Returning to the Statement of Purpose

Over the years, I’ve written quite a bit about how to write your statement of purpose for a low-res MFA program. That advice is still valid, but I felt it was time to return to it again and to update it somewhat. I’m curious about the things most applicants leave out of their statement, and maybe I’m thinking about it especially in the post-pandemic reality.

I see letters that describe the writer’s style fairly well, and ones that name authors they’ve read or that they admire. I even see letters that discuss prior publications or writing workshops or retreats that the applicant has gone to. All those are great. And even though I see a lot of letters that begin with how much the applicant loves writing (I assume you do if you’re applying to a program), I usually forgive that, at least as long as it sounds authentic and reveals something specific about the applicant that is at least a little intriguing.

The main thing that I look for in a letter and rarely find, though, is a discussion of how the applicant is going to make it work to be in a low-residency program and afford to put food on their table and pay for tuition.

This has always been a concern, but it’s an even greater one now. We see more applicants apply to our program, get accepted, and then get cold feet. I get it, times are still hard for many, or maybe you got a better job but now have to spend more time at work and don’t feel you have time for school. We work with people and suggest ways they can make it work, even offering a deferment for up to a year. That has helped several students out, but it doesn’t always solve the main issues.

I want to know that an applicant is committed to our program (not just to writing, though that’s good, too) and I want to know that you’re realistic about what it will take to complete a degree. I want to know more than how much you want that MFA degree and why, but also that you are willing to do the hard work to improve your writing, while also doing the hard work of staying alive and managing your other obligations. I don’t need to know everything about your personal life in your letter, but it does help to shed some light on that as you persuade me that you’re someone worth taking a risk on because you will do what it takes to complete the program. That won’t be the main point to your statement, but if you can slip it in, I will notice.