Tayari's Blog: "F Love" or Why You Should Apply Broadly

Posted by TayariJones on November 17, 2009 07:40 AM
Filed under The Writing Life


Apply Smarter
Originally uploaded by quannumthrow
This post is a word of warning. In the last two weeks, I have met three talented writers who are considering getting thier MFAs. It's application season and they are trying to decide where to apply. In talking to them, I noticed a common thread-- none of them wanted to leave New York. This is nothing against NYC-- I really enjoy the place, but when you let your love for a city restrict your opportunities, well, you restrict your opportunities. As Rihanna said on Good Morning America the other day, "F love."

Of course there are folks out there with good reasons to be tied to a particular city. Maybe you have family you can't leave, or you have job. That's reasonable. But the I-love-it-here factor brings to mind seemingly-smart girls in high school who only applied to colleges where their dumb boyfriends also stood a chance of getting in.

Here are some things to think about when you are deciding where to apply.


  • MFA programs only last 2-3 years. New York will be there when you get back.
  • Your MFA is forever. You can't go back and get another, so you want to go somewhere that will give you the boost you need when the program is over-- not just give you a fun time. I did my degree in Arizona. I dated NO ONE and I was so lonely that I tried to teach my cat to play checkers. But I finished the degree with a book deal, a condo, a network, and a decent looking CV line.
  • Debt is no joke. New York is expensive and the schools here are notorious about not giving much financial aid. Why? Because they know how many sweet young things would do anything to live in New York! Refer to my point about Arizona, above. See the word "condo." I made the down payment with my aid package.
  • Options give you leverage. A good friend of mine always says, "the person who is not willing to move never gets ahead." Being geographically bound means that you will take what you can get. Don't bring that to the negotiating table. Let's say you get into that NYC school, you need to say, "What do you have to offer me besides skyscrapers? Because a Certain Midwestern University is offering me money along with the corn."
    • [divider]

    There are 3 comments on ""F Love" or Why You Should Apply Broadly". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.

    Comment #1, by Michael Fischer [TypeKey Profile Page]

    I agree with this advice. I'm not trying to downplay the importance of location for some people, but any location can be decent if you're surrounded by people who share similar interests. From what I hear, a lot of the smaller MFA programs in non-glamorous locations have money to give and often only get like 40-50 apps a year.

    November 17, 2009 11:52 AM

    Comment #2, by Bethany [TypeKey Profile Page]

    Okay, I'm still trying to imagine ever needing to be told to travel. I'd need advice on seeing the benefit in staying somewhere for school. Which is why I left my home 20 mins from UC Davis to go to college. As far as writing goes, I think some people might make the assumption that you need to be in an exciting geographical location to do so; as for me, I just need to breathe new air. Small town, big city - both will do, as long as it's new.

    November 17, 2009 03:10 PM

    Comment #3, by Kyla Marshell [TypeKey Profile Page]

    Thanks for the finger-wagging shout-out, Tayari. I see your point. I really do. But if I can get fully-funded at NYU, I'm going to have to take it. If not, I will look elsewhere. But I'll apply out-of-state...promise:)

    November 17, 2009 04:20 PM

    Your Comments

    You are signed in as (sign out)

    Please keep comments relevant to the topic. Inappropriate and offensive comments may be edited and/or removed without warning. Comments found on this site don't necessarily reflect the views of Tayari Jones.

    (optional)

    (required)