Scott Miller

“… For me, the choice of Antioch University Los Angeles was more serendipity than certainty. Having graduated with a degree in math, I was a neophyte to the world of writing programs, and unsure what the Antioch University MFA program would do for my poetry, which was quickly moving from hobby to calling. At the time I was unaware how varied the MFA experience at different institutions could be, though I did harbor doubts: with a full-time job and a penchant for formal verse, was Antioch University the right place for me?

All the latent fears, however – that I would lose my voice or be pushed into styles that didn’t fit me – evaporated as soon as the first workshop began. The mentors in the Antioch University MFA were keenly aware of my idiosyncrasies, and encouraged students to approach poems with an eye for the intent of the writer, and to comment on specific craft issues. The mentors are enthusiastic and have taken a personal involvement in my progress throughout the program. Far from trying to “cure” me of formal leanings, every one of my mentors has pushed me to dig deeper, guiding me with an impressive knowledge of contemporary and classical writers of all stripes. The students I’ve worked with are of the highest caliber, and several have become my closest friends.

Now I am in my fourth and final project period, and I feel like I both read and write poems at a deeper level as a direct result of Antioch University’s MFA program. Almost everyone who knew me before I started has commented on the strong positive influence the MFA has had on my writing. Challenging, fun and immensely rewarding, I can say with perfect sincerity that I would not change a thing about my MFA experience, given the chance.… ”