New Mexico State University, Department of English

Reviewer's Name:

JRo

Review Date

April 27, 2009

Year of Graduation:

2007

Review Title:

Best Decision I Ever Made

Full Review of the Program:

Like other leading programs, New Mexico State boasts distinguished and award-winning professors, renowned visiting professors, a thriving community of gifted and dedicated writers, an inspired and well attended reading series, assistantships, a respected journal, and generous fellowships.
But the prospective student should also consider issues related to the quality of life.

The tuition at NMSU is lower than other programs of a similar caliber, and that the cost of living in this beautiful corner of the American West is less than half of most any major city. A beautiful casita can be had for around $500 per month, and a graduate student budget doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to live on fast food.

Additionally, the publishing world remains a meritocracy and student writers will succeed on the merits of their own work. Therefore paying higher prices for similar services - especially in this economy - seems like a waste.

This program is well regarded for its third year Master’s Workshop, which was a rarity when I was researching programs, and was one of the more challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had as a writer. In fact, it’s hard to imagine my graduate school experience without it.

Most writers dream of writing and selling books, so here’s a program that supports you to that end, offering a rare chance to work on a book-length manuscript and receive insightful criticism from your professors and your fellow writers-in-arms.

The professors at NMSU take great pains to invite good writers who are also good people, and some of the students I studied with have become lifelong friends.

Finally, anyone interested in teaching creative writing might also note the teaching opportunities at NMSU. While studying here, I was able to teach an undergraduate fiction workshop, a screenwriting workshop, and eventually created my own course on writing the filmed adaptation. Not every program supports their graduates’ teaching goals, and I’ll have NMSU to thank for those life changing opportunities. I recommend this program. In fact, going to NMSU was the best decision I ever made.

Advice to Prospective Students:

See Review