For over a decade I’ve been writing advice for creative writers who are applying to MFA programs, but for the last little while I’ve slowed down, thinking that I might have said it all. The last thing I would want to do is just repeat what I’ve said in the past. And yet the older a post gets, the less traction it has, which also means people won’t see that advice as readily. In the lead-up to the Association of Writers and Writing Programs 2026 conference, March 4-7, it seems like a good time to update this series and address some topics that ought to go without saying, perhaps, but often are the kinds of information MFA applicants lack. So let’s start with AWP, a great source of information for anyone considering an MFA.
Naturally, the AWP conference has hundreds of panels on all kinds of issues that writers face, whether those are craft issues, advice on how and where to publish, or pedagogy panels. There are also many, many readings both on and off site. It is literally overwhelming how much there is to do and learn. And with an expected attendance of 14,000 writers or more, you need to be prepared to be awash in writing for three days.
Besides the panels, though, don’t forget the Book Fair, which is a bit of a misnomer. Many MFA programs will have tables there, as will many magazines, bookstores, publishers, writers’ residencies, and other services for writers. If you want to get to know what a program is like, go talk to them at their table, which often will be staffed by current students as well as faculty. This is so much better than researching a program online because you can get an immediate sense of a program’s culture or vibe. So if you find yourself in Baltimore, please stop by our table, T984, and say hi.
That’s not to say you don’t need to also do your research online, but you can learn a lot more by talking to someone, asking a few questions, or picking up brochures or sample copies of their magazines. And don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for all the swag you’re likely to bring home.
The best advice I’ve heard for AWP is to wear comfortable shoes. Dress like yourself, whether that is the latest fashion, outlandish and quirky, or yoga pants or sweats. Walking the convention center, you will see folks in every style of dress, and no matter what you wear, you will either stand out or fit in, depending on what look you’re going for. Don’t worry that you have to seem pretentious or overly sophisticated—no one expects that. Just be yourself and be open to meeting new people and having new experiences. I’ve had great conversations with people I met at a panel, ran into in the hallways, or whose book fair table I decided to visit. Some were people I know, but many have been complete strangers.
In the evenings, there are the big name readings, like this year’s keynote, John Waters. But there are also many receptions and off-site events hosted by magazines, publishers, or programs. The conference is non-stop and exhausting, and another piece of good advice is to allow yourself some time away from the conference center to decompress.
Attending the conference is a wonderful idea, but I also realize it can be expensive. First there is the cost of travel and lodging, and then there’s the cost of registration, which can run from $260 to $380 depending on whether you’re a member or nonmember, if you register online by March 3. On-site registration is more: $435 to $580. Non-members, don’t miss the discounted rate if you add a membership when you register: $350 before March 3 and $525 on-site. Who would pay the full non-member rate rather than save $50 to get more? Current students can register for $75 or $155 on-site, and anyone who lives near enough and wants to go for Saturday only can get a one-day pass for $25.
Less expensive virtual passes are also available, which allow access to a limited number of recorded panels, but you don’t get the advantage of the book fair, where all the action is. Anyone can follow the hashtag #AWP26 on their social media, though, and see posts related to the conference before, during, and after the event. Our program will be posting regularly with this hashtag, so you can follow along virtually.
Even if you can only follow the hashtag, taking part in #AWP26 is one way you can become more knowledgable about the world of creative writing, and one space where you can get to know programs, their people, and their magazines better. That’s why I’m starting this series with AWP. In the coming two weeks, I’ll be back with more things you can do to prepare your best MFA application in Creative Writing.
Kendall Dunkelberg 