Martin Said:

I am considering an MFA in Creative Writing, which school has the BEST program/reputation?

We Answered:

Yes, the Iowa Writers' Workshop is generally at the top of the prestige list. Other schools with good reputations include Johns Hopkins, Columbia, New York University, the University of Houston, UVA, Cornell, Boston University, and the University of California at Irvine. You can investigate some other programs at http://www.awpwriter.org/.

Other Caitlin's right that rankings aren't everything, though, particularly in an MFA program: a school's reputation won't mean much if it turns out your style doesn't mesh very well with the instructors'. Do your research: who are your favorite writers, and what schools are they or the people they admire affiliated with?

Velma Said:

Has anyone attended the MFA in Creative Writing at Spalding in Louisville, KY?

We Answered:

My friend did. He seemed to have had a good time, he was busy alot.

Leah Said:

MFA Creative Writing - What kind of writing samples should I submit?

We Answered:

Well, yes, it's a "creative writing" program, so obviously if you were applying for a 40 hour/week job as an Editor, a Journalist or an English teacher, you'd submit different types of material, but ultimately they want to see you are "creative." If you have anything published, include that. I'm not saying it will wow the interviewers, but seeing that you've made the effort through normal routes to get something you wrote out there will impress them a bit. Submit what you do best. i.e. If you don't write poetry, don't submit a Haiku just to make yourself seem more well rounded. If you're not interested in Sci-Fi, don't submit a story about Cyborg wars. Most professors have a sense for whether a student is passionate or not, and having a passion and knowing it is an important first step.

As for specifics of language to avoid, you learned that in your undergrad studies.

David Said:

How can I get money for an MFA in Creative Writing?

We Answered:

call this number and they may sponser u.

1-800-456-9231

Constance Said:

Is the MFA in Creative Writing a good idea?

We Answered:

An MFA is the best Academic Creative writing option around. Especially when paired with a BA in Lit. It's got smaller class sizes, and focuses more on actual writing than a BA does.

It translates very well into a variety of career fields, but certainly doesn't hurt for the aspiring writer. It's important to note that the most important things you'll be doing during it are networking and writing. Don't lose focus in the face of academia, those are the two things that really matter during an MFA in writing.

There are several authors who've transitioned their work from their MFA into their first published novel. The most recent that I know of is Matthew Eck and his book The Farther Shore which won the Milkweed Prize.

A huge benefit is that not everyone there is going to be chasing a Writing career, several will be working to become an editor. And a free editor with a clue is a rare find, my friend.

If you have the time, the means, and the desire I think an MFA in Creative Writing is a fine option. Even if writing doesn't work out as a sole occupation, an MFA in CW will open the doors to several Lit or Writing PHD programs.

Best of luck to you.