I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this book, "The Low-Residency MFA Handbook", by Lori A. May. I had read the "bible" of MFA applicants, Tom Kealey's "Creative Writing MFA Handbook", which deals with traditional MFA programs, but didn't know much about low-residency programs. So what are low-residency programs? These are not "MFA lite" programs, by far. They are just as demanding as full-residency, regular programs, but you can do them remotely, from home. Generally, twice a year, for a week or two, they will have "residencies", where students come and meet with professors, attend lectures, share work and have fun and learn. The rest of the semester, students are working their full-time jobs and doing their work when they come home, and send their work to their advisor or fellow students via email. They keep up via forums and webpages, etc. These programs are perfect for MFA students who do not want to relocate, or can't relocate due to work or family obligations. The main drawback is they do not generally offer good funding like traditional programs, because they don't have teaching assistantships or research assistanships. That is a huge drawback for me. BUT......that being said, you can work full-time at your job while doing these programs. And save the cost of moving.
This book does an excellent job of clearly describing each program, with interviews from faculty, alumni and students from each program, there is a chapter on funding, one on AWP, and one that describes what residencies are like. There is contact information for each program, and reading it, it made me really think that a low-residency program could be a good idea for next year. This way, I could keep my job, not move, and earn a degree at the same time. May also has a chapter on life after the MFA, which is entertaining and reassuring at the same time. Lori May does an excellent job at providing objective information about each program, and because the programs are described by insiders, you really get a feel for each program and whether you want to learn more about the school. If I hadn't read this book, I don't think I would even consider a low-res program in the future, simply because they aren't talked about as much - or they are somehow seen as "less than", which, clearly, they are not.
If you are thinking about an MFA program, or simply want to learn more about your options, pick up this book at Amazon or your local bookstore.
1 comment:
I did a low residency program for my MHA and it was the perfect option for me. I couldn't move to New Jersey but I still got to attend Seton Hall. I can vouch for the fact that these programs are just as intense, if not more, than traditional programs. I worked just as hard for my masters at Seton as I am at Tech. They aren't for everyone because you do have to be pretty self motivated but I loved my program. I always recommend Seton Hall to anyone who tells me they want to get a MHA. It really is the best of both worlds - a good degree program without the cost of moving and leaving your job.
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