Found an automated email in my spam folder to check the ApplyWeb portal for the decision letter. I was assuming it was a rejection since that's usually what those kinds of emails mean. Right before I clicked on the decision letter, I saw a button next to it that said "complete your decision form" and thought "huh that's weird, haven't seen that before" but didn't make the connection at all. It turned out to be an acceptance letter. This is my fifth time applying to MFA programs; I was previously waitlisted at Brown in 2019.

Over the moon right now. 1a/0w/5r/6p

Email from Matt Frank with acceptance, on the wait list for funding. A bit of a bummer since I thought they were fully funded for all accepted students, but he said the situation was "fluid," "unpredictable," and that he hopes to reach out with an offer of funding soon. Fingers crossed!

The longer it went on with no updates, the more I figured it was a rejection. Still, it was my top choice so the notification stung extra hard.

I received the email about a quarter to five Friday evening. They said they'll let me know of any further developments in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed!

Email saying that portal has been updated. Form rejection with no additional stats about number of applicants, spots, etc.

Pleasant surprise! thought for sure since I didn't hear anything that I'd been rejected

Very kind and informative email from the program director. They mentioned there is often movement off the waitlist. This was one of my top choices, so fingers crossed!

News so nice they told me twice

I've been waitlisted!! Keen to hear whether any spots will free up by April 15th

oop-

Dear Syracuse (and the other universities that have lined my inbox with rejections), My name is not MFA Fiction applicant. Thank you for not risking an ounce of personableness by typing in the simple code "{{Preferred Name}}." You will find this autogenerates the first name of each prospective college profile you send a message to; perhaps if you have the time for it, reach out to anyone in your admissions team who may be able to correct this. I'm not applying next year for Creative Writing MFAs, and do not understand why I applied again this year. I am a writer who loves speculative fiction. I'm dirt poor. I'm writing on fumes. I have allowed myself deteriorating mental health, all due to the opinions of a few people which I have never heard of (and who have never heard of me, as we are not yet on computer-generated first name basis, yet.) I come from a rural town. I'm a first-generation college graduate. I don't have a special story other than this: I love to write. I love to read. I am not Ivy-educated. I went to a state school, My undergrad GPA could've been higher. But it wasn't, and no matter how much regret I have, I can't change my past. To everyone who believed I could do it, I regrettably confirm that I did not do it. The second try was not a charm. A full nine months of rewrites, edits, and public shaming did not do anything other than earn me five rejections and one acceptance to a school that wants me to pay $30,000 a year. I would like to thank my mother, who specifically prayed to the guy upstairs that I would be rejected by all schools so I wouldn't leave the state. Also, another thanks to my writing professor who refused to be my recommender for two straight years -- you really loved me up until the panini happened. Sorry I was forced out of my housing and fired from my job on the night an assignment of 2,000 words were due. Three years of office hours, straight A's, and being the best student in class earned me an exodus from your favoritism. And most importantly, I would like to thank ME. Who sent in a speculative fiction sample. Who wasted my savings account on another year of rejections. For thinking I was good enough. Because that's what it comes down to -- no matter what, I wasn't good enough on paper. Not creative enough. Not introspective enough. Not unique enough. Not smart enough. I hate to share this bit with you all, but I am more than good enough. It is a shame five white dudes couldn't see that. (Regrettably, my writing sample was covered in estrogen and I touched it on the second night of my period. I didn't stand a chance.) Farewell my friends, For I must get back to reality, where my drafts wait patiently