Hey y'all! If you want me to workshop your personal statement or writing sample, I'm on Fiverr now! Look me up: Personal statement feedback and editing: www.fiverr.com/share/714qyk Writing sample feedback and editing: www.fiverr.com/share/5Abv11
I first watched this video 6 months ago, and I'm serious when I now say that you gave me ideas and a place to start with my grad school search. Today, I came back to say that I was given an incredible offer at my top choice school! I thank you sincerely for making this video. I hope you're doing well and finding success in all that you do!
Wow! Congrats! Your comment made my day for days. And I needed that because I've been getting soooo many rejections from lit mags. I'm so glad you got such a good offer! Can I ask where? Funny story, I was talking to a prospective MFA student who had just gotten into WKU, where I am, and he realized I was the "Brian from the TH-cam video." It's pretty surreal for me that this video is actually helping people get into grad school! Anyway, if you'd like, feel free to connect with me on Twitter (link in description). I'd love to follow your MFA journey.
I watched this video a long while ago and it inspired me. I literally hit submit on ALL of my applications last week (9 in total). My fingers are crossed and now I'm in the waiting period.
Very cool to see you here helping so many others! I’m beginning the application process myself now and I’m filled with hope & dread, so it’s reassuring to hear these words from someone I’ve shared classes with. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Phi!!! It's great to hear from you. I'm glad you found my video. Small world! Good luck with your applications. You're a talented writer, so I'm sure you have a strong fighting chance of getting into some top notch programs. Let me know where you get in!
Thanks for this video. Your shirt changes made me smile :). I'm still doing my undergrad but I'm considering my MFA options and landed on this, it's helping put some things in perspective.
Hi Cynthia! Glad you found this helpful. If you want to get more perspective, check out my more recent video that talks about the pros and cons of my entire MFA experience. Good luck on your writing journey!
@@brianwallacebaker Thanks, I watched it soon after I watched this video. Would it be possible for me to email you a brief question concerning pursuing an MFA (it concerns my personal career progress so I'd rather not have it all out in a comment section)? I could not find an email address attached to your account. Thanks in advance.
@@cynthiak.5952 sure! I actually don't make my email public on TH-cam, but if you follow me on Twitter, I'll follow you back, and I can DM you my email.
It really is so hard, Jacqueline! I never thought I'd finish my application, but now I have an MFA. My diploma is sitting on my bookshelf. It's a long journey, but you can definitely do it. Feel free to reach out on Twitter (link in description) if you have any questions!
@@brianwallacebaker I just did! It's actually quite funny... It looks like you know somebody who I know! (Or, at least, someone I know is following you on Twitter...) I actually tried sending you a message, but your handle isn't coming up in my inbox. 😅
Haha thanks! Oh those shirts. That was goofy of me. Glad you found this video helpful. Feel free to reach out here or Twitter if you run into any questions. Good luck!
Thank you! I’m looking to get my Playwriting MFA but this was really helpful. I can’t find a lot of these that aren’t screenwriting for some reason. Could u do one on your personal statement? Like cover letters, I just want to see examples so I have an idea of a direction but I can’t find a lot of those.
Hi AJ! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time for video making during school. But if I make another video, that would be a good one to do. But for now, the only advice I can give is to follow the directions that each program gives you, personalize them for each program where possible, be professional but let your voice and writing talent show through, and show what you can add to their program and why their program is a good fit to you.
Thanks for the tips! I finished applying to all five schools already, but since I'm in my senior year of undergrad I'm not expecting to get in anywhere. I want to reapply in two years to Madison's MFA again if I don't get in anywhere.
Hi HG! I didn't look too closely at low residencies because I like being on campus and working with people face-to-face. Of course that's not an option for everyone, which is why low residency options are cool. I also didn't look into them as much because I don't know how many offer full funding. I get full funding here because I teach classes, and I don't know if low residency programs have those kinds of opportunities.
Hi, Brian! Your video is super helpful, and I appreciate hearing about the process from someone who's gone through it. I am a current undergrad applying to eight MFA programs nationwide. I am also at work on a senior thesis of three short stories, which will double as my portfolio. I realize this is covered in a previous comment, but I'm having a little trouble with my personal statements. Did you find it more helpful to write about your own personal style and the content you like to write, or to focus primarily on the school that you are applying to? Thank you.
Hey Sam! I'd focus more on your own personal style and what you like to write about, sprinkling in a few details about your interest in the specific program as you can.
@Brian Wallace Baker I know this might be a little too much to ask, but what kind of writing sample did you provide, like the gist of it? I have several, but I'm not sure what to send in. Currently I'm writing a fiction piece about werewolves. would you advise something like that, or is that subject played out? I guess I just need a little direction on what kind of writing (in the fiction field) would catch the eye of a application committee.
Mine was creative nonfiction, so my writing sample was three different essays, but I can say that for most programs werewolves would be a no go because most are focused on literary writing. My program at WKU is actually open to speculative stuff (the program director writes suspense novels), so you just kind of have to check with each program and make sure they like monster stuff. But unless you are applying to MFA programs that are specifically geared toward speculative writing, I'd go with strictly literary fiction for your writing sample.
Hey! Awesome advice and congrats! Are you still teaching with VIP Kid? Also, curious about what you write and what you’re focusing on in your program (short stories, novel, etc.). Thanks again!
Thanks! Yes, I still teaching with VIPKid. During school I usually only teach a class or two per day. It gets me up in the morning and I earn a little extra money on top of my stipend. Now that it's summer I'm teaching a lot. I write mostly creative nonfiction. I'm putting together a book-length essay collection for my thesis while also trying to get my essays published individually in literary journals. What do you write? Are you thinking of applying to some MFA programs?
@@brianwallacebaker very cool! I've been looking into MFA programs, but I haven't quite yet decided if I want to go that route (rather, I haven't decided if I want to put in the amount of effort it requires to get accepted into one, though I'd really love to go). My undergrad is in lit and creative writing, and the program mostly focused on creative non and poetry, but since graduating, I've taken some workshops/literary classes in the community in fiction, and it's really opened me up creatively. Finally feel like I've found my "voice." Currently working on a collection of short stories!
@@audreyfisher731 nice! It's cool that you live in a place where workshops like that are available. And yeah, an MFA isn't the only track to a good writing career, but it can be an invaluable experience with a built-in community of writing peers and mentors. Definitely worth the hard work to get into one of that's what you want to do. :)
Thank you so much for the helpful info, I wanted to know how do you evaluate the chance of international students? I'm from Iran and I'm working hard to apply for the fall of 2021
Hi Danial! I think most MFA programs are very open to international students. My program once had a student from Russia. As long as you can figure out all the red tape and paperwork of national borders and university admissions, I'm sure most, if not all, MFA programs would love to have you.
I'm looking at applying for a Creative Writing MFA. The issue is finding places where I can get my work critiqued. I just got out of undergrad December 2018 and am trying to figure out with all this downtime. My current goal is to start at 500 words a day and build up to 2000 words per day. I'm hoping that this is a decent amount that will help me generate content to edit and see what will really work together in a portfolio. I'm wondering if there's any way where we can be pen pal buddies once a month by critiquing each other's work. If so that would be fantastic. I'm really trying to get my ish together and be a writer not just in title but in practice. I really feel like getting a fresh pair of eyes on things would make everything so much more clear to me- the spaces in my writing that really need work. Thanks!
Hi Kasondra! 2000 words a day is pretty ambitious! That might work for some people, but I've found that blocking out an amount of time is much more effective than trying to reach a daily word count. You're going for quality rather than quantity, so blocking out time allows you to draft or revise without worrying about how many words you are at. I'm afraid I can't commit to reading your stuff long-term, but if you would like to send me an essay in the next week or two, I would be happy to read it and give you feedback. I don't want to post my email address here, so here's how we will do it. Follow me on Twitter (which will allow me to send you a direct message) and then Tweet at me so I will know you followed me. Then I can message you my email address for you to send me your work. Sorry it that sounds overly complicated, but I'd prefer not to post my email here. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Brian. Currently looking at Online MFA Programs. They seem to have become more mainstream with Covid. Even Emerson College (One of my top choices) is now offering a 100% online MFA program. What do you think about online master's programs? Do you still get your money's worth? Is the education of the same quality to in-person?
Hi Thomas! I don't know too much about online MFAs, though to me I'd rather be in person. Well, that's before Covid. I guess in this crazy world online programs would be a good option. For me personally, though, I don't think I would have quite as good of an experience online as I did in person. There's a lot of research out there, which I don't know too much about, but I've heard that in-person education is just over-all more effective. But you have to decide what will work for you. If you think you can have a good experience doing an MFA online, then go for it. For me, the community was one of the biggest benefits to my MFA, and I just don't know how I would have gotten that online.
Hey friend. Great video. I'm also trying to get into a creative writing program, however, my BA is in History. I wanted to know if you think it would still be realistic for me to get into a creative writing program, or if I would have to go back and get my BA in English?
Hey! I could be wrong, but I think MFA programs might require an English degree or an equivalent, such as communications. History might fall into that category since it is a writing intensive field. As long as your writing sample is good, my guess is that you'd be good to go, but it wouldn't hurt to reach out to a few programs and ask them directly.
How many students get selected for mfa creative writing fiction? And you said its fully funded does it mean they provide stipend and stuff to a student?
Hi Sumaya, in my program, they just take their favorite applicants, regardless of genre. In my cohort there was one essayist (me), one poet, and four fiction writers. Fiction tends to be the biggest group in my program. But some programs list on their websites how many of each genre they take. Funding varies widely across programs, but in my program I had all my tuition paid for, and then I got a monthly stipend for tutoring and teaching. I had to pay a couple hundred bucks in school fees each semester, which was odd considering how much the university was paying me. Gotta love academia. I hope that answers your questions!
I applied to 14 programs. The only program that offered me full funding had an acceptance rate around 15%, and that's quite a high acceptance rate compared to larger programs. Sometimes thousands of people are applying to fill half a dozen openings.
Hi, I'm about to apply to MFA creative writing programs. I am wondering if I need a cover page for my writing sample. I have looked everywhere to try and find out how to format the first page. Should I just put my name and title at the top? Thank you and I really hope you see this!
Hey Danielle! I didn't have a cover page for mine. As long as you follow what formatting guidelines programs do require, you should be fine. A simple MLA header on the first page with your name, writing sample genre, etc. should be adequate. I don't think they are too picky about formatting as long as it looks good, but applying consistent MLA or Chicago style formatting to your sample is probably a good idea. That said, I'm sure programs also get samples with cover pages on them. My guess--and it really is just a guess--is that either way will be fine. I hope that helps!
I noticed a few MFA programs have a two step application process. If you make it to the second phase are you pretty much in, or does it not carry that much weight?
Hey Jeremy! I'm not very familiar with that system. I'm aware of programs that make you apply separately to the program and to teaching assistantships, but that's about it. Sorry I can't offer a satisfactory answer.
Thank you so much for this helpful video. How much time had passed for you between university and making your MFA applications? I graduated from undergrad in Dec 2011 and from my master's in Sep 2013. I am now starting the MFA application process and feel an added layer of intimidation given the amount of time that's passed, so would love to hear about your experience in this regard.
Hi Melanie! I had close to three years of a break between getting my bachelor's and beginning my MFA. I know that's not as long as you, but just know you are in good company. There's a good diversity of life experience in my MFA program, and I'm sure that's the case with most programs. I think you can make it work no matter what your background is, and the fact that you already have graduate level work under your belt could be pretty helpful.
Hello, I am a Korean undergraduate who is applying to MFA programs this year, and I am struggling with my sop and cv. Is it okay to add awards that I received before college in my cv, and to write about it in my sop?
If you had any literary awards or publications before college, then that could work, but I probably wouldn't list anything that is broader and outside the scope of literary creative writing. For example, if you placed in a contest run by your local poetry society, then you could talk about that, but I wouldn't mention writing an article for your high school newspaper or anything like that.
Hi Mayank! Sure! My Instagram is @brianwbaker (instagram.com/brianwbaker/). I look forward to hearing from you. If you haven't seen it yet, you may also want to check out my second MFA video that goes over the pros and cons of my MFA experience at WKU.
Going well! I'm about to embark on my last semester, and then I'll have the summer term after that. It's definitely not perfect because it can be difficult to get solid writing time in. But I'm also teaching classes and am a dad now, as of three months ago, so I'd probably be getting more if it wasn't for that. The writing I have done has been very rewarding though. I had my first publication by a well known literary journal back in October.
@@brianwallacebaker hey! I never knew that you responded (shame on you TH-cam!) but I'm a mom too! (a parent, too? lol) my girl is just over 1.5 yrs old. I just sent in my apps. I feel you about the writing thing, my little girl is currently wreaking havoc while I'm trying to watch vids lol Congrats on you publication!!
@@jadebethj4807 yeah, parenting and writing are hard, but they can work together. I recently had a poem accepted for publication that's about my daughter. She's my little muse. And a terror. She loves wreaking havoc. Doing an MFA and being a parent can also work. Several of my classmates were also parents. Good luck on your applications!
@@brianwallacebaker I am at the point "Step 8: Wait (and Worry)" especially because I applied to only 1, so chances are low. Do you know what kind of style gets accepts at BU
@@seekersfinders8801 I don't know anything about BU, sorry. If you don't get in, don't lose hope. Most programs get way more qualified submissions than they can take, so they may even have to turn away writers they really like. And if you don't get in this time, try again for next year. Casting a wide net is always a good idea, and I highly recommend applying to WKU because of their higher acceptance rate and competitive payment through a graduate assistantships.
@@brianwallacebaker thank you. Fifty-six here, and just attended my first writers conference, Writers in Paradise (Florida), last year, and considering applying for an MFA. I really appreciate your video.
@@lauramcaz that's awesome! I say go for it! MFA programs, from what I've heard, usually appreciate a diversity of life experience, so your age won't count against you by any means.
I don't quite remember--3.something. I'm pretty sure MFA programs don't really care about undergraduate GPA though. And from my experience, most don't care about GRE scores either. They just want the best writers they can get.
Hey Brian. Thank you. Is ok if your creative non fiction portfolio is a small book based on a true life story (with some creativity to spice it up)? Can i send the book to you for review before submitting? What is your email address?
Just saw this! If you'd still like to send it to me, I'm definitely willing. I edit for a living, so I'd have to charge. If you're interested, send me a DM on Instagram, and I can send you my email.
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Hey y'all! If you want me to workshop your personal statement or writing sample, I'm on Fiverr now! Look me up:
Personal statement feedback and editing: www.fiverr.com/share/714qyk
Writing sample feedback and editing: www.fiverr.com/share/5Abv11
I first watched this video 6 months ago, and I'm serious when I now say that you gave me ideas and a place to start with my grad school search. Today, I came back to say that I was given an incredible offer at my top choice school! I thank you sincerely for making this video. I hope you're doing well and finding success in all that you do!
Wow! Congrats! Your comment made my day for days. And I needed that because I've been getting soooo many rejections from lit mags.
I'm so glad you got such a good offer! Can I ask where?
Funny story, I was talking to a prospective MFA student who had just gotten into WKU, where I am, and he realized I was the "Brian from the TH-cam video." It's pretty surreal for me that this video is actually helping people get into grad school!
Anyway, if you'd like, feel free to connect with me on Twitter (link in description). I'd love to follow your MFA journey.
Yes, please say where!
I watched this video a long while ago and it inspired me. I literally hit submit on ALL of my applications last week (9 in total). My fingers are crossed and now I'm in the waiting period.
Congrats on finishing your applications! I hope you are accepted to some amazing programs.
Very cool to see you here helping so many others! I’m beginning the application process myself now and I’m filled with hope & dread, so it’s reassuring to hear these words from someone I’ve shared classes with. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Phi!!! It's great to hear from you. I'm glad you found my video. Small world! Good luck with your applications. You're a talented writer, so I'm sure you have a strong fighting chance of getting into some top notch programs. Let me know where you get in!
Thanks for this video. Your shirt changes made me smile :). I'm still doing my undergrad but I'm considering my MFA options and landed on this, it's helping put some things in perspective.
Hi Cynthia! Glad you found this helpful. If you want to get more perspective, check out my more recent video that talks about the pros and cons of my entire MFA experience. Good luck on your writing journey!
@@brianwallacebaker Thanks, I watched it soon after I watched this video. Would it be possible for me to email you a brief question concerning pursuing an MFA (it concerns my personal career progress so I'd rather not have it all out in a comment section)? I could not find an email address attached to your account. Thanks in advance.
@@cynthiak.5952 sure! I actually don't make my email public on TH-cam, but if you follow me on Twitter, I'll follow you back, and I can DM you my email.
I am starting my search. I graduate next spring and will be applying in December.
Good luck!
This video is so affirming! Goodness, putting together my sample has been hard. (I'm still struggling, but we're getting there.)
It really is so hard, Jacqueline! I never thought I'd finish my application, but now I have an MFA. My diploma is sitting on my bookshelf. It's a long journey, but you can definitely do it. Feel free to reach out on Twitter (link in description) if you have any questions!
@@brianwallacebaker I just did! It's actually quite funny... It looks like you know somebody who I know! (Or, at least, someone I know is following you on Twitter...) I actually tried sending you a message, but your handle isn't coming up in my inbox. 😅
great video and great shirts ! just beginning my search and this was really helpful :)
Haha thanks! Oh those shirts. That was goofy of me. Glad you found this video helpful. Feel free to reach out here or Twitter if you run into any questions. Good luck!
Thank you! I’m looking to get my Playwriting MFA but this was really helpful. I can’t find a lot of these that aren’t screenwriting for some reason.
Could u do one on your personal statement? Like cover letters, I just want to see examples so I have an idea of a direction but I can’t find a lot of those.
Hi AJ! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time for video making during school. But if I make another video, that would be a good one to do. But for now, the only advice I can give is to follow the directions that each program gives you, personalize them for each program where possible, be professional but let your voice and writing talent show through, and show what you can add to their program and why their program is a good fit to you.
Thanks for the tips! I finished applying to all five schools already, but since I'm in my senior year of undergrad I'm not expecting to get in anywhere. I want to reapply in two years to Madison's MFA again if I don't get in anywhere.
They don't accept undergrad seniors? I'm also a senior, that's why I was wondering
@@shakhzosh I actually got in to an MFA program! I’m saying it’s rare, not that it doesn’t happen.
@@basicindiebro wooow, congratulations!!!
Thank you so much for all of this info! Did you consider full residency vs low residency at all?
Hi HG! I didn't look too closely at low residencies because I like being on campus and working with people face-to-face. Of course that's not an option for everyone, which is why low residency options are cool. I also didn't look into them as much because I don't know how many offer full funding. I get full funding here because I teach classes, and I don't know if low residency programs have those kinds of opportunities.
Hi, Brian! Your video is super helpful, and I appreciate hearing about the process from someone who's gone through it. I am a current undergrad applying to eight MFA programs nationwide. I am also at work on a senior thesis of three short stories, which will double as my portfolio. I realize this is covered in a previous comment, but I'm having a little trouble with my personal statements. Did you find it more helpful to write about your own personal style and the content you like to write, or to focus primarily on the school that you are applying to? Thank you.
Hey Sam! I'd focus more on your own personal style and what you like to write about, sprinkling in a few details about your interest in the specific program as you can.
@@brianwallacebaker Thank you! I'll definitely keep this in mind.
What were the 8 and which accepted you ?
@Brian Wallace Baker I know this might be a little too much to ask, but what kind of writing sample did you provide, like the gist of it? I have several, but I'm not sure what to send in. Currently I'm writing a fiction piece about werewolves. would you advise something like that, or is that subject played out? I guess I just need a little direction on what kind of writing (in the fiction field) would catch the eye of a application committee.
Mine was creative nonfiction, so my writing sample was three different essays, but I can say that for most programs werewolves would be a no go because most are focused on literary writing. My program at WKU is actually open to speculative stuff (the program director writes suspense novels), so you just kind of have to check with each program and make sure they like monster stuff. But unless you are applying to MFA programs that are specifically geared toward speculative writing, I'd go with strictly literary fiction for your writing sample.
@@brianwallacebaker Thank you!
@@felishi976 Good luck!
Hey! Awesome advice and congrats! Are you still teaching with VIP Kid? Also, curious about what you write and what you’re focusing on in your program (short stories, novel, etc.). Thanks again!
Thanks! Yes, I still teaching with VIPKid. During school I usually only teach a class or two per day. It gets me up in the morning and I earn a little extra money on top of my stipend. Now that it's summer I'm teaching a lot.
I write mostly creative nonfiction. I'm putting together a book-length essay collection for my thesis while also trying to get my essays published individually in literary journals.
What do you write? Are you thinking of applying to some MFA programs?
@@brianwallacebaker very cool! I've been looking into MFA programs, but I haven't quite yet decided if I want to go that route (rather, I haven't decided if I want to put in the amount of effort it requires to get accepted into one, though I'd really love to go). My undergrad is in lit and creative writing, and the program mostly focused on creative non and poetry, but since graduating, I've taken some workshops/literary classes in the community in fiction, and it's really opened me up creatively. Finally feel like I've found my "voice." Currently working on a collection of short stories!
@@audreyfisher731 nice! It's cool that you live in a place where workshops like that are available. And yeah, an MFA isn't the only track to a good writing career, but it can be an invaluable experience with a built-in community of writing peers and mentors. Definitely worth the hard work to get into one of that's what you want to do. :)
Thank you so much for the helpful info, I wanted to know how do you evaluate the chance of international students? I'm from Iran and I'm working hard to apply for the fall of 2021
Hi Danial! I think most MFA programs are very open to international students. My program once had a student from Russia. As long as you can figure out all the red tape and paperwork of national borders and university admissions, I'm sure most, if not all, MFA programs would love to have you.
I'm looking at applying for a Creative Writing MFA. The issue is finding places where I can get my work critiqued. I just got out of undergrad December 2018 and am trying to figure out with all this downtime. My current goal is to start at 500 words a day and build up to 2000 words per day. I'm hoping that this is a decent amount that will help me generate content to edit and see what will really work together in a portfolio. I'm wondering if there's any way where we can be pen pal buddies once a month by critiquing each other's work. If so that would be fantastic. I'm really trying to get my ish together and be a writer not just in title but in practice. I really feel like getting a fresh pair of eyes on things would make everything so much more clear to me- the spaces in my writing that really need work. Thanks!
Hi Kasondra! 2000 words a day is pretty ambitious! That might work for some people, but I've found that blocking out an amount of time is much more effective than trying to reach a daily word count. You're going for quality rather than quantity, so blocking out time allows you to draft or revise without worrying about how many words you are at.
I'm afraid I can't commit to reading your stuff long-term, but if you would like to send me an essay in the next week or two, I would be happy to read it and give you feedback. I don't want to post my email address here, so here's how we will do it. Follow me on Twitter (which will allow me to send you a direct message) and then Tweet at me so I will know you followed me. Then I can message you my email address for you to send me your work. Sorry it that sounds overly complicated, but I'd prefer not to post my email here.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Brian. Currently looking at Online MFA Programs. They seem to have become more mainstream with Covid. Even Emerson College (One of my top choices) is now offering a 100% online MFA program. What do you think about online master's programs? Do you still get your money's worth? Is the education of the same quality to in-person?
Hi Thomas! I don't know too much about online MFAs, though to me I'd rather be in person. Well, that's before Covid. I guess in this crazy world online programs would be a good option. For me personally, though, I don't think I would have quite as good of an experience online as I did in person. There's a lot of research out there, which I don't know too much about, but I've heard that in-person education is just over-all more effective. But you have to decide what will work for you. If you think you can have a good experience doing an MFA online, then go for it. For me, the community was one of the biggest benefits to my MFA, and I just don't know how I would have gotten that online.
Hey friend. Great video. I'm also trying to get into a creative writing program, however, my BA is in History. I wanted to know if you think it would still be realistic for me to get into a creative writing program, or if I would have to go back and get my BA in English?
Hey! I could be wrong, but I think MFA programs might require an English degree or an equivalent, such as communications. History might fall into that category since it is a writing intensive field. As long as your writing sample is good, my guess is that you'd be good to go, but it wouldn't hurt to reach out to a few programs and ask them directly.
How many students get selected for mfa creative writing fiction?
And you said its fully funded does it mean they provide stipend and stuff to a student?
And thanks for sharing this 😍
Hi Sumaya, in my program, they just take their favorite applicants, regardless of genre. In my cohort there was one essayist (me), one poet, and four fiction writers. Fiction tends to be the biggest group in my program. But some programs list on their websites how many of each genre they take.
Funding varies widely across programs, but in my program I had all my tuition paid for, and then I got a monthly stipend for tutoring and teaching. I had to pay a couple hundred bucks in school fees each semester, which was odd considering how much the university was paying me. Gotta love academia.
I hope that answers your questions!
@@brianwallacebaker thanks Brian, that was really helpful.😍
Do you recommend emailing the faculty? I was curious about certain aspects of the program and wanted to chat with them.
Yeah! If you have questions about a program, I think emailing the faculty is a great idea.
Did you say you applied to about 13 programs? 😮 Are the chances of accepence very limited?
I applied to 14 programs. The only program that offered me full funding had an acceptance rate around 15%, and that's quite a high acceptance rate compared to larger programs. Sometimes thousands of people are applying to fill half a dozen openings.
Hi, I'm about to apply to MFA creative writing programs. I am wondering if I need a cover page for my writing sample. I have looked everywhere to try and find out how to format the first page. Should I just put my name and title at the top? Thank you and I really hope you see this!
Hey Danielle! I didn't have a cover page for mine. As long as you follow what formatting guidelines programs do require, you should be fine. A simple MLA header on the first page with your name, writing sample genre, etc. should be adequate. I don't think they are too picky about formatting as long as it looks good, but applying consistent MLA or Chicago style formatting to your sample is probably a good idea. That said, I'm sure programs also get samples with cover pages on them. My guess--and it really is just a guess--is that either way will be fine. I hope that helps!
@@brianbaker4030 Thank you so much! That helped alot.
I noticed a few MFA programs have a two step application process. If you make it to the second phase are you pretty much in, or does it not carry that much weight?
Hey Jeremy! I'm not very familiar with that system. I'm aware of programs that make you apply separately to the program and to teaching assistantships, but that's about it. Sorry I can't offer a satisfactory answer.
@@brianwallacebaker thanks anyway.
Thank you so much for this helpful video. How much time had passed for you between university and making your MFA applications? I graduated from undergrad in Dec 2011 and from my master's in Sep 2013. I am now starting the MFA application process and feel an added layer of intimidation given the amount of time that's passed, so would love to hear about your experience in this regard.
Hi Melanie! I had close to three years of a break between getting my bachelor's and beginning my MFA. I know that's not as long as you, but just know you are in good company. There's a good diversity of life experience in my MFA program, and I'm sure that's the case with most programs. I think you can make it work no matter what your background is, and the fact that you already have graduate level work under your belt could be pretty helpful.
@@brianwallacebaker thank you so much for your reply! That's really helpful. I shall try not to be so nervous about the gap :)
Hi Brian, out of curiosity, which 4 schools did you get into?
Eastern Washington, North Carolina, Emerson, and Western Kentucky.
Hello, I am a Korean undergraduate who is applying to MFA programs this year, and I am struggling with my sop and cv. Is it okay to add awards that I received before college in my cv, and to write about it in my sop?
If you had any literary awards or publications before college, then that could work, but I probably wouldn't list anything that is broader and outside the scope of literary creative writing. For example, if you placed in a contest run by your local poetry society, then you could talk about that, but I wouldn't mention writing an article for your high school newspaper or anything like that.
I just came across this video and it is super insightful. I sent you a message on IG. I await your reply
Hey Temitope! I'm not seeing your message over on Instagram. My handle is @bbrianwallace. You can also reach me on Twitter. :)
Hey. I have a few questions about the WKU program. Can I DM you on Facebook or on Instagram? Any platform you are active upon? Thanx
Hi Mayank! Sure! My Instagram is @brianwbaker (instagram.com/brianwbaker/). I look forward to hearing from you. If you haven't seen it yet, you may also want to check out my second MFA video that goes over the pros and cons of my MFA experience at WKU.
@@brianwallacebaker Hey. Thanx for the prompt reply. I will message you in a few hours on insta and I will definitely check out the video. Thanx again
I wanna update my comment. I am going to carbondale!!
Very cool! I hope you love your experience there.
How has school been going for you since you made this video!?
Going well! I'm about to embark on my last semester, and then I'll have the summer term after that. It's definitely not perfect because it can be difficult to get solid writing time in. But I'm also teaching classes and am a dad now, as of three months ago, so I'd probably be getting more if it wasn't for that. The writing I have done has been very rewarding though. I had my first publication by a well known literary journal back in October.
@@brianwallacebaker hey! I never knew that you responded (shame on you TH-cam!) but I'm a mom too! (a parent, too? lol) my girl is just over 1.5 yrs old.
I just sent in my apps. I feel you about the writing thing, my little girl is currently wreaking havoc while I'm trying to watch vids lol Congrats on you publication!!
@@jadebethj4807 yeah, parenting and writing are hard, but they can work together. I recently had a poem accepted for publication that's about my daughter. She's my little muse. And a terror. She loves wreaking havoc. Doing an MFA and being a parent can also work. Several of my classmates were also parents. Good luck on your applications!
Did you apply to the BU Creative Writing MFA?
No, I didn't. They only have fiction and poetry. I mostly write creative nonfiction.
@@brianwallacebaker I am at the point "Step 8: Wait (and Worry)" especially because I applied to only 1, so chances are low.
Do you know what kind of style gets accepts at BU
@@seekersfinders8801 I don't know anything about BU, sorry. If you don't get in, don't lose hope. Most programs get way more qualified submissions than they can take, so they may even have to turn away writers they really like. And if you don't get in this time, try again for next year. Casting a wide net is always a good idea, and I highly recommend applying to WKU because of their higher acceptance rate and competitive payment through a graduate assistantships.
Thank you Brian.
@@seekersfinders8801 no problem! Good luck!
What's the age range of your cohorts?
We have early twenties to mid-thirties, but I've heard of people in their sixties doing MFAs.
@@brianwallacebaker thank you. Fifty-six here, and just attended my first writers conference, Writers in Paradise (Florida), last year, and considering applying for an MFA. I really appreciate your video.
@@lauramcaz that's awesome! I say go for it! MFA programs, from what I've heard, usually appreciate a diversity of life experience, so your age won't count against you by any means.
What was your gpa?
I don't quite remember--3.something. I'm pretty sure MFA programs don't really care about undergraduate GPA though. And from my experience, most don't care about GRE scores either. They just want the best writers they can get.
how can i contact you
Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter: @bbakerwriter
Hey Brian. Thank you. Is ok if your creative non fiction portfolio is a small book based on a true life story (with some creativity to spice it up)? Can i send the book to you for review before submitting? What is your email address?
Just saw this! If you'd still like to send it to me, I'm definitely willing. I edit for a living, so I'd have to charge. If you're interested, send me a DM on Instagram, and I can send you my email.
@@brianwallacebaker I am not on Instagram. I would appreciate your editing services. I am only on TH-cam