The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA CW) is a common terminal degree for anyone interested in becoming a professional writer. This degree is usually a four-year program that prepares creative writers for a variety of careers in publishing and media. While many MFA CW programs are rather intensive, requiring around 130 credit hours, the average length of an MFA CW application is 27 months. This is according to data from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Mississippi.
Why take such a long time? This is a complicated question because there are a variety of reasons why an MFA CW application may take so long. For example, the application process itself can be very time-consuming. In addition, the required essays, which represent 50% of the total application, can themselves be quite lengthy. Moreover, the interview and workshop components of an MFA CW application are also rather time-consuming. In fact, some schools may even require an additional year of post-graduate study, in part, to accommodate the extra time needed for an MFA CW application. As a result, it is not unusual for incoming students to have to start all over again in their second year of university.
Despite all of this, it is still possible to graduate with a minimal amount of time invested. For those aiming to complete an MFA CW in four years, the recommended approach is to begin the program in the Fall of one’s freshman year. This is when every other component of the application, with the exception of the writing itself, can be completed. Moreover, a minimal amount of time should be allocated for each component of the application. Doing so will result in an MFA CW application that is completed in around 10 months.
Which schools give applicants the best shot at being accepted?
To determine which schools give applicants the best shot at being accepted, one need look no further than to the GRE scores of the incoming class. The average GRE score for the Class of 2021 is 495. The required minimum score to be accepted is 300. In addition to this, many graduate schools, including the University of Mississippi, require that applicants have a graduate GPA of at least 3.0. As a result, applicants to the University of Mississippi may have a good chance of being accepted, especially if they have a 3.5 GPA or higher as an undergraduate. These are the types of schools that prefer to see a complete application, rather than a partial one.
Which schools are most likely to accept an application after only half of it is complete?
When it comes to the application process, common sense should dictate that one should not put anything incomplete in. However, it is important to note that even applicants who have finished all of the required components of their application may not be accepted. This is especially true for those aiming to enter prestigious MFA CW programs where the acceptance rate is around 40%. In such cases, having a complete application does not guarantee acceptance. It simply raises the possibility that the applicant may be accepted. Having said that, the recommendation is to put everything you have in your application, and then see what happens.
How many pages should an MFA CW application be?
When it comes to applications and how much space they take up, it is always a good idea to keep things simple. After all, fewer pages mean less weight in the mail, and that, in turn, means less time and effort spent on the journey to a final destination.
On the other hand, it is also important not to make things too complicated. Those who apply to a lot of graduate schools can get overwhelmed by the number of pages required by each school. In these cases, it may be helpful to break things down by component. For example, if a school requires a 500-word essay, one should write a 500-word essay and call it a day. In addition, many schools also require that the application be typed in English. Therefore, one should take the time to learn how to type, before applying to a graduate program, especially if they do not have access to a professional typist.
Are there any shortcuts to getting accepted into an MFA CW program?
Based on the data from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Mississippi, it would appear that there are certain shortcuts to getting accepted into an MFA CW program. Having a solid foundation in creative writing can certainly help. In addition, having a strong background in English may also prove to be an advantage, as many graduate schools require that applicants have a solid grasp of the language. Finally, since many of these programs are highly competitive, it may be wise to explore the possibility of applying to a couple of schools at once, to get the best shot at being accepted.
When Can an MFA CW Application Be Completed?
This is quite a common question and it is often asked by those who are thinking of applying to an MFA CW program on a short-term basis, either due to changes in their career field or, perhaps, as a stepping-stone to a long-term program. This is something to consider, especially if they plan to apply for multiple programs.
On the other hand, those who are in the process of applying for an MFA CW program and have the opportunity to do so, should take the time to do so, as a complete application, with all components, is taken into account when making a decision regarding acceptance. Moreover, since many of these programs are designed to be terminal degrees, for those who are unable to secure a job as a writer, in the near future, it may not be the best option.
Applying for Student Visa’s
Another option for those who cannot secure employment as a creative writer is to apply for a student visa. This type of visa allows the applicant to study in the UK for a period of time, after which, they can apply for residency, and eventually, full citizenship. Students who apply for this visa must reside in one of the following communities: London, Brighton, or Cambridge. In addition to this, they must either be studying or working in the Creative Industries.
Many students who study for an MFA CW in the UK, secure employment successfully, upon graduation, with some of the world’s top media and advertising agencies.