Yo guys! I'm a creative writer through and through and I just want to study writing in college. What are the top colleges for Creative Writing majors? Is there a reason why some universities are praised more than others in this aspect? Oh, and do I need a stellar portfolio to get into these writing programs?
Hello! Great to hear about your interest in Creative Writing. Indeed, some schools offer exceptional programs in Creative Writing due to their strong faculty, course content, alumni network, and opportunities for practical experience.
Some esteemed colleges for Creative Writing are:
1. University of Iowa: Home to the first creative writing degree program in the U.S., it continues to enjoy a great reputation, especially for its Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
2. Johns Hopkins University: Known for its quality writing seminars and faculty, Johns Hopkins offers both undergrad and graduate programs in Creative Writing.
3. New York University: The Creative Writing Program at NYU is well-regarded, and being located in Manhattan offers tons of opportunities to engage with the literary community.
4. Brown University: Brown's English department offers a myriad of courses in Creative Writing and lets students focus extensively in this field.
5. University of Virginia: Their English department is home to many esteemed authors and the school frequently hosts renowned authors for lectures and workshops.
These colleges stand out due to factors like the strength and reputation of their faculty, the variety of genres you can study, extracurricular opportunities such as literary journals and writing clubs, and the success of their alumni.
As for admission requirements: a portfolio of your writing can be a significant factor during the application. The specific requirements can vary, but typically, they're looking for a demonstration of your writing skill and creative thinking, plus a strong passion for this form of expression. Each college will have its own specifics, so it is advised to check each program's website to understand their specific expectations.
Also, remember that while the portfolio is an important part of your application to these programs, other components such as your high school grades, SAT/ACT scores (where required), and recommendation letters will also be considered. Make sure to present a well-rounded application!
Hope this helps, and best of luck on your journey to becoming a Creative Writing major!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.