To MFA or Not to MFA
I constantly debate whether I should apply to an MFA program. Unfortunately the process and cost out weigh any positives. I graduated from Penn State 7 years ago. The chance a professor will write a recommendation letter is zero. Spending $30,000 dollars on my master’s degree is on par. I just can’t fathom putting myself in more debt without an absolute guarantee I won’t be paying it off until I’m 80-years-old. Schools exist, full residency, that pay the tuition for you, but you need to give something back in return. As a student, you are required to teach classes on top of your already demanding schedule. This is not what I had in mind. This does not offer the time you need to actually write when you are busy dealing with undergraduates, grading, office hours and lesson planning. Then there’s the location problem. I haven’t found any schools in my area. Moving is necessary. Can’t afford ...