The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students

by Tom Kealey

The Creative Writing MFA Handbook guides prospective graduate students through the difficult process of researching, applying to, and choosing graduate schools in creative writing. The handbook includes profiles of fifty creative writing programs, guidance through the application process, advice from current students and professors including George Saunders, Aimee Bender, Tracy K. Smith, and Geoffrey Wolff, and the most comprehensive listings of graduate writing programs in and outside the United States. The handbook also includes special sections about Low-Residency writing programs, Ph.D. programs, publishing in literary journals, and workshop and teaching advice.
In a remarkably concise, user-friendly fashion, The Creative Writing MFA Handbook answers as many questions as possible, and is packed with information, advice, and experience.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned something about MFAs, but this is dated.

[Owen Weitzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended to me by a prof. This is a very helpful book that taught me a lot. The edition I have is from 2008 so not sure if there is a newer one because some of the info is out of date. But it really gives you a good idea of what to look for when searching for an mfa program.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a very helpful handbook as I figured out where to apply and gained some hints on how to go about it. I liked the rankings just because it's difficult to get that information anywhere else, although the summaries were less useful. Most of the program-specific information is dated soon after it goes to print. Still, it's useful to get someone else's opinion and hear about the past performance of the programs as compared to each other. Always check the program's websites before deciding for sure where to apply. It's also a great idea to go to the AWP annual conference and meet people involved in the programs directly. I highly recommend this book. If you're interested in a low-residency program, this book is helpful except for the rankings and summaries, which are geared to permanent residency programs.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I on a whim buy this then started reading it from 11pm to 2am even though its now 12 years old, probably incredibly outdated about a degree I have no plan obtaining?

You'd think that having very close writing friends would cure me of the romantic ideas I have on writing but I still buy and read books like these and all my sims characters are writers. Oh well.

[S.W. Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent handbook with many insights and helpful hints on navigating the academic corridors of graduate level creative writing programs. I especially appreciated the tiered ranking system; however, I felt that too much emphasis was placed on funding as opposed to the quality of the programs. Though I agree with the warning to avoid excessive debt, sometimes you get what you pay for. And why would it hurt a program if some participants came from wealthy backgrounds? Diversity is always advantageous. I think the mentors and teachers in MFA programs deserve to be paid for their time and shouldn't be guilted into giving away their hard-earned expertise. I also got some mixed messages on the importance seeking publication: shouldn't improving one's craft inevitably lead to successfully getting published? Isn't this the ultimate test of validation?

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book. still sort of presumes too much knowledge on the part of the reader, but lays out both opinions (which program the primary author likes) and hard facts (e.g. which programs are funded) in a clear, ultra-legible way. actually pleasant and engaging to read, also, which is not nothing. particularly liked the chorus of different attitudes from different kinds of writers in the various sidebars and interview components. glad i had a colleague at my former employer thieve a copy of this for me. i would be wary of paying sticker price--it's 25 on amazon, which means it's retailing for more like $30 i;m guessing. just get it out of the library and blast through it in a weekend. photocopy a few of the more tip-heavy bits. i withhold fifth star because book can not actually apply to graduate school for you.

[Emily Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definitive book on earning an MFA. Thank you, Tom Kealey, for acknowledging that we have moved into the information age by posting your blog link, inviting comments, and providing an up-to-date list of MFA resources online. Reading this book is a great way to reflect on if an MFA is for you, and if so, where and how to apply. Informative, strategic, and written on a very easy reading level (irony?).

[Amalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful in considering the top programs in the country, as well as in going through the application process. It would have been quite daunting without this guide. It is well-written and researched, current and in a style that puts one at ease.

[Katelyn Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an informative guide that provided great resources. I do wish it had addressed people with lower income and provided more resources on scholarships and grants. It also would have been nice to have more insight from a larger variety of professors from different schools.

[Sch · Rating 4 out of 5]

if i get accepted i will rerate it as 5🌟, such an useful book,everyone who want waste their life in writing especially creative writing mfa should defintely read this… the author is from stanford fellowship program he has quite a lot infos about the application process. i wish an updated version…

[Sampada Deshpande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have liked a newer edition that covered in detail, aspects of WHEN to apply to an MFA program (how much work should you have in place prior)

[Cristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wish there was a newer edition!

[Mary McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to read if you're thinking of applying to MFA programs. Kealey offers advice on several aspects of the process, such as what to write in your personal statement and what programs are looking for in letters of recommendation. There's also information on several specific programs, but since that information is always changing, it's best to check the Internet for up-to-date information.

[Tameca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though Kealey's book is not all inclusive, it arms writing majors with enough information to knowledgeably forge forth towards the next step in their academic careers. He discusses criteria that is pertinent to MFA seeking students and he offers further points for undergraduates to consider which they may not have been able to consider beforehand. There is an updated version now, which I have not read. However, any chance I get, and when I have this version of the book in my hands, I lend it. The book is clear, personable (versus the dry, impersonal voice of most books in this vein) helpful, and it does not overwhelm the reader as other MFA books can.

Kealey also has an accompanying blog page that seems to run quite regularly. -->http://creative-writing-mfa-handbook.... This is an added bonus. Despite how much I like this book, I suggest students (and so does Kealey in the book!) to do their own research as well, and use the book as a guide.

[Minyoung Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely good overview and "look first before anything else" type of book on anyone thinking of getting a Creative Writing MFA. The conversational tone starts out as annoying, but you get used to it. It does give the book a "mentor talking to clueless newbie" kind of feeling, which is actually a pretty good analogy for the book.

The book did, however, convince me NOT to pursue an MFA at this time, and I am very glad it did. Admittedly, I had no idea what an MFA was about before I read this book. I supposed I automatically assumed it would be like a professional degree, such as an MBA or a JD, where people go to school to BECOME a certain type of profession. The author's description of the program convinced me otherwise, but at the same time it did give me some valuable starting points and advice to actually try to become more of a "professional writer" that I was aspiring to be. Once I become a "writer" maybe I will pursue an MFA later on.

[Nomy · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay so i haven't really finished this but i think anyone who is interested in applying to MFA creative writing programs should read this book. it's really really helpful, he basically walks you through the whole process and helps you figure out your priorities in ranking schools, and he lists all the creative writing programs that exist in the US and many in other countries too. this book inspired me to figure out which schools i'm interested in and and make a schedule for applying. when it's time i'll reread his advice for the application, essay and writing sample to get me inspired again.

the weird thing about it though: the top of the book is cut strangely and a lot of the pages are still connected to each other, so i have to tear them apart in order to turn the page. it's weird. i wonder if i have the only copy like that.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most well-regarded guides to applying for a creative writing MFA. It's jam-packed with tips, ideas, and interviews for the aspiring writing student. The only thing I didn't like about it is that it was a bit conversational in tone; Kealey used an extended analogy of a bus driver giving a tour of a new city that was kind of lame and childish. However, the book is so useful that it's totally worth picking up and reading anyway; the style doesn't detract from the readability or, more importantly, the valuable information contained within.

[J.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though at present in my life I'm just about to tackle my BA, an MFA is something I'd like to attain eventually, and thought that having this book around would come in handy. It is pretty well organized and all the information is presented, and I now have a better picture of what to expect in the future.

I recommend this book to anyone who is about to go into a Masters program in creative writing, whether it be MFA, MA or Phd.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The actual writing in this book was sometimes rough and sometimes a bit patronizing, but I found two things extremely helpful: the sample chart for keeping track of what materials each grad school required, and the list of MFA (and MA, and PhD) programs in the back of the book. The list is not entirely comprehensive, though; for a few more programs, try http://www.awpwriter.org/

[Kathleen Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handbook that actually provides practical information! I had no idea what was "out there" until I read this book. It contains a wealth of information to research online.It points the way to residential, low res, financial aid, reading lists, the application. The only thing missing is a check for tuition attached at the end of the book.

[T.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very important book if you're looking at MFA writing programs. Research does not seem to be the most scientific (sweeping claims and rankings that are hard to quantify); perhaps not enough said about chemistry in relation between teaching staff and student, and such factors as geography and family (a sidebar on the nuances for parent students would be helpful). Website is indispensable, too.

[Zana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for those looking at Creative Writing MFAs. The program rankings are five years out of date, though, so the returns will diminish going forward on that part of the book. Still, the advice on how to apply and what considerations to take into account is invaluable.

I signed up for the GRE today. *bites nails*

[Vovka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel much better informed about MFA programs thanks to this book. Two knocks: (a) the book, published in 2008, is now quite out of date; (b) I wish there had been more advice for later-career folks looking to pursue this degree -- the target reader is a 20-something whereas I'm clearly not a 20-something.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource, especially considering how mysterious the whole "applying for an MFA" thing seems to be. I'll let you know if I got into any schools, which will be the real test of its usefulness.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a useful tool for researching MFAs. Not as comprehensive as the latest edition, but a great effort from some folks who truly care about the field. Try the MFA blog on Google for more of their valuable insight.

[Amy Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, it was a handbook. But a really good handbook. I wouldn't want to go through the Creative Writing MFA application process without this book. I literally read it cover to cover in about 3 days. For anyone interested in applying for an MFA program, the book is a must read.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up to my ears in info on applying for the Creative Writing MFA, I stumbled upon this gem on someone's website. I have looked at it cover to cover, if not read every word.

And this book is fun, a clever conversation between the writer and reader.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just getting in to seriously considering an MFA program in fiction, and this book was immensely helpful. Perhaps because of its specificity, it is by far the most helpful academic guide I've read.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book when I applied for writing mfa programs. I don't quite agree with its listings of best schools, but it provided a logical structure in which to approach the application process for which I am grateful.

[Alicia]

chatty to the point of distraction, but given the purpose of the book it's expected. a book whose purpose is more to provoke thought than to prescribe. has some good information, especially regarding the financial situation of being an mfa grad student.