Antioch is a private, Christian university in the Northeast founded in 1939 and known for its excellent and interesting alumni including William F. Buckley, Jr., Gore Vidal, and James D. McCarty. It’s a highly selective school, with around 80% of applicants accepted, which places it among the most selective MFA creative writing programs in the country. A lot of work goes into getting in there, and once you’re in, you have access to some of the most well-known and reputable professors in the field. You will learn a lot in a short amount of time. So how selective is Antioch University’s MFA Creative Writing Program really – and can you get in?
Overview Of The Creative Writing Program
The Antioch MFA Creative Writing Program is one of the country’s most selective and prestigious creative writing programs. It offers both a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Science in Creative Writing, with around 40 students in each program. The majority of the students are married and have children. The graduate’s work is strongly focused on literary innovation, examining the nature of art and literature in a digital age.
Students choose to study at this institution for many reasons, with selectivity being just one of them. The university prides itself on its diverse population, and because of this, almost half of its undergraduates are either Arab or Muslim. This gives the student body a global perspective, and as a result, many of the courses can be multicultural and include guest lecturers from various walks of life. Students can also choose to take part in the university’s research program, assisting scientists and scholars with primary source analysis for various journals and publications.
The graduate’s study at Antioch is very demanding, with around 20 hours of study per week required, including a mix of coursework and dissertation research. The curriculum covers a lot of theoretical frameworks in a range of literature, film, and digital media courses, as well as practical classes in creative writing and journalism. Students are encouraged to attend both the professional and creative writing conferences across the country, gaining valuable insight from experienced academics and established authors.
The Admissions Process
Admission to the Antioch MFA Creative Writing Program is extremely competitive – around 80% of applicants are accepted. The school evaluates applications from a combination of subjective and objective criteria, with the Graduate School Dean mentioning that you have to be “committed to your writing,” “able to take risks,” and “daring and original” to get in. While not everyone may be suited to study at a selective university such as this one, those who are offered a place will definitely benefit from the experience. After completing your studies, you will have a strong base from which to build your career as a professional writer.
The competitive nature of the admissions process means you have to be prepared to write a lot of letters of application, with the typical application taking around 12-16 hours to put together. However, this is just a part of the process, and once you’re in, you will have access to a whole world of resources, with tutors, workshops, and conferences available to you. As well as allowing you to develop your writing skills and pitch projects, this program also provides you with access to a whole network of authors, journalists, and creative individuals who can help you along the way.
Why Study At A Selective University?
While studying at such a prestigious university may not be for everyone, there are many advantages to doing so. First, you will enhance your education and learning experience with the opportunity to study at a university that was founded in the 19th century and is committed to academic excellence. You will also be studying in a comfortable and engaging environment, with lots of different courses to choose from and opportunities to progress in your chosen field. Finally, you might be studying at a university that is highly engaged with the community, meaning you could become part of a global network of students and alumni who are looking to give back. In these sorts of institutions, you are not just a number and are accepted on the merit of your work, so you are bound to learn a lot.
There are also disadvantages to studying at a selective university. First, the competition for places can be high, so if you want to study at a university that is known for its high quality teaching and resources, then make sure you submit your application early on in order to secure a place.
Another disadvantage is that while it may be great to study at a prestigious university, the work load can be high, and it’s not always easy to find a balance between study, work, and family life. In order to succeed in both your studies and your personal life, you have to be really organized and careful not to overextend yourself. Additionally, being at a university that is known for its selectivity can put you in a bit of a social – not public – relationship with your teachers and academics, especially if you get close to the more experienced professors. You will find that your fellow students respect you for going to a selective university, but it will also be obvious that you are not part of the common herd, and it can put you in an awkward position at times.
The Range Of Opportunities
Once you’re in the Antioch MFA Creative Writing Program, you will have access to a range of courses and specializations that will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful professional writer. You will study a broad range of topics including creative writing, literary theory, film studies, cultural politics, and digital media, allowing you to gain in-demand skills and make the most of the opportunities this university has to offer.
While this might be a good fit for your studies, it’s not always easy to know where to start, especially since there is so much to learn. Luckily, the university will happily give you guidance and help you to get started, with various dedicated Graduate School counsellors available to offer you support throughout your studies.
For those who want to make the most of their studies and gain the most from the experience, it might be a good idea to specialize in one area and earn a PhD. After earning your doctorate, you will have the opportunity to teach at both undergraduate and graduate level, while also being able to take on freelance projects and work with various institutions and companies.
For more information about applying to the Antioch MFA creative writing program, check out this useful guide from the school’s website.