Thursday, December 29, 2016

To MFA or Not To MFA Part Two

MFA in Creative Writing SignThe journey to an MFA continues. I've narrowed the low-residency programs to three:

1) Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, Vermont
2) Antioch University, Los Angeles, California
3) Warren Wilson College, Asheville North Carolina

Each program consists of two week intense residencies followed by a semester of independent study for a total of four semesters.

While I've narrowed down the field, I also want to delve deeper into each program to see if it's a true fit. Luckily each program provides opportunities for visits, information sessions, and online conversations (in case you can't make it to the college). 

Vermont College offers an incredible opportunity for interested students. Applicants can visit the school during the first week of residency in Montpelier.  Room and board is provided by the college for the time that the applicant is visiting (most applicants choose between 1 to 3 days). There is an opportunity to attend the residency workshops as well as tour with the administration. If you cannot visit the school in person, the college also has scheduled conference calls where applicants can converse directly with administration.

Antioch University offers information sessions two to three times a month (Mondays and Saturdays) on campus where interested students can visit, receive information from administration and learn more about the program. You can also schedule individual class visits and campus visits. At Antioch, if you attend an information session, you receive a waiver that waves the cost of your application ($50 USD). 

Warren Wilson is quick to reply via email when you are interested in learning more about the MFA program. I have requested additional documentation to be mailed to me and am waiting for the information to arrive (stay tuned!).

Next week, I'll be headed to Vermont College for the school visit. I look forward to keeping you posted in "The MFA or Not To MFA Part Three".  

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