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

phone call from program director and email with full funding details

Email from the Graduate Administrator.

March 3, 2022 Dear MFA Fiction applicant: We are writing to let you know that we have not been able to recommend you for admission to the Masters of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing at Syracuse University. This is a complicated judgment which depends a great deal on the abilities and opinions of those instructors here who must be able to feel that they could clearly serve the development of your writing. Our consensus not to recommend admission to the program should in no way be interpreted as a discouragement of your writing. We know this news disappoints you, and we want to express our sincere best wishes for success in your alternate plans for graduate study. Thank you for your interest in Syracuse. Sincerely, The Creative Writing Committee

form email

Email to check portal; awaiting any funding info.

Waitlisted for funding

kind of a weird email notification and on the waitlist for funding but still wicked nonetheless. 3a/1w/2r/2p

Email to check portal status. Yay!

IGNORE INTERVIEW. Has anyone heard back from Michener?

Half-funded, notified by email.

Email to check portal, generic rejection letter