University of San Francisco MFA in Writing Graduate Program
Reviewer's Name:
Mary Patrick
Review Date
June 10, 2009
Year of Graduation:
2003
Review Title:
A supportive jump start to finally writing that first novel.
Full Review of the Program:
USF's program provides an excellent balance of academic, literary and peer support to inspire writers to stay focused on a major project be it fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. Especially good profs are Kate Brady, Aaron Shurin, Louis Buzbee and Karl Soehnlein (I was student of fiction and non-fiction). Well worth the investment of time and money. Main downside was no guidance around how writers might support themselves with their craft, ie: the whole finding an agent, publisher, and marketing the book. They have their reasons (keep writers focused on quality of work) however practical realities are critical, so some concentration on that would be a nice addition. (This may have been added since my day, it's been awhile.)
Overall Rating
Reputation Rating
Location
Quality of Faculty
Student Competitiveness
(5=most competitive)
Campus Facilities
Financial Assistance
Making Contacts
Student must take initiative here, but many faculty are supportive.
Diversity
Career Services/Development
Dating Scene
n/a
LGBT Friendly
Um. It's San Francisco...
Social Scene in General
I wasn't looking for a social scene, but enjoyed community that formed among writers.
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
