How I Got into 4 Creative Writing MFA Programs

Applying to MFA programs in creative writing is a competitive, lengthy, and sometimes confusing process. In this video, I walk you through the steps I took that got me into four programs. Feel free to leave questions in the comments, as well as any other helpful information you come across. Here are my 8 steps for a successful Masters of Fine Arts application:

Step 1: Quite Your Job (if you can) (1:21)
Step 2: Compile Your Writing Sample (2:20)
Step 3: Compile a List of Programs to Apply to (4:44)
Step 4: Ask for Letters of Recommendation (7:45)
Step 5: Take the GRE (10:46)
Step 6: Write Statements of Purpose/Letters of Intent (13:33)
Step 7: Submit Your Applications (16:44)
Step 8: Wait (and Worry) (19:11) and why you should apply to as many programs as possible
Final Thoughts (24:59)

VIPKid Referral Link (explained in video):

[brianwallacebaker]

Hey y'all! If you want me to workshop your personal statement or writing sample, I'm on Fiverr now! Look me up:

[HG-jxjj]

I first watched this video 6 months ago, and I'm serious when I now say that you gave me ideas and a place to start with my grad school search. Today, I came back to say that I was given an incredible offer at my top choice school! I thank you sincerely for making this video. I hope you're doing well and finding success in all that you do!

[jadebethj]

I watched this video a long while ago and it inspired me. I literally hit submit on ALL of my applications last week (9 in total). My fingers are crossed and now I'm in the waiting period.

[cynthiak.]

Thanks for this video. Your shirt changes made me smile :). I'm still doing my undergrad but I'm considering my MFA options and landed on this, it's helping put some things in perspective.

[phichu]

Very cool to see you here helping so many others! I’m beginning the application process myself now and I’m filled with hope & dread, so it’s reassuring to hear these words from someone I’ve shared classes with. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[jacquelinefarley]

This video is so affirming! Goodness, putting together my sample has been hard. (I'm still struggling, but we're getting there.)

[jordand.]

great video and great shirts ! just beginning my search and this was really helpful :)

[jadebethj]

I am starting my search. I graduate next spring and will be applying in December.

[TheDarkAgez]

Thank you! I’m looking to get my Playwriting MFA but this was really helpful. I can’t find a lot of these that aren’t screenwriting for some reason.

Could u do one on your personal statement? Like cover letters, I just want to see examples so I have an idea of a direction but I can’t find a lot of those.

[HG-jxjj]

Thank you so much for all of this info! Did you consider full residency vs low residency at all?

[basicindiebro]

Thanks for the tips! I finished applying to all five schools already, but since I'm in my senior year of undergrad I'm not expecting to get in anywhere. I want to reapply in two years to Madison's MFA again if I don't get in anywhere.

[felishi]

@Brian Wallace Baker I know this might be a little too much to ask, but what kind of writing sample did you provide, like the gist of it? I have several, but I'm not sure what to send in. Currently I'm writing a fiction piece about werewolves. would you advise something like that, or is that subject played out? I guess I just need a little direction on what kind of writing (in the fiction field) would catch the eye of a application committee.

[ravh]

I am so late in getting started in this process that I have no idea if I will be able to make it. I have two teachers so far that are willing to submit letters of recommendation for me but I do not know what kind of story I should write for my submission... I know that most programs prefer literary fiction but are there any genres in particular that I should avoid?

[kasondraperez]

I'm looking at applying for a Creative Writing MFA. The issue is finding places where I can get my work critiqued. I just got out of undergrad December 2018 and am trying to figure out with all this downtime. My current goal is to start at 500 words a day and build up to 2000 words per day. I'm hoping that this is a decent amount that will help me generate content to edit and see what will really work together in a portfolio. I'm wondering if there's any way where we can be pen pal buddies once a month by critiquing each other's work. If so that would be fantastic. I'm really trying to get my ish together and be a writer not just in title but in practice. I really feel like getting a fresh pair of eyes on things would make everything so much more clear to me- the spaces in my writing that really need work. Thanks!

[danialemari]

Thank you so much for the helpful info, I wanted to know how do you evaluate the chance of international students? I'm from Iran and I'm working hard to apply for the fall of 2021

[samriley]

Hi, Brian! Your video is super helpful, and I appreciate hearing about the process from someone who's gone through it. I am a current undergrad applying to eight MFA programs nationwide. I am also at work on a senior thesis of three short stories, which will double as my portfolio. I realize this is covered in a previous comment, but I'm having a little trouble with my personal statements. Did you find it more helpful to write about your own personal style and the content you like to write, or to focus primarily on the school that you are applying to? Thank you.

[JORDYBEAR]

Hi Brian. Currently looking at Online MFA Programs. They seem to have become more mainstream with Covid. Even Emerson College (One of my top choices) is now offering a 100% online MFA program. What do you think about online master's programs? Do you still get your money's worth? Is the education of the same quality to in-person?

[theguesser]

Hey friend. Great video. I'm also trying to get into a creative writing program, however, my BA is in History. I wanted to know if you think it would still be realistic for me to get into a creative writing program, or if I would have to go back and get my BA in English?

[hyde]

Hi, I'm about to apply to MFA creative writing programs. I am wondering if I need a cover page for my writing sample. I have looked everywhere to try and find out how to format the first page. Should I just put my name and title at the top? Thank you and I really hope you see this!

[sumayashah]

How many students get selected for mfa creative writing fiction?
And you said its fully funded does it mean they provide stipend and stuff to a student?