My MFA PERSONAL Writing Application Tips:

University of Oregon Creative Writing Program has 5 fully-funded spots for about 400 applicants. Most funded programs have similar odds—some worse. This is an inside look at the process, my take to help you with your MFA application.

Stage 1: I read your writing sample. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR APP. I’m looking at your prose; I can teach you story late. If the work seems strong, it goes into a special pile. Only 20% go into that pile because for every 100 applicants, only 1’s getting in.

Stage 2: Next, I look at your statement. To see who you are and how you’re thinking about writing and getting an MFA. Do you want to improve their art, or do you think an MFA will give them time to write—it won’t. Is there a specific faculty member you want to work with, and why?

Stage 3: I check your grades. I don’t care, but the university does, and they're the ones who award the Teaching Assistantships. The better your grades, the more likely you’ll be awarded extra campus-wide funds. The more money you’re offered, the more likely you are to accept.

Stage 4: Recommendations. I don’t care where you went for undergrad, or if you have references from fancy writers, even from my friends. I look to get an idea of your personality, work habits, commitment to the craft, and your ability to play nice with others (because: writers).

Stage 5: I witling that pile of 20 down to 5. It’s heartbreaking. They’re all strong, all could do great, but I’m trying to find the one with the most potential *at this stage.* I care about the music in your prose the most. If you can hear the music, I can teach you the rest.

Stage 6: I take my 5, meet up with the 3 other fiction profs. Now we have 20 finalists. All are fantastic. But we can only take 5! So we rank the students based on who'll get the most out of the experience. At some level, though, it’s a lottery at this point.

Stage 7: Ranked, now we call the first five prospects on the phone. Sometimes, they all accept. Sometimes, one or two don’t. When they don’t, we select another down the list, with an eye towards writers who’ll bring similar styles/strengths to the workshop.

Stage 8: If you're a finalist, now you’re getting recruited. I’m giving them my home cell. We might meet up at AWP. We talk, many times. You tell me about their other offers. If they’re better for you, I tell you to take them. We both need the right fit.

POST: If you get in, congrats! If you don’t, know it doesn't mean you’re a bad writer. It’s the luck of the year and the stage of your writing. Keep growing, make it harder to be rejected. Anybody can get into an MFA—it’s not about a degree or a book—it’s an art, and a life.