BIPOC Guide to Applying to an MFA in Creative Writing: An Application workshop

Applying to MFA programs isn't fun, though it often feels like the right next step. We know. We've been in your shoes. An MFA gives you time to develop and an audience of attentive first-readers for a period of time. And that is valuable and wonderful and the very reason you should apply. 

Are you a BIPOC creative writer, national or international, who is interested in applying to an MFA program? Do you need help preparing your MFA application materials (including your creative sample and SOP)? This workshop series includes:

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Included in this workshop series:

• Portfolio Workshop: A workshop where participants will learn best practices when compiling a creative writing portfolio. A portfolio is simply a collection of your writing that’s often used to demonstrate your abilities. Graduate programs in creative writing ask for a portfolio or writing sample as part of your application materials, as do some grants and fellowships. Your portfolio should include samples of your best original work. Your portfolio should follow the framework and style requirements determined by the institution you are applying to.
• Personal Statement Workshop: A generative workshop where participants will learn best practices when developing a creative writing personal statement. During the workshop, participants will learn about the component parts of a personal statement; revising strategies; and the role of rhetoric in the writing process. The objective of this workshop is for participants to develop a general outline for their personal statement that can guide them through the writing process. Workshop activities include the writing process in general, such as pre-writing, drafting (writing) and revising (rewriting).
• The Works Workshop: This follow-up workshop includes a check-in conversation where participants will reflect on the application process and create actionable goals towards the application deadline. Participants will build a community where they can receive peer feedback and sustain accountability.
• Resource Packet: This resource packet includes an MFA application guide to follow during your application process. The guide includes a compiled MFA program list, personal statement samples and bests practices, and a list of writing resources.

Facilitator Bio:

Ser Álida is a writer and educator. Her work dissects ideas of identity— blackness, queerness, womanhood, Dominicanidad, and language. Her mission is to create spaces where Black people can be and can reimagine their future. Her work has been published in the 2021 summer issue of the Southern Humanities Review (vol. 54.2) and Best Spiritual Literature 2022 (vol. 7). She is a 2021-2024 MFA Candidate in Fiction at the University of Mississippi.

Workshop #1: June 3rd, 2023 @ 10AM- BIPOC Creative Writing MFA Candidates and Alumni Info Session for Applicants [90 Minutes]

During this session we’ll cover general information about MFA programs for creative writers and speak to creative writing MFA candidates and alumni about their decision to pursue an MFA, the application process, their experience as BIPOC within the MFA program model, and the value and cost of acquiring an MFA in creative writing. Participants will have the opportunity to connect and engage in meaningful conversation with creative writing academics.

Workshop #2: June 10, 2023 @ 10AM- Selecting a Program [90 Minutes]

This session is designed to guide participants through the MFA program selection process. Participants will learn the characteristics and differences between creative writing, MFA programs, best practices and considerations when selecting a program, and organization tools to guide them in the selection process.

Workshop #3: June 17, 2023 @ 10AM- Writing your Statement [90 Minutes]

A generative workshop where participants will learn best practices when developing a creative writing personal statement. During the workshop, participants will learn about the component parts of a personal statement; revising strategies; and the role of rhetoric in the writing process. The objective of this workshop is for participants to develop a general outline for their personal statement that can guide them through the writing process. Workshop activities include the writing process in general, such as pre-writing, drafting (writing) and revising (rewriting).

Workshop #4: June 24, 2023 @ 10AM- Compiling your Portfolio [90 Minutes]

A workshop where participants will learn best practices when compiling a creative writing portfolio. A portfolio is simply a collection of your writing that’s often used to demonstrate your abilities. Graduate programs in creative writing ask for a portfolio or writing sample as part of your application materials, as do some grants and fellowships. Your portfolio should include samples of your best original work. Your portfolio should follow the framework and style requirements determined by the institution you are applying to.

Workshop #5: July 1, 2023 @ 10AM - Getting Ready to Submit [90 Minutes]

This follow-up workshop includes a check-in conversation where participants will reflect on the application process and create actionable goals towards the application deadline. Participants will build a community where they can receive peer feedback and sustain accountability.

Workshop #6: September 23th, 2023 @ 10AM- The Works [90 Minutes]

This is a follow-up check-in conversation where participants will review their application final drafts. Participants will give and receive peer feedback informed by the frameworks we learned over the summer.