Hello,

I've done a little bit of research on the MFA programs in my area, (Southern California,) and yeah, it does seem like the expensive route to go, but if you want to augment your education on creative writing it seems like the only option. However, i recently went to a writing fair, specifically an MFA writing fair for the various colleges that offer it, and i managed to get a lot of valuable information. I finally figured that the thing to do for myself, was to apply to UCLA extension writing program. I am a bit a free spirit, and the idea of being laid to another two year journey of education, wasn't appealing to my current goals (i.e. moving out!) Therefore, the extension writing program seemed like a good idea. You can take classes when you want, days, evenings, weekends, online. And you can finish as quickly as you want, or take as much time as you need, especially since you pay per class and not a tuition. Of course its not an MFA, its only a certificate program, but i was told it would also look better if in the future i still wanted to get into an MFA program. (One person told me it was nearly a guarantee to get into a program with that certificate, but I'll take that advice with a grain of salt.)

Anyways, depending on what you want to get out of the program is the determining factor i believe. One program here was heavily involved in its local community and community service in education young people to write was required, (I think.)

Others offer low residency or high residency programs, meaning how much time you spend in isolation to work on your materials.

Others offered high interaction and feedback from professors.

Another one promised you would have a novel ready for publication (but not a guarantee of publication.)

And nearly all of them said, it is most important to see "who" is teaching the class. Is this someone you want to be learning from? What are their credentials? What do they have to offer in the program? (Personally, on this point, i was a bit confused, if the instructor wasn't high caliber or capable, why would the program hire them? I didn't really get to pick my professors in college, other then, well this one has a bad reputation for giving harsh grades. *shrug*)

But yeah, that's my humble opinion.

you might find this helpful.

creative-writing-mfa-handbook.blogspot.com