Thank you for making this video! I watched your old video about how you got into an MFA program a few years ago and it's stayed with me. I went to re-watch it today and saw this video and found it equally helpful. I'm at the point where my full time day job is sort of crushing me and my inspiration to write is stronger than ever. So I think I'm going to begin the application process for an MFA in creative writing, with a focus on fiction. In a way it's crazy awesome to me that there's fully funded opportunities to basically exist for a few years in a fully creative space (sort of the antithesis of the corporate world), so I figure why not give it a try? Per your advice, I'm going to dive in head first and start perfecting my writing sample.
Glad you've found my videos helpful! Yeah, it's tough trying to find out how to strike a balance between your work life and creative life. That's one thing that drove me toward an MFA as well. Even with the busywork and bureaucracy of academia, it was still a very creatively stimulating environment for me.
Current MFA student here. A lot of these critiques I share. I'd definitely recommend everyone applying to MFA programs to actually look deeply into the programs you are applying to. Read the professors' work to see if you'd like to work with them (and mention them in your personal statement--everyone likes being complimented). Check out the handbook and see what classes the students take (is it all workshop, are there literature class requirements, are there classes on craft?). Do your homework and make sure it's a place you actually really want to be and only apply to places you'd be happy to be accepted to. Then, temper your expectations a little. MFA programs are interesting, strange things, and they will all be different than the ideal you have in your head, and that's ok. Also, I would like to strongly second only going to funded programs (unless you have the money to spare to spend on an MFA and that's what you want to do! Learning to write is a process of learning and understanding yourself through understanding your craft, and I think that is incredibly valuable if you have the time and money to spend on it). If you don't have the money and would need to take out tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, you are going to spend your whole life trying to pay that back. So apply to programs that are fully-funded. Thanks for the videos, Brian. They were very useful when I was applying to MFA programs.
Thanks for clarifying/reiterating/expanding on these points. Yeah, you have to do your research. Most programs will probably have your best interest at heart, but I've heard some might be more interested in the cheap labor of MFA students rather than in MFA students' learning experience. And even with good programs you have to make sure it's going to be a good match for you.
@@jordangreen7567My stipend was enough for me to pay rent and some bills, but it wasn't enough to fully live off of on its own. You'd just have to do some research into the local cost of living and compare to the stipend you are being offered. This might go without saying, but I don't think there are any programs that come with automatic free housing.
I appreciate your reasons against, more than just about anything I have found, because you did the MFA all the way through and something about how you talk about the program you took feels more real than other things I have found, maybe because it is fresh for me to hear. I also really liked your old video with all the shirts, but this one carries more weight with me. I got into 3 programs, but I didn't go because they were not funded enough. Now I have outstanding applications to 3 new programs that are fully funded. My reasons not to are a little more complicated because of my disability. I currently have all the time in the world to write, because of the small disability income I live off of. Time means a lot to me.
Hi Maggie! Thanks for watching! I'm glad what I said came across as feeling real. I was trying to be truthful while also being kind, because I really do appreciate my experience at WKU, despite its drawbacks. It sounds like doing an MFA might actually give you less time to write than what you have now, but what you would gain is a writing community and mentorship. So it might still be worth it. I wish you the best with your applications!
@@brianwallacebaker I already have one form of writing community, too, actually. I am part of a video writing support group that meets weekly and another contemplative writing group that meets daily. Yeah, I go round and round trying to decide on this subject. I really am not sure. I also have some mentorship, from college days still, but I always could use more of that. Thanks for seeming to care!
@@evolutionofmaggie In my opinion you made the right decision of choosing time over everything else. And also if we read Wikipedia of great writers like Murakami, Kundera, or Kenzaburō Ōe, none of them has an MFA or any sort of creative writing education. But what they possess is deep knowledge of literature, its history, which makes them aware of the playful possibilities of the novel form if that's what you want to write. And also what the free time allows is to daydream, to fantasize, and to collect knowledge of infinite amount of things you are curious about, and this knowledge would lead to even more daydreams and fantasies, so stay you on your path, you are exactly where you need to be. I wish you luck and great literary success.
I am an international student. I love writing and I’m trying to apply MFA creative writing programs. Thank you so much for sharing these. It really helps a lot and I am more sure that this is what I want!!
Hi Brian, I just found this video and you earned a sub because you have a great conversational tone and I hope you make more! I am a 44 year old father of three and I just started going back to school to get my Bachelor degree. It’s been a long road of scattershot interests, but here I am. I have been writing genre fiction since college, and have had a few things published and have started publishing independently. I decided a little while back that I want to pursue an MFA because I love the craft of storytelling, and I have found I really enjoy teaching things. My goal is to pursue a tenure job, which I know is difficult, but I’ve always liked the academic setting, and the opportunity to mentor young people. Being in my 40’s with teenage kids, I already know what that looks like! My top programs would be U of AZ (I attended once upon a time), Northern AZ U, AZ State (sense a pattern?), U of NV Reno, Boise St or U of Idaho. If not there’s always more local to our region like WKU, IU Bloomington, Perdue, Vanderbilt, U TN Knoxville, etc. Heck even Notre Dame. That would be a trip if I swung that!
They there! Thanks for the sub and the thoughtful comment. Hopefully I'll make more videos here soon. It's been a while! Good luck on your writing and educational journey. If you love storytelling and writing, then an MFA will be perfect for you. But my understanding is that it's becoming harder and harder to get tenure-track teaching jobs. Part of that is because of how many people there are now with PhDs in creative writing, and part of it is that it's just kind of a bad market right now. But I guess Covid could change things. I know people in various industries are quitting their jobs. I don't know if that's happening in academia, but who knows? Maybe there will be more opportunities. But in general, tenure-track jobs are a possibility, but the competition is intense, and from what I've heard, it's easy to get stuck adjucting. That said, if it's something you want to do, who cares about how hard it's going to be! I say go do what you want to do. :)
Great videos. If I'm reading their page correctly, the MFA at WKU only pays for the out-of-state tuition. Is that correct or incorrect? It's looking like the tuition would cost about as much as you make off the assistantship. Any clarity would be appreciated. I really like their learning options.
They have changed some things, but the only big change I am aware of is transitioning from a two-year program to a three-year program. So it's possible the stipend is smaller now because they have to spread it out more, but as far as I know you shouldn't have to pay tuition. I only had to pay for some weird fees each semester, which were a few hundred dollars a semester, if I remember correctly.
The only benefit I experienced is for teaching at schools because of the MFA. People who get promoted/better-pay seem to get that because of their talent... not because of a MFA.
I am interested on pursuing a graduate program I am still thinking on either apply an MA in Communication or MFA in Art Studio concentrating in Photography, I would like to teach at a university as a lecture teaching photojournalism, Videography, or film but I don't know which one would you recommend? MA or MFA.
The MFA is a terminal degree. The MA is not. So if you want to teach at a university long-term, an MA alone might not be enough. The PhD is still the king of degrees though when it comes to teaching jobs.
Well, if you can slog your way through a PhD program, then that will probably play to your advantage. Both the MFA and the PhD are terminal degrees, but the PhD tends to carry more weight when it comes to getting jobs in academia. The problem for me is that most PhD programs, even creative writing ones, have a much more academic/research focus, whereas MFA programs tend to have a more studio/creative/making art focus. So for me, the MFA was the better way to go because it was the model I could learn best in. But if you don't mind the requirements of a PhD program, then getting a PhD isn't a bad idea.
Me (Via email): Are you wanting applicants to apply with literary fiction? Or are works of genre fiction accepted as well? MFA Director: We want you to apply with whatever you feel best represents you as a writer. Me (Thinks): That doesn't answer my question!!
Got into a fully funded MFA and I'm so excited!
CONGRATS!
Congratulations! May I know where did you get in?
Hi! What does a fully funded MFA mean? Is it a MFA program that includes a scholarship?
@@isabellecjustice As in I get paid!
Thank you for making this video! I watched your old video about how you got into an MFA program a few years ago and it's stayed with me. I went to re-watch it today and saw this video and found it equally helpful. I'm at the point where my full time day job is sort of crushing me and my inspiration to write is stronger than ever. So I think I'm going to begin the application process for an MFA in creative writing, with a focus on fiction. In a way it's crazy awesome to me that there's fully funded opportunities to basically exist for a few years in a fully creative space (sort of the antithesis of the corporate world), so I figure why not give it a try? Per your advice, I'm going to dive in head first and start perfecting my writing sample.
Glad you've found my videos helpful! Yeah, it's tough trying to find out how to strike a balance between your work life and creative life. That's one thing that drove me toward an MFA as well. Even with the busywork and bureaucracy of academia, it was still a very creatively stimulating environment for me.
Current MFA student here. A lot of these critiques I share. I'd definitely recommend everyone applying to MFA programs to actually look deeply into the programs you are applying to. Read the professors' work to see if you'd like to work with them (and mention them in your personal statement--everyone likes being complimented). Check out the handbook and see what classes the students take (is it all workshop, are there literature class requirements, are there classes on craft?). Do your homework and make sure it's a place you actually really want to be and only apply to places you'd be happy to be accepted to. Then, temper your expectations a little. MFA programs are interesting, strange things, and they will all be different than the ideal you have in your head, and that's ok.
Also, I would like to strongly second only going to funded programs (unless you have the money to spare to spend on an MFA and that's what you want to do! Learning to write is a process of learning and understanding yourself through understanding your craft, and I think that is incredibly valuable if you have the time and money to spend on it). If you don't have the money and would need to take out tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, you are going to spend your whole life trying to pay that back. So apply to programs that are fully-funded.
Thanks for the videos, Brian. They were very useful when I was applying to MFA programs.
Thanks for clarifying/reiterating/expanding on these points. Yeah, you have to do your research. Most programs will probably have your best interest at heart, but I've heard some might be more interested in the cheap labor of MFA students rather than in MFA students' learning experience. And even with good programs you have to make sure it's going to be a good match for you.
Will a fully funded scholarship cover dorm or apartment cost? I got into a fully funded program and I'm wondering how it affects my living situation.
@@jordangreen7567My stipend was enough for me to pay rent and some bills, but it wasn't enough to fully live off of on its own. You'd just have to do some research into the local cost of living and compare to the stipend you are being offered. This might go without saying, but I don't think there are any programs that come with automatic free housing.
I appreciate your reasons against, more than just about anything I have found, because you did the MFA all the way through and something about how you talk about the program you took feels more real than other things I have found, maybe because it is fresh for me to hear. I also really liked your old video with all the shirts, but this one carries more weight with me. I got into 3 programs, but I didn't go because they were not funded enough. Now I have outstanding applications to 3 new programs that are fully funded. My reasons not to are a little more complicated because of my disability. I currently have all the time in the world to write, because of the small disability income I live off of. Time means a lot to me.
Hi Maggie! Thanks for watching! I'm glad what I said came across as feeling real. I was trying to be truthful while also being kind, because I really do appreciate my experience at WKU, despite its drawbacks. It sounds like doing an MFA might actually give you less time to write than what you have now, but what you would gain is a writing community and mentorship. So it might still be worth it. I wish you the best with your applications!
@@brianwallacebaker I already have one form of writing community, too, actually. I am part of a video writing support group that meets weekly and another contemplative writing group that meets daily. Yeah, I go round and round trying to decide on this subject. I really am not sure. I also have some mentorship, from college days still, but I always could use more of that. Thanks for seeming to care!
@@evolutionofmaggie you are blessed to have writing communities like that!
@@brianwallacebaker it is supremely special.
@@evolutionofmaggie In my opinion you made the right decision of choosing time over everything else. And also if we read Wikipedia of great writers like Murakami, Kundera, or Kenzaburō Ōe, none of them has an MFA or any sort of creative writing education. But what they possess is deep knowledge of literature, its history, which makes them aware of the playful possibilities of the novel form if that's what you want to write. And also what the free time allows is to daydream, to fantasize, and to collect knowledge of infinite amount of things you are curious about, and this knowledge would lead to even more daydreams and fantasies, so stay you on your path, you are exactly where you need to be. I wish you luck and great literary success.
I am an international student. I love writing and I’m trying to apply MFA creative writing programs. Thank you so much for sharing these. It really helps a lot and I am more sure that this is what I want!!
Good luck with your applications!
Hi Brian, I just found this video and you earned a sub because you have a great conversational tone and I hope you make more!
I am a 44 year old father of three and I just started going back to school to get my Bachelor degree. It’s been a long road of scattershot interests, but here I am. I have been writing genre fiction since college, and have had a few things published and have started publishing independently.
I decided a little while back that I want to pursue an MFA because I love the craft of storytelling, and I have found I really enjoy teaching things. My goal is to pursue a tenure job, which I know is difficult, but I’ve always liked the academic setting, and the opportunity to mentor young people. Being in my 40’s with teenage kids, I already know what that looks like!
My top programs would be U of AZ (I attended once upon a time), Northern AZ U, AZ State (sense a pattern?), U of NV Reno, Boise St or U of Idaho. If not there’s always more local to our region like WKU, IU Bloomington, Perdue, Vanderbilt, U TN Knoxville, etc. Heck even Notre Dame. That would be a trip if I swung that!
They there! Thanks for the sub and the thoughtful comment. Hopefully I'll make more videos here soon. It's been a while!
Good luck on your writing and educational journey. If you love storytelling and writing, then an MFA will be perfect for you. But my understanding is that it's becoming harder and harder to get tenure-track teaching jobs. Part of that is because of how many people there are now with PhDs in creative writing, and part of it is that it's just kind of a bad market right now. But I guess Covid could change things. I know people in various industries are quitting their jobs. I don't know if that's happening in academia, but who knows? Maybe there will be more opportunities. But in general, tenure-track jobs are a possibility, but the competition is intense, and from what I've heard, it's easy to get stuck adjucting.
That said, if it's something you want to do, who cares about how hard it's going to be! I say go do what you want to do. :)
I am a fresh graduate and I am currently researching for schools to do my MFA. It is really confusing and I wish I had someone to put me through.
It is confusing! I'd be happy to try to answer any questions you have.
I loved hearing your thoughts about your experience with an MFA. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Thanks for the insight! Kind of trying to figure out what I want to do past grad school.
You and me both! Haha Just keep writing, and you'll figure the rest out.
Great videos. If I'm reading their page correctly, the MFA at WKU only pays for the out-of-state tuition. Is that correct or incorrect? It's looking like the tuition would cost about as much as you make off the assistantship. Any clarity would be appreciated. I really like their learning options.
They have changed some things, but the only big change I am aware of is transitioning from a two-year program to a three-year program. So it's possible the stipend is smaller now because they have to spread it out more, but as far as I know you shouldn't have to pay tuition. I only had to pay for some weird fees each semester, which were a few hundred dollars a semester, if I remember correctly.
Apparently I responded to this using my other channel's profile. Oops!
Thank you for this video!!! It was super helpful!
Oh good! Thanks for watching!
The only benefit I experienced is for teaching at schools because of the MFA.
People who get promoted/better-pay seem to get that because of their talent... not because of a MFA.
I am interested on pursuing a graduate program I am still thinking on either apply an MA in Communication or MFA in Art Studio concentrating in Photography, I would like to teach at a university as a lecture teaching photojournalism, Videography, or film but I don't know which one would you recommend? MA or MFA.
The MFA is a terminal degree. The MA is not. So if you want to teach at a university long-term, an MA alone might not be enough. The PhD is still the king of degrees though when it comes to teaching jobs.
@@brianwallacebaker I might choose an MFA since it is a terminal degree, and I could teach photography and videography on a university.
What do you think about Creative Writing Phd programs?
Well, if you can slog your way through a PhD program, then that will probably play to your advantage. Both the MFA and the PhD are terminal degrees, but the PhD tends to carry more weight when it comes to getting jobs in academia. The problem for me is that most PhD programs, even creative writing ones, have a much more academic/research focus, whereas MFA programs tend to have a more studio/creative/making art focus. So for me, the MFA was the better way to go because it was the model I could learn best in. But if you don't mind the requirements of a PhD program, then getting a PhD isn't a bad idea.
Not vain at all! Want to hear about your experience.
Thanks for that! And thanks for watching!
Me (Via email): Are you wanting applicants to apply with literary fiction? Or are works of genre fiction accepted as well?
MFA Director: We want you to apply with whatever you feel best represents you as a writer.
Me (Thinks): That doesn't answer my question!!
Yeah that's confusing. When in doubt, I think I would lean literary.
Biggest financial waste ever.
If you pay lots of money, then it might be, but they paid me, so not a financial waste. Haha