How to write a good Statement of Purpose for your Creative Writing MFA application
I’ve been researching the theory of an MFA Statement of Purpose for awhile now, and can save everyone the time with a quick rundown. Basically, everyone says use common sense. It should be tight prose. As tight as a piece of flash fiction, include an anecdote or two, explain what you hope to get out of their MFA department (a honing of craft, if there’s a specific area you feel you’re weak in perhaps), and what you bring to the department (why they should feel deeeeeply honored that you are applying to their puny school. Maybe not quite so condescending, but you get the idea. How you can help your fellow students, and the prestige of the program with the masterpieces you write.)
Here’s an excellent essay from Vince Gotera at The University of Northern Iowa that gives some examples and tips. Check it out. Seriously. Or else. Don’t ask what. I said don’t ask. I’m leaving.