I've always been passionate about writing and wanted to know if any of you can help me with some insights. Which colleges are considered the 'best' for creative writing? Looking for any advice or recommendations on this.
From a perspective that incorporates both the breadth of the program and reputation among literary circles, there are a number of schools that you may want to consider. Note that these are in no particular order.
1. University of Iowa: Known as a powerhouse in writing, it's home to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, one of the most prestigious creative writing programs in the country.
2. Columbia University: In addition to a robust creative writing program for undergraduates, it offers a highly respected MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program.
3. New York University (NYU): NYU's Creative Writing Program is recognized for its faculty who are leading authors, and its location in New York City provides a rich literary culture.
4. John Hopkins University: The Writing Seminars department is considered one of the top creative writing programs. If you're interested in combining writing with liberal arts, this might be a great fit.
5. Emerson College: Emerson has a specific focus on communications and the arts. Its Writing, Literature and Publishing department is quite notable.
6. Kenyon College: Renowned for both its English and writing programs, Kenyon hosts the annual Kenyon Review summer writing workshop.
7. Oberlin College: Oberlin’s creative writing program is one of few in the country that offers a major at the undergraduate level.
Still, my main advice while you determine your college list is not to get overly hung up on the program's ranking. You should also keep an eye out for strong faculty in your specific area of interest, smaller class sizes that can allow for more individualized attention, and opportunities for publishing. All of these factors, and more, can influence the quality of your writing education. So look for a program that fits you, not just one that is universally heralded as "the best". Best of luck as you explore these choices!
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