Best Colleges for Writing

Big fan of writing here, and I'm hoping to pursue it in college. Any suggestions on colleges with strong programs or that are just generally good for writers?

Absolutely, there are several colleges well-known for their strong writing programs across the U.S. These programs can lead to enriching experiences for aspiring writers, offering opportunities to learn various writing styles, participate in workshops, and interact with esteemed faculty who are accomplished writers themselves.

A few notable colleges that are renowned for their strong writing programs include:

1. Columbia University in New York, NY: Columbia is home to a distinguished faculty and offers coursework in various writing styles, ranging from fiction to poetry to playwriting.

2. University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA: Known for its Iowa Writers’ Workshop, often touted as one of the best graduate-level creative writing programs in the U.S. The university also offers an outstanding undergraduate English program with a strong emphasis on creative writing.

3. Northwestern University in Evanston, IL: Northwestern's creative writing program is part of its highly rated English department. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with active writers and scholars.

4. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins has an excellent writing seminars program that allows students to not only improve their writing skills but also study works of literature from a variety of periods and genres.

5. Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH: Oberlin's renowned creative writing program provides a close-knit writing community and a faculty full of accomplished writers published in various genres.

It's key to remember that selecting a college should be about finding a good overall fit. While these institutions have reputable programs, consider other factors such as size, location, student life, and financial considerations. Reading current students' experiences at these colleges can also provide greater insight into what you can expect. Marathon-writing sessions during finals week, critiques from respected authors, and the collaborative nature of workshops are commonly mentioned. And of course, make sure to look beyond these institutions as well; plenty of colleges have excellent writing programs that might be the perfect fit for you!