what’s behind door number 3? March 27, 2008
I’m accepted at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA now! Why did they have to email me when I’m at work already hungover and unable to focus?! The email was “signed” by David Wojahn. HOW COOL IS THAT. It said I’m on a waitlist for a TAship. That’s also very good.
Oh vey guys I don’t know what I’m going to do now! VCU is a really awesome program and instead of 2 years it’s 3. They also have a SUMMER IN GLASGOW opportunity in addition to working on the online lit mag Blackbird!
At this point I’m pretty sure that I’m going to turn down U of Missouri-St. Louis. It just doesn’t compare to my newer options for school. Plus, I got some bad vibes from the students I talked to there.
I’ll have to look at all the costs but I’m pretty sure it would be cheaper to go to VCU and live in Richmond for three years than to go to SLC and live in NYC for two years. But NYC vs. Richmond? I don’t know! Part of me thinks I owe it to myself to take the bigger risk/life change. Part of me thinks it would be stupid to go the more expensive/daring route. And these are just the initial thoughts! Still so much more to think about! ACK. But gosh I feel so lucky right now. Things are really happening!
I’m so proud of you, Em.
Also, how f-ing wonderful is it that you have the opportunity to choose between those two.
I’ll call you out by name when I win my Pulitzer
Wow, those are two big offers. What a decision to make. My heart would say NYC, but my practical, poor side would go to VCU.
congrats!
my humble opinion:
go the less expensive, lower living expenses route. believe me, you will notice a difference in a few years when you are struggling daily to support your writing.
go the three year route. it makes a difference.
go the less-distractions-so-i-can-write route.
i’ll also throw in that i think new york city is a terrible hole of trendy trust fund holders who only claim to be writers and burn money like it’s paper. and i live here. and i like richmond.
Wow, congratulations!
Seaswell makes some good points. If going to SLC would mean you’d have to waitress on the side or something in order to make ends meet, and eat ramen noodles, it might not be worth it. (But then, I’ve never been fond of the “suffering makes your art better” point of view … I figure we’re all gonna suffer plenty just by virtue of being human, why not try to be as happy and comfortable as we can when we have that option?)
But if you really love NYC and living there would make you happy, this might be your best chance to spend some time there. So … I guess there are pros and cons either way.
But they are both reputed to be terrific programs, so what a cool choice to have to make!
I loved Richmond when I was there often with asshat-boy, there are adorable shops and some really great restaurants and you could live in a semi-affordable place in the Fan area. And I think Mr. S. would be happy there, should that happen — there is a very vibrant local music scene. Like asshat-boy & friends.
I don’t know much about those programs and don’t have a huge 2yr vs 3yr opinion, but I’d also back the idea of Richmond. And it’s not too long of a drive to Charlotte should you want to see us
You still waiting/interested in UNCG?
You know whichever you choose, you’ll eternally wonder “what if…?”
How about you defer one, go to the other, and then go to the other for a 2nd MFA in creative nonfiction? As for all your accrued debt, you could always fake your own death! (I’m gathering research on this now, that I’ll be happy to share with you.)
But seriously, I would look at what the alumni of these programs are doing now, and also, try to figure out who are the other graduate students that will be there with you. Richmond may be longer and more affordable, but what if every day of your life there, you’re in direct working interactions with lame-asses? The other graduate students, more than anything, completely characterize your graduate school experience. I would put those factors into the foreground of my mind when deciding.
But seriously, congratulations on having such a wonderful predicament.
Congrats on VCU!
Pitt is 3 years, SLC is 2… but Pittsburgh is far less expensive to live in than New York. If it helps any, I did the math.
I’m in a very similar bind; good bind to have mind you
Pitt SLC
Work: 300$ a week P/T?(can transfer bars) 150$ a week?
Living: 300$ a month (with roomie) 600$/m(manyroomies)
Cost: 3/yr tot. no fund (43,500$) 2/yr tot. some fund (27K)
Now here is the big thing to weigh…
going the two year route: that also means ONE MORE YEAR TO WORK F/T upon completion. Once I factored that in, it’s actually about 5K cheaper for me to go to Sarah Lawrence. But… at Pitt there is the possibility for teaching assistantships in another dept. and if you work on campus part time, you get 6 free credits per semester after 6 months. GAHH! Too much math!! but…working two part-time jobs at Pitt will leave no time to write. Right?
No fear… you’re not the only one losing your mind
thanks for all the comments & advice, guys. This comment thread pretty much looks like my current brain pattern, just with a tad more spiraling and fast forward movement. One day I’m all about SLC. The next day I’m all about VCU. Rinse, repeat.
Emily,
Congrats on two amazing choices. I can’t wait to hear what you decide. Email me when you get a chance. A student I work with now has accepted at Sarah Lawrence. I’d love to put you guys in touch.
Congrats on having choices. Though the decision-making process is difficult, it’s a “good” problem to have!
I’m nearly done with an MFA, and if I had had the opportunity to make it three years long instead of two, I would do it, no question.
I’ll also second what others have said about keeping your debt as low as possible. Also, get the teaching experience if you can; it will always serve you well, as a writer and as a reader, even if you never teach again or not. I wish my program had offered this.
Make sure the faculty you most want to work with are actually on-site and teach/mentor, not just show up for readings once in a while.
Finally, go with your gut.
I discuss a lot of MFA-related stuff over at my blog, too.
Good luck.