Eastern Washington University MFA in Creative Writing
Reviewer's Name:
Jennifer Boyden
Review Date
January 28, 2010
Year of Graduation:
1995
Review Title:
Excellent, constructive, tuned in to each student
Full Review of the Program:
I transferred to Eastern from a program that had terrific faculty, but seemed to somehow foster negative competition among students. At Eastern, the faculty were very attentive and championed each student's voice, The goal was to strengthen each student's direction. I did not appreciate every voice, but I learned how to help others strengthen what worked for their style, and how to help them identify what did not work and find solutions that were compatible with their larger poetic voices. I very much appreciate having received these skills and the rigor that accompanies such attentive and close readings. This was enormously helpful with my own work. The atmosphere was collaborative and supportive. And, I know after talking with many other MFA-ers, rare.
Overall Rating
Reputation Rating
Location
It's Spokane. A strange and fascinating place with city life and quick access to all different kinds of wildernesses. And seedy. Really seedy. Lots of stories in that city.
Quality of Faculty
My favorite. The faculty are so present. And so accomplished. And so willing to reach out to the writers who write a lot, do interesting things with language, and want to push themselves. Quirky, gorgeous writers, big givers, and gigantic selves.
Student Competitiveness
(5=most competitive)
Campus Facilities
Financial Assistance
Teaching Assistants receive a stipend and tuition waiver.
Making Contacts
Diversity
Career Services/Development
Being a teaching assistant and working on Willow Springs magazine gave me solid experiences for later positions. Though that's not why I went there. That would be silly. Career development is more an aftermath realization.
Dating Scene
LGBT Friendly
Social Scene in General
Family Friendly
Cost of Living (5=most affordable)
Dining Options
Admissions
Full-time: Yes
Part-time: Yes
Length of Program: 2 Years
Low Residency: No
Student Body
Genre
Fiction
Poetry
Creative Non-fiction
