure you develop the right skills.
The question is: How hard is it to get into a MFA creative writing program? Let’s explore.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to Michael Silverstein, an MFA in Creative Writing Program Director at New York University, getting into a MFA Creative Writing program means you’ve got some big competition ahead of you.
“All the MFA programs are highly competitive. It’s a numbers game, and it’s a numbers game with a lot of attrition. Students are competing for places, and students are competing for funding. It’s a tough game. There are a lot of good writers out there, and a lot of good teachers, but it’s a tough game.”
However, getting into a top-tier creative writing program means your future is more promising. With an excellent grade point average, you’ve got a good chance of being accepted into any one of the top programs. According to Silverstein, anything above a 2.75 GPA will ensure you get admitted, regardless of whether you’ve got a creative writing degree or not.
“It’s not so much that you’ve got to have a degree to get into the program, but you definitely have to have a good academic record. Depending upon the program, you might also be asked to take the GRE or the GMAT. So, it’s a data-driven application process, but having the data is not enough. You’ve got to have something more to offer.”
Three Types Of MFA Programs
“There are three types of MFA programs,” explains Silverstein. “There are traditional MFA programs, which emphasize thesis work and a lot of writing. Then, there are workshop-style MFA programs, where students focus on individual work and get feedback from their instructors and from each other. Finally, we have Integrated MFA programs, which are a combination of the previous two, where students engage in both personal and professional development through their program of study.”
These three types of MFA programs are not mutually exclusive, and it’s possible to find the one that suits you best. For instance, if you’ve got a clear idea of what you want from a graduate program, you might want to look for a traditional MFA program, as these allow you to focus on your thesis work, which is the ultimate goal of most creative writing programs. However, if you don’t want to concentrate too much on your writing, you might want to join a workshop-style MFA program, which gives you the opportunity to engage with other students, as well as the instructors, in a professional learning environment.
What You’ll Learn
If you decide to go the MFA route, you’ll learn a lot, both formally and informally. Formally, you’ll learn a variety of skills, including how to write a scholarly proposal, conduct research, and analyze data, among others. Informally, you’ll learn how to write a good story, character building, and how to edit your work. During your time in the program, you’ll even get the opportunity to workshop your work, and get feedback on how to make it better.
However, beyond the skills you’ll learn in the classroom, you’ll also learn how to be a professional, and how to network effectively. For example, you’ll learn about publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle, which enable you to distribute your work to a wider audience, as well as make more money off your books. You’ll also learn how to navigate the industry, and what are the commonalities and differences in all areas of creative writing, including fiction, non-fiction, and screenwriting.
The Different Phases
The first step towards getting into a MFA Creative Writing program is completing a bachelor’s degree, or higher. Once you’ve got your degree, you’ve got the opportunity to apply for graduate school. From there, you’ll go on to complete an MFA program. However, the process is not easy, and it can take several years to complete. In fact, Silverstein notes that it’s not uncommon for candidates to spend up to seven or eight years training for this one opportunity.
“This is an investment,” says Silverstein. “You’re not going to get into a MFA program, if you’re not willing to make the investment. It takes a lot of time to develop the skills you need to be a successful applicant. You’ve got to be willing to put in the time, and make the effort.”
Ultimately, getting into a MFA Creative Writing program is not easy, especially considering the current state of the industry. However, with the right skills, and the right application, it’s possible to achieve this goal, and have a bright future ahead of you.