2 answers
Mekhi
Student
Virginia Beach, Virginia
2
Questions
Updated
436 views
What the harder parts of being an M.F.A. Student in English?
I'm going to be pursuing an M.F.A. in English, Creative Writing next fall, and I want to know some things to look out for.
Login to comment
2 answers
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
75
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
It's likely that people will scoff at your choice of degree, plain and simple. What you do with it will depend solely on you, and the level of discipline you have when it comes to seeing things through to the end. I can only speak for my experience, but an MFA is not always considered one of the most prestigious degrees available unless you're willing to endure the hardship of making yourself known in the field of writing. This is an endeavor that, honestly, is worth it, but also comes with a lot of caveats and isn't to be undertaken lightly. Ask yourself, how dedicated are you to this course? If your answer is anything within the vicinity of "determined to succeed through every last shred of maddening doubt that can crush your soul and leave you wondering why you ever wrote your first sentence".....then you've already crossed one of the most crucial hurdles.
This isn't meant to scare or even mildly unnerve you, it's meant to educate and remind you that Creative Writing is a valuable and worthwhile pursuit. But it's not going to be easy unless you're willing to surrender a bit of yourself to the process. I do wish you the best and hope that you'll become another in the long line of writers who are fully dedicated to preserving and continuing the written word. If your desire to write is strong enough, then you'll do fine.
Just write, and let the words flow.
This isn't meant to scare or even mildly unnerve you, it's meant to educate and remind you that Creative Writing is a valuable and worthwhile pursuit. But it's not going to be easy unless you're willing to surrender a bit of yourself to the process. I do wish you the best and hope that you'll become another in the long line of writers who are fully dedicated to preserving and continuing the written word. If your desire to write is strong enough, then you'll do fine.
Just write, and let the words flow.
Joseph Aseo
88
Answers
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree focuses mainly on creating new works like fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. It is the highest degree you can earn in creative writing and qualifies you to teach at universities.
MFA programs are very competitive and emphasize creative skills over test scores. Applicants need to provide:
Writing Portfolio: This is crucial. You must submit a significant sample of your original work, such as 20–30 pages of fiction or 10–15 poems.
Statement of Purpose: Explain your creative influences and why you want to spend 2–3 years improving your chosen genre.
Literature Coursework: Although it's a creative degree, most MFA students take several literature seminars to learn how famous authors wrote.
Thesis: The final requirement is usually a book-length manuscript, like a novel or a collection of stories or poems, ready for potential publication.
Common career paths for MFA graduates include:
University Professor: With an MFA, you can apply for tenure-track teaching positions in Creative Writing at universities.
Publishing Industry: MFA graduates are valued as editors, literary agents, or content strategists because they understand how stories are structured.
Professional Author: The MFA program offers mentorship and a focused environment to complete a manuscript and connect with agents and publishers.
MFA programs are very competitive and emphasize creative skills over test scores. Applicants need to provide:
Writing Portfolio: This is crucial. You must submit a significant sample of your original work, such as 20–30 pages of fiction or 10–15 poems.
Statement of Purpose: Explain your creative influences and why you want to spend 2–3 years improving your chosen genre.
Literature Coursework: Although it's a creative degree, most MFA students take several literature seminars to learn how famous authors wrote.
Thesis: The final requirement is usually a book-length manuscript, like a novel or a collection of stories or poems, ready for potential publication.
Common career paths for MFA graduates include:
University Professor: With an MFA, you can apply for tenure-track teaching positions in Creative Writing at universities.
Publishing Industry: MFA graduates are valued as editors, literary agents, or content strategists because they understand how stories are structured.
Professional Author: The MFA program offers mentorship and a focused environment to complete a manuscript and connect with agents and publishers.