6 sessions over 12 weeks, Thursdays, September 10 to November 19th, every other week, 7-9pm Eastern
8 students max; online
$450 for the class
Optional add-ons include:
Sample read (prose), $400 for up to 30 pages
Personal statement read (any genre), $250 for up to 2 statements
Enroll in this course.
Are you applying to 2027 MFA programs? Don’t go it alone! This cohort is a supportive, structured group focused on navigating the application process 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.
In addition to my own MFA experience, I've successfully supported many writers through this process in my private coaching practice and read applications for a highly competitive MFA program multiple times. I'll provide the structure and experience that will significantly improve your application and your connection to your work overall. 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 meaning of their work.
A few important notes:
-We will meet every other week, with accountability check ins via email on off weeks
-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, spend time discussing how to select samples and 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.
- Class meetings will be on September 10th and 24th, October 8th and 22nd, November 5th and 19th
Enroll in this course.
About the instructor
Danielle Lazarin is the author of the short story collection BACK TALK. Her fiction and essays have been published by places such as The Southern Review, Colorado Review, Glimmer Train, The Cut, Catapult’s Don’t Write Alone, and Literary Hub, amongst others. A graduate of Oberlin College’s creative writing program, she received her MFA from the University of Michigan. Her work has been honored by the New York Foundation for the Arts, Hopwood Awards, Millay Colony for the Arts, and The Freya Project. She lives and works in New York.
Student Testimonials from Previous MFA Applicants
“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
“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
Student Testimonials from Previous Workshop Participants
“Danielle Lazarin is an insightful teacher whose pragmatic and empathetic approach to the practice of writing resonates for both new and more experienced writers. Working with Danielle I found writing muscles I didn’t know I had, and a fresh perspective on how letting the mind find its way to new ideas and getting out of one’s own way may be two of the most powerful tools in the writer’s toolbox.”
“Danielle’s class catalyzed my re-entry into my novel project. The insightful mix of practical and psychological elements informs me every time I sit down to write.”
“Danielle's instruction on revision reoriented my writing life. Her exercises demystified revision and made the process from first draft to final draft so much clearer. I no longer dread drafting, but see each iteration as an opportunity with an obvious goal.”