Question #1:Seeking Creative Writing Recommendation for MFA Writing Program.?Hi. It's been over 10 years since I first took my last English Literature course back in College. I'm now looking to applying to a graduate program in Creative Writing. Problem is, I need some recommendations, but currently don't have any. I'm considering requesting my English Literature professor for a recommendation, but I haven't spoken to her in eons. How should I approach her for a recommendation for a MFA (Masters in Fine Arts) in Creative Writing Program? Should I just call her for an appointment and show her my writing samples, then see if I get a recommendation from her?Thanks. Question #2:What education do I need to teach Creative Writing at the University level?My ambition is to teach Creative Writing at the University level, but I'm not completely sure what education that would entail. I hear that colleges and universities no longer hire faculty with only a masters - one must have a PhD. But the highest level of education you can get in Creative Writing is the MFA, or so I've been told. I've been planning to get an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in Literature, but I'm not completely sure about the logistics of getting accepted to school. How much do Graduate schools really care what your degree is in? Can I get into a PhD program after getting an MA/MFA in Creative Writing? I know that Creative Writing MA programs don't really care what you major in, but would getting my Bachelors in Creative Writing hurt me at the PhD level, or should I get my BA in Literature? I'm currently in year 4 or 5 of my BA and because I've taken so long in school I've pretty much completed every class in the English department, but I can only get my degree in one or the other (CW or Lit). My heart is really in Creative Writing, and I'm not even sure if I'll continue past my BA - I might just end up being a writer, but I don't want to regret this down the road.Question #3:Can you take time off during medical school to complete a two year master's degree program?I know that some medical students take time off during medical school for a number of reasons: research, maternity, unforeseen circumstances, etc. I've also heard of some med students taking time off to pursue something completely unrelated to medicine, such as a 1-year master's program in creative writing.I want to know if it is possible to take TWO years off during medical school to get an MFA in studio arts. I know two years is pushing it, especially if it is in something totally unrelated such as art, but is this even possible? Do you think med schools would allow it? Has anyone ever done this/know of someone who has? And if not, will there ever be time to pursue an MFA after medical school? Thanks. Question #4:What are great creative writing schools?I'm applying to university in the fall, and I want to get an MFA in Creative Writing, as well as a doctorate in psychology or neuroscience (yes, I know it's odd), or possibly in English lit.I would love to go to university in the UK, but I'm having problems finding lists of universities there (or ones with programs of study as good as the ones I'm applying to in the US). It was hard enough to find a list of US colleges that offer an MFA in Creative Writing. For the US, I'm applying to Columbia U, Sarah Lawrence, California College of the Arts, and U. of Washington (due to the fact I live in WA and it has a great medical program). But I really, really want to get out of where I live and I've always wanted to live in the UK, so this is my chance. Help? wow, thank you jtb s! that's a lot of info. I didn't know that about the funding. Question #5:I am majoring in journalism and want to be a secondary school creative writing teacher. Is this possible?I am a 28 year old executive assistant who has not yet entered college and is enrolled for the fall semester at my local school. I am trying to finish school as quickly as possible because of my age and my desire to attain an (eventual) PhD. I will be taking several CLEP exams this summer to gain credit before I start the Fall semester, and will be completing the remainder of the necessary general education requirements in the fall. The school I will be attending offers life experience credits and, for that, I am grateful. The problem is that they only offer a BA in JOurnalism, which is not a problem for me considering my goals are to get an MFA and (eventual) PhD in Creative writing. Here is where the Journalism BA becomes a problem. Here are my goals: I would like to get my teacher certification after my BA in order to teach high school writing and eventually I would like to teach UNiversity Level poetry or creative writing - all in as little time as possible and while working. What's the best (and quickest) path to reach these goals? Can I do a teacher residency program while still pursuing my MFA and PhD in creative writing? Can I even teach creative writing? Can I even teach with a Journalism degree?Question #6:Which are the best MFA Creative Writing Universities in the world?I have found some most searched universities, but I am confused which is the best for me for mfa writing programsHere is the list of universities University of Michigan MFA in Creative Writing New York University Creative Writing (NYU) St George's University MFA Creative Writing Iowa State University MFA Program in Creative Writing and Environment Question #7:Which of these Creative Writing MFA programs is the best (or TOP 3-5)?in terms of:- program quality (vigorous preferred) - environment (city preferably, good public transportation) - financially (middle class, dependent on parents, graduating undergrad): Florida State University University of Iowa University of Michigan University of Texas, Michener Center University of California at Irvine Johns Hopkins University University of Virginia Brooklyn College, CUNY University of Mississippi Ohio State University University of Arizona University of Houston and please, as many reasons as possible. i've already researched many many websites and rankings. I'm looking for personal knowledge. thanks so much. Question #8:Life after the MFA degree in Creative Writing...?Anyone out there have an MFA degree in Creative Writing? What are you doing with it-- what kind of path did you take after graduation? I'm going to be entering a program in Sept. and am most definitely doing it because I love writing. I'd be fine with being a teacher, though I'm just curious what other paths people take.Thanks. Question #9:Does anyone know of a good Graduate Program in Creative Writing? In Southern California?I want to do an MFA in Creative Writing but not ridiculously priced (sorry USC). If there is an option of partial on-campus, partial online even better. Personal experience also a plus. Thanks :)Question #10:Writers - Benefits of formal college writing degrees?My question is for experienced writers, especially those who have a degree in creative writing or something similiar.Writing is my hobby which I truly enjoy, but I have never had anything published to date so I state that I am a true novice. However, I am at a point where I would like to delve further into the world of writing, with the hopes of becoming published one day. I see various, expensive programs for Masters Degrees in Writing (MFA degrees). My undergrad is in business, so while I am educated, my former courses have not been writing-oriented. To pursue my dream, I write as much as possible. But I see options, such as these Masters Degree programs in writing, and I wonder, can they really make a difference? I am close enough to many colleges that offer such programs, including Emerson College in Boston which has a strong program. My first question is, is it worth it? It's expensive, but can it really make a difference as opposed to not going; i.e. can they teach you things and get you the connections that you likely won't get anywhere else? Also, my undergrad is not in English or a more applicable field - would this be a hinderance, and is obtaining an undergrad in English first possibly a better idea? Lastly, I wonder if it could be a waste of money, in that I may get similiar information from the books I have read on writing, etc., and there is always opportunity to take short writing workshops.... Tough call, but I would love to hear from those with experience in this area. Question #11:Master's of Social Work?I have a B.A. in English with an emphasis in both Creative Writing and Teaching, along with a teaching certification in Secondary Education.I thought about going back to graduate school for my MFA in Creative Writing, but now I'm rethinking those plans. Last year, I started working as a counselor through the YMCA and I love my job. I work with both children and their families and often think about going back to school to get my Master's in Social Work. I'd like to go into the therapy profession and work with children. I have a lot of experience working with children besides my student teaching and field experiences from the school of education. I've volunteered with Flagship, Big Brothers Big Sisters, coached and tutored children. I also volunteer with a women's resource group here in town and would like to work with women someday, too. I know I have my teaching certification, but as much as I love teaching, I would rather work with kids and their families on the clinical level. My question is for anyone who is in an MSW program. Can I get a Master's in Social Work with a B.A. in English? If so, what do I need to do to prepare myself for admittance to the program? Are there any special tests I'd have to take besides the general GRE? How intense is the MSW program? Any help will be appreciated! :) Question #12:Master's of Social Work?I have a B.A. in English with an emphasis in both Creative Writing and Teaching, along with a teaching certification in Secondary Education.I thought about going back to graduate school for my MFA in Creative Writing, but now I'm rethinking those plans. Last year, I started working as a counselor through the YMCA and I love my job. I work with both children and their families and often think about going back to school to get my Master's in Social Work. I'd like to go into the therapy profession and work with children. I have a lot of experience working with children besides my student teaching and field experiences from the school of education. I've volunteered with Flagship, Big Brothers Big Sisters, coached and tutored children. I also volunteer with a women's resource group here in town and would like to work with women someday, too. I know I have my teaching certification, but as much as I love teaching, I would rather work with kids and their families on the clinical level. My question is for anyone who is in an MSW program. Can I get a Master's in Social Work with a B.A. in English? If so, what do I need to do to prepare myself for admittance to the program? Are there any special tests I'd have to take besides the general GRE? How intense is the MSW program? Any help will be appreciated! :) Question #13:Can I use my MFA transcript to apply for a PhD program?My undergraduate grades were mediocre at best. My MFA grades will probably be stronger, so I was wondering if I can use that instead. The admissions usually ask for undergrad transcripts.The MFA is in creative writing. The PhD is in English. My undergrad was an unrelated field altogether, so... I'd email the schools, but I'd rather embarrass myself with the question here than with the faculty. Thanks! Question #14:Can you give me some advise on getting into Master's Program?I graduated with a bachelor's in English a year ago, and now I really want to get a MFA in Creative Writing. When I was going to school, I was working full-time and just focused on passing my classes. I would usually head straight to work after class and never got to know my professors.Now I feel like I'm screwed because I don't know any professors well enought to get recommendations. Can someone give me some advice on how I should continue? YES I SPELLED ADVICE WRONG IN MY QUESTION BEFORE YOU GRILL ME ON IT! Question #15:Is the MFA in Creative Writing a good idea?I live near two good programs, but I'm uncertain about what utility the degree itself has. Is it a good idea in general to attend these programs, especially if you might be interested in genre fiction?Question #16:Which universities have the best MFA creative writing programs?this is a graduate degree for masters of fine arts - creative writing.Question #17:GRE/Grad School Question?I am looking at applying to graduate school for my MFA in Creative Writing. I would like to start school in September 2009. I'm already working on my writing samples and have contacted (as well as heard back from) several of my former college professors for letters of recommendations.However, I still need to take the GRE. I know that I need to take the basic GRE for this program, but I haven't started studying for it yet. The deadline for admission is January 5, 2009. Do I have enough time to take the GRE before then? There is a testing center on campus that offers the GRE I need to take every day, Monday through Saturday, so that won't be a problem. My only concern is that I am not giving myself enough time. I've heard from MFA students in the program that the selection committee doesn't let the GRE weigh their final decisions but I'd still like to do well. Any suggestions? I appreciate any and all help! Thank you in advance! Question #18:What are some ways I can keep writing?I love creative writing, and all I want to do is just barely earn a living--just survive. I'm trying to get into MFA programs, but the ones that fund well are really hard to get into. If I fail, I'm trying to figure out what else I can do.When I meant keep writing, I didin't mean just in my leisure time. I already know hoe to do that. I meant, how can I eke out a living and keep writing as a vocation. Question #19:Is the University of Western Ontario a good school to get a PhD in English?I'm currently in a Creative Writing MFA program (San Diego State) and am thinking about getting a PhD in English lit.Does anyone with a PhD in English or knowledge of Canadian graduate schools have any information on Western Ontario? I know it's a good school, but is it a good school to get a PhD from? And how difficult is it for an American to get into a PhD program in Canada? Question #20:What are good MFA programs?For Creative Writing?Links woud be great. ** Powered by Yahoo Answers Click link above for correct copyright license. |
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