Tips for getting into an MFA program
I’ve successfully gotten into two MFA programs — one for creative writing, one for photography. I’m in no way a college admissions expert, but I’m sharing some of the tips that helped me get in.
Your main focus should be producing your best writing sample, photography portfolio, etc… Here’s what I did:
Creative Writing
I come from a features writing background, but in my undergraduate writing workshops I mostly wrote personal essays. I wanted to show my versatility as a writer so I turned in two pieces for my writing sample, one of which was published, the other was a personal essay I wrote about growing up next to the swamp and made into a zine. The two pieces I chose were different types of writing styles; I’ve been told if you’re using two pieces it’s better if they’re quite different. Mine were. Admission requirements vary from school to school. Some programs might be okay with using two pieces, others may not.
Photography
For photography, I was asked to submit a portfolio comprised of 20 photographs. I chose photos that were similar in theme (apparently I have a thing for shooting greenery). I chose a mix of photos I took in the swamp and Ireland and focused on landscapes and nature but I did select three photos of people for variety’s sake and to show that I’m not limited to taking landscape photos.
Statement of Purpose
I’ll admit, I didn't have a clue what to write in my Statement of Purpose (SOP) when I was first researching the application process for my first MFA. I stumbled upon MFA Draft on Facebook, which helped, and a found a few sample SOPS. Ultimately, I went with my gut instinct with my SOP both times. I wanted my personality to come through in the application and not come across as if I was following a template. I’ll share my writing MFA SOP below:
My SOP
My rich undergraduate experience at the University of New Orleans, including the transformative summer I spent at the Writing Workshops in Ireland, has greatly informed my decision to apply to the Creative Writing Workshop program. In my professional life I have written for Gambit Weekly, Oxford American, Edible New Orleans, and New Orleans Magazine. It was this success as a freelance writer that led me to re-enroll at UNO after a ten year hiatus to finish my degree. In 2015 I received two bachelors degrees — English, with a concentration in Creative Nonfiction Writing, and Film & Theatre Arts, with a concentration in Writing For Production.
Under the tutelage of Professor Bates and Professor Goodman my writing improved and I developed a new awareness of my strengths and weaknesses. I also gained confidence in my abilities and felt like part of a writing community. Three pieces of writing that I workshopped in undergraduate courses were published: “Blue Laser Beams” in Ellipsis, “Notes From A Floating Motel” in Rocky Mountain College’s Sun & Sandstone and “John Preble’s Self-Made World” on Roxane Gay’s “Butter Blog” for The Toast.
After serving as editor-in-chief of UNO’s Driftwood in 2014 I wanted to continue producing publications. Last January I started Catahoula, a quarterly art and literary zine that has connected me to both local and international writers and artists. I also currently work for Nola.com | The Times-Picayune writing home and garden stories (breaking news: Ethel’s begonias are blooming) and some entertainment features.
An MFA will be of great benefit to my writing. The luxury of carving time into my day to write creatively, receiving and giving feedback in workshop classes, and meeting new writers can only have a positive impact on my work. My goal is to focus on my two strong suits: tales of average Louisiana life told in an extraordinary way and creative, journalistic pieces. One idea is for a book on the environmental and political benefits of shopping secondhand in a fashion industry that is built on mindless consumption of cheap, mass-produced goods. In terms of craft, I would like to become a more succinct writer and refine my storytelling skills.
My bookshelves (and web browser) are littered with countless collections of essays, long-form journalism pieces and memoirs, such as Ta-Nehisi Coates’ important essays on race and politics for The Atlantic. David Foster Wallace’s acerbic humor in A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again has greatly informed my sense of humor. I also adore Sarah Sweeney’s Tell Me If You’re Lying, her hilarious yet harrowing new memoir. I met Sarah at Barrelhouse Magazine’s Writer’s Camp this past summer, where I was able to connect with writers from different backgrounds from across the country. For fiction, I love to tuck into Ann Patchett’s novels. Her language is achingly beautiful and her characters are complex without feeling convoluted.
I’ve come a long way since dropping out of school at 23 years old. Going back to school at 33 years old felt like an accomplishment — graduating made me feel invincible. I’ve pushed myself and my writing further than I ever thought possible and I want to keep that momentum going. Acceptance into UNO’s MFA program would give me a strong foothold and help further my craft, deepen my critical thinking skills, and receive the support and mentorship I need to launch into the next phase of my personal and professional writing life.
As you can see, I addressed my less than stellar undergrad GPA (I really screwed up in my 20s), references to other writer’s work that I admire, my own publications, and I wiggled in a writer’s retreat I went to. It’s important to convey the artist you are and show a willingness to deepen your craft.
References
You’ll need two or three letters of recommendation. Choose people that are familiar with your work, be it a former professor, a boss, or a writing coach or colleague that can speak to your strengths as a writer/student/worker, etc… For my photography application, I chose one of my writing professors and a close friend and photographer that is familiar with my work since the last photo class I took was a non-credit class at a community college six years ago. I chose my professor since, even though he couldn't speak to my photographic skills, he could lend insight into my work ethic and dedication to my craft.
This in no way a comprehensive guide to getting into an MFA program but I hope this helps.
