I'm pursuing my MFA in creative writing, and someday hope to teach creative writing at the collegiate level. I've been accepted to the MFA programs at Iowa (arguably the top MFA-CR school) and at Columbia University, which is also in the top five. I've always had an attraction to Columbia, as well as its Graduate School of Journalism (I have my Master's from U of Missouri and am considering continuing my j-degree in order to teach, possibly). However, though Iowa is the perpetuated gold standard, I'm really stuck between it and Columbia. I know the difference in the pricetag, but what are some of your opinions?
2007-03-16 22:39:22 · 2 answers · asked by Barbara 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
The MFA CR is the prime example in all of academia of the old saying, "those who can do, those who can't, teach. "
If you want to write, then write. Once you have had four or five novels published and reviewed in the Times, then you will have no problem finding a job teaching writing. Why should you pay many thousands of dollars to sit in a class and talk about writing. You think Hemingway, Barbara Kingsolver or Neal Stephenson did this?
At some point you have to get out of school and write. Now would be a good time.
2007-03-17 00:08:19 · answer #1 · answered by matt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you been to visit both schools? Talked with faculty in both MFA programs? Found out whether you will have teaching assistantship or other awards? Investigated cost of living in both cities? Could you picture yourself living in both places for a period of time? Can you afford them both?
If you are having so much trouble deciding, you definitely need to visit both places. It makes the decision clear for most people. As you said, both programs are respected for your area of study and so the issue becomes: which best suits YOU? We can't answer that for you. Good luck.
2007-03-17 11:55:27 · answer #2 · answered by szivesen 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋