I'm a high school junior looking into colleges with strong creative writing programs. Anyone have recommendations for colleges with great programs, faculty, or overall school vibe for aspiring writers? Let me know, please!
I'm glad you're interested in creative writing programs! Here are some top recommendations for colleges with strong creative writing programs, taking into consideration faculty, coursework, and overall atmosphere:
1. Emory University: Emory offers an undergraduate Creative Writing Program as part of its English Department. Students have the opportunity to work closely with renowned faculty, attend readings given by guest speakers, and participate in workshops.
2. Washington University in St. Louis (WashU): WashU has a highly-regarded Writing Program within the English Department. Students can major or minor in creative writing and have access to internships and enrichment opportunities, such as on-campus talks from renowned writers.
3. Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa: Although the Iowa Writers' Workshop is a graduate program, undergraduates at the University of Iowa can still benefit from the strong creative writing environment on campus. The university offers a creative writing major and has many events and readings for undergrads to immerse themselves in the writing community.
4. Kenyon College: Kenyon is a small liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on creative writing. The Kenyon Review, a prominent literary magazine, is published on campus and provides students with opportunities to intern, attend workshops, and interact with visiting writers.
5. Brown University: Brown University's Literary Arts Program allows students to create their own major, with options to focus on poetry, fiction, playwriting, or screenwriting. The program is known for its workshops and faculty engagement.
6. Columbia University: Columbia offers a creative writing major as well as a creative writing concentration within the English major. Students can attend readings, workshops, and other events at the famous School of the Arts, which provides an enriching environment for aspiring writers.
7. Oberlin College: Oberlin is home to an undergraduate Creative Writing Program housed in the English Department. The program offers annual prizes, workshops, and frequent readings that nurture a fertile environment for aspiring writers.
These are just a few examples of the many colleges with strong creative writing programs. You should look into each school's requirements, course offerings, faculty, and overall writing community as you make your decision, to ensure you choose an institution where you'll thrive personally and socially, as well as literarily.
Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for creative writing while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of writing-related summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-summer-writing-programs/. Participating in one could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!
Happy searching!
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