MFA Application Coaching Cohort 2024

This cohort is a supportive, structured group focused on navigating the MFA application process for 2024 with as much confidence and as little stress as possible.

Details

This cohort is a supportive, structured group focused on navigating the MFA application process for 2024 with as much confidence and as little stress as possible. Together, we'll walk through choosing programs, selecting samples, soliciting recommendations, writing a compelling personal statement, and staying on track through deadlines so that you have the best chance for admission this season. Whether you're applying in prose or poetry, for a full-time program or a low-residency one, working in cohort provides opportunity for accountability, commiseration, and motivation during what can be an overwhelming and lonely process.

What you will learn

Optimal workflow for an MFA application, how to write a successful personal statement, how to choose samples for applications

Workshop takeaways

A completed set of MFA applications with as little stress as possible

Additional info

In addition to her own MFA experience, Danielle has successfully supported many writers through this process in her private coaching practice in recent years and read applications for a highly competitive program. She'll provide the structure and experience that will undoubtedly significantly improve your application and your connection to your work overall. She knows when and how to work on what piece of the application so your workflow is smooth and relatively painless. Though of course admission offers aren't guaranteed, cohort members will have solid application materials for a host of other things by the end of the admissions season, and a clear articulation of the significance of their work.

A few important notes:
-This cohort does not include sample reads, though personal statement and prose sample reads can be added on privately with Danielle once enrolled. We will, however, be completing exercises to generate personal statements.
-You won't be reading the samples of other students in the cohort (unless you choose to do so privately); the focus will be on your application materials alone.

Meeting Dates:

Sept 21
October 5
October 19
November 2
November 16
November 30

Testimonials:

Danielle’s expertise helped me produce a polished MFA application. Her feedback guided me toward a cohesive portfolio in which each piece (each statement and story) accentuated the strengths of the others. I was most impressed by Danielle’s incisive editorial notes, which were not only specific to my stories but also so illuminating that they helped improve my writing overall. To me, every piece of feedback from Danielle—whether it was about a story, a character, a personal statement, or the MFA application process overall—was elucidative in a spectacular way. I highly recommend working with Danielle!
-Christie, MFA prep client

If you're considering working with Danielle, DO IT. As a writer of color, who had no idea how to go about MFA applications, or a writing career in general, Danielle was nothing but supportive, kind, accessible, and attentive during my MFA application journey. She is a phenomenal coach who will be there with you when you burst into tears of anxiety or excitement. At times I even felt it was more than assistance in my applications, but a coach for my writing and personal journey as well. Therefore, Danielle will always hold a special place in my writing heart because of the experience I had with her. So, do the work and do it with her! It'll be worth it.
-Alexis, MFA prep client


After working with Danielle on just two revisions, I transformed a rambling, self-conscious, and avoidant first draft into a clear, concise, and authentic personal statement for my MFA applications. By poking and probing, suggesting areas of clarification, specification, or simplification, Danielle helped me identify what it was I really wanted to say. In some ways, it was a reflective coaching session in disguise. Danielle's questions led me to greater clarity on my intentions for an MFA. -Emma, MFA mini prep client