SFSU MFA/MA CW Students, Alumni and Faculty discussion

Hi Nancy,

I can't speak highly enough of the talent, insight and generosity of the writers at SF State. The vast majority of people I've met have been incredible writers and readers and it's been amazing getting to work with them, and most of the teachers, too, are dedicated and brilliant and incredible. I'm in my fifth of six semesters in the program and it's becoming more and more clear (ha) that having an MFA doesn't really open up amazing job opportunities or anything of the sort, but I'm really so grateful for the three years to be a part of the writing community here--it's been so invaluable to me, and, I imagine, it would be for most writers. For the me the community and readership and getting to read others' work has been the most beneficial part of the MFA. I think it's totally possible to find that community elsewhere, but it's really great to have it all at your disposal, too. And the teachers are great; I've learned a lot. More than I thought I would, actually. I think you really kind of get out what you put in, as cliche as that is. Initially (I came straight from undergrad) I was kind of stupidly focused on, like, getting through the program and like grades and stuff, and it wasn't that great. But when I (started freaking out about entering the real world after the MFA and realized what a gift this time is and) shifted my priorities to focus on getting out of it what I could, and focusing on writing and having that space/environment to grow as a writer, it was really amazing. I feel like there's so much available to you here.

In terms of affording the MFA at SFSU, the program's definitely designed to where you could still be working while attending. A lot of people I know just take one or two classes per semester, whatever they can handle, while working full- or part-time.

Also, if you're interested in seeing what the program's like, you can totally contact the office and ask about coming to sit in on a workshop or something.

Hope that helps some! :) Good luck.

Nancy--I could be wrong, but I think SF State has capped enrollments for next year due to budget cuts. It's a sinking ship. A beautiful, barnacled ship, but sinking nonetheless.

If I was looking to start an MFA program and focus on writing right now, I would prioritize getting completely funded, which probably means looking somewhere out of state.

Good luck!

I chose the MFA because I had nothing better to do. I did the MA first, because I wanted to get out of my data entry job, and my girlfriend still had a year in her MA program so I decided to stick around. I wanted to stay in SF so SFSU was pretty much the most affordable option. I do love it at State, so I'm not trying to degrade the program or anything, its great, but there were a lot of things that went into my decision that were practical or self-serving more than romantic or ideal.

*idealistic.