Making Dreams as Real as Anything

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have thinking about applying to the University of Kentucky Graduate School to get my Master's degree in English (or a MFA in English/creative writing).  I started to apply decades ago, but I never completed the process.  I have been looking into what I would have to do to apply, and some of the steps are harder than others.  First, I have to pay the application fee.  Second, I would need a Bachelor's degree in English.  Done.  Third, I need unofficial transcripts (and later official ones) from every school I went to.  I actually did this part, but they might not still be on file.  Furthermore, I need a minimum GPA on all applicable courses as well as a minimum total GPA on core requirements.  I think I accomplished that.  Fourth, I will need a one or two page statement of what I mean to do for my Master's.  While I have hinted at such topics in previous posts, I am still not fully sure of what I want to do.  The steps get harder now.  Fifth, I will have to submit ten to twenty-five pages of my work, suitable to which path I will be taking.  My blog post might be adapted to fulfill the MFA qualifications, but they might not suit the Master's option.  Sixth, I would need to submit a form for assistance, particularly for the Master's option, as a prerequisite for a fellowship and/or teaching assignment.  This will also include my resume or CV, as I would be working for the university.  I have no real work history much beyond "Self-Employed" and I see no way that will change before the next filing deadline in January.  This could be troubling.  Seventh, I will need to get a minimum score on my GRE, particularly on the Verbal section (MFA option could delay taking the test or possibly avoiding it altogether).  This is what messed me up the first time, not being able to schedule it properly with the right requirements.  Now, it is easier to schedule and enter, but other parts are now much harder.  I will have to remember things I learned over twenty years ago and learn how to take a test on a computer.  I also will have to determine which option is better -- waking up extra early to make a three hour drive to take a four-and-a-half hour test or trying to sleep in an unfamiliar place the night beforehand.  Neither option is good.  Finally, and hardest of all, I need three letters of recommendation from people who are qualified to judge my work.  I don't have anyone to do that.  Even if I remembered my teachers names, I have no way to contact them (if they aren't dead or such) and they might not have even seen my best work to recommend.  I will definitely need help here, and I will have to call in every favor I can. I do have a few other option, though.  I could try for a Master's in another subject, but I might not have the qualifications.  I could get another Bachelor's first, but Art is the only subject I could finish relatively quickly (I was two courses shy of an Art minor).  I have even thought about trying a different university (such as Eastern Kentucky University) which has slightly different requirements, although my dream is more going to UK than getting a particular degree from anywhere.  I know that sounds a little selfish, but it is what it is.  I may have glossed over a few points, but I believe I have said what I needed to, for now.  Deadline is January 15 for Fall 2018.  I should have started sooner, but this book signing has taken over my time.  Wish me luck.