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

Everyone considering an advanced degree in creative writing should read this book. The evaluations of individual programs aren't all that important -- what's more important is the way Kealey lays out the whole MFA process: what to look for in schools, what the application process is like, and how to make the most of your time once you finally get in. Kealey doesn't have an agenda, he has a point-of-view: he values programs with good funding that let you get a lot of writing done. I read this book right after undergrad and realized that the MFA scene wasn't my cup of tea. I owe Tom a big thank you for the time and money he saved me.

Because, see, last year, when I finally decided to pursue my MFA (poetry), I intended to apply to three programs - none of which offered funding, and none of which accepted more than 5% of all applicants. Thank goodness for missed deadlines. By the time I realized I simply didn't have time to polish a portfolio, gather good recommendations and take the GRE, I'd heard that this book was being published. I waited for it, bought it, opened it and read it cover to cover in a single sitting. Walking away from it, slightly dazzled, I felt far more in control of the process. The Handbook: 1. Offers helpful overviews of numerous MFA programs, half of which I didn't know existed and many of which I'd never have considered; I now have a list of 22 schools that I'd be thrilled to attend. 2. Provides thought-provoking advice regarding funding, teaching, "safety schools" and the like, and suggests criteria that are most assuredly crucial in making the right decision for yourself and your writing. 3. Simplifies the application process, offering useful tips on getting recommendations, writing your personal statement and refining your portfolio. I am confident that, should I get an acceptance letter next year, I will be heading off to a program far more suited to my needs and desires than I would have had I not read this guide.

If you only buy one book to research MFA programs, this is it. I came into this process completely ignorant, and Tom Kealey has brought me up-to-speed in a matter of hours. As a prospective student of a low-residency program, I was impressed with the amount of information he includes for both these and traditional schools. This book is well-stocked with Q & As and interviews of professors and graduates--truly an insider's guide. Kealey also describes in detail the application process, giving tips on letters of recommendation, personal statements, and so on. But his book doesn't stop there; it also includes a chapter on what to expect once you're in the program--workshops, teaching, public readings, and more. This book is concise and straight forward, and extremely well-organized. I highly recommend it!

This book is indispensable for anyone considering a writing MFA program. Kealey covers everything that a prospective student should consider: reasons to get an MFA, criteria for choosing programs, how to prepare a strong application (including suggestions for manuscript selection), etc. There's even advice on getting the most out of whatever program you attend, and on your post-MFA options. The treatment of all of this is extremely lucid, and Kealey's tone is casual and easy to read. Most importantly, his descriptions of various residency programs are very thoughtful, with useful information (such as funding levels and program size) that you won't find compiled elsewhere. To the degree that he ranks programs (which isn't complete; he simply mentions on a few schools' profiles that he considers them "top five," "top ten," etc.) his criteria are explicit and clear. As for the author: Kealey's qualifications are impressive (UMass MFA, Stegner Fellowship, a current teaching position at Stanford), and his dedication even more so -- he runs a blog at creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com, where he is willing to answer any question not addressed by the book.