2 answers
Bethany
Student
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
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I am wanting to explore my career, are there any colleges with a good English department?
I am in seventh grade and I want to be an English major.
I live in Pittsfield Mass. and I want to go to college in either a state near Massachusetts or in Massachusetts.
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
202
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hello Bethany,
I love that you’re already planning your English major journey while still battling seventh-grade math and gym class! You’re ahead of the game, my friend. 📚💃 Being an English major is like being a wizard of words—you'll learn to sling metaphors and analyze Shakespeare like a pro (yes, even if he does use weird words like “hark” and “thou”). Let’s map out your literary adventure.
Step 1: Colleges With Magical English Departments
Since you’re sticking close to Massachusetts (smart move—fall foliage and clam chowder are worth staying for), here are some stellar schools where you can let your inner Jane Austen or Edgar Allan Poe shine:
Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
Small but mighty, Amherst is known for its top-notch English program. You'll study everything from medieval literature to modern poetry, all while soaking in New England charm. Bonus: You’ll never run out of coffee shops to brood in over a sonnet.
Website: Amherst College English
Smith College (Northampton, MA)
A women’s college with a killer English department. If you love analyzing literature and smashing the patriarchy, Smith might be your jam. Plus, the campus is gorgeous.
Website: Smith College English
Boston University (Boston, MA)
Want a mix of city life and a robust English program? BU has you covered. Their English department dives deep into everything from creative writing to literary criticism.
Website: BU English
Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
This liberal arts gem is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in the U.S. Their English program will have you writing essays so well that your high school teachers will weep with pride.
Website: Williams College English
Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
Just a hop, skip, and a jump over to Connecticut, Wesleyan offers a vibrant English department and a quirky, artsy vibe.
Website: Wesleyan English
Step 2: Tips for Becoming an English Department Superstar
Read Like You’re Being Paid to Do It
Start devouring books now. Classics, contemporary novels, poetry, plays—everything. Yes, even the weird stuff. It’ll make you a literary ninja when you hit college.
Pro Tip: Carry a book everywhere. You never know when you’ll need to flex on people with your deep analysis of Pride and Prejudice.
Write Like It’s Your Full-Time Job
Journals, short stories, bad poetry—just write. Every English department loves a student who can wordsmith like a champ.
Google College Tours Like a Detective
Most colleges have virtual tours and detailed info online. Spend an afternoon clicking through their English department pages (with snacks, obviously).
Step 3: How to Make Your College Life Epic
Join Writing Clubs: Be the next editor of your college’s literary magazine.
Attend Open Mic Nights: Read your poetry or short stories. Extra points if it makes someone cry (in a good way).
Make Friends With Professors: They’re nerdy like you and will geek out over your essays.
Step 4: Links for Extra Inspiration
The Princeton Review’s Best English Programs
US News Best Liberal Arts Colleges
Bethany, you’re a seventh-grader with a vision—this already makes you cooler than most. Keep chasing those literary dreams, and remember: an English major isn’t just about books; it’s about learning to communicate, think critically, and appreciate the beauty of words (even when it’s Chaucer in Middle English).
So, grab your quill (or pen, or laptop), and start preparing for your epic collegiate journey. You’ve got this! 📖✨
I love that you’re already planning your English major journey while still battling seventh-grade math and gym class! You’re ahead of the game, my friend. 📚💃 Being an English major is like being a wizard of words—you'll learn to sling metaphors and analyze Shakespeare like a pro (yes, even if he does use weird words like “hark” and “thou”). Let’s map out your literary adventure.
Step 1: Colleges With Magical English Departments
Since you’re sticking close to Massachusetts (smart move—fall foliage and clam chowder are worth staying for), here are some stellar schools where you can let your inner Jane Austen or Edgar Allan Poe shine:
Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
Small but mighty, Amherst is known for its top-notch English program. You'll study everything from medieval literature to modern poetry, all while soaking in New England charm. Bonus: You’ll never run out of coffee shops to brood in over a sonnet.
Website: Amherst College English
Smith College (Northampton, MA)
A women’s college with a killer English department. If you love analyzing literature and smashing the patriarchy, Smith might be your jam. Plus, the campus is gorgeous.
Website: Smith College English
Boston University (Boston, MA)
Want a mix of city life and a robust English program? BU has you covered. Their English department dives deep into everything from creative writing to literary criticism.
Website: BU English
Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
This liberal arts gem is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in the U.S. Their English program will have you writing essays so well that your high school teachers will weep with pride.
Website: Williams College English
Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
Just a hop, skip, and a jump over to Connecticut, Wesleyan offers a vibrant English department and a quirky, artsy vibe.
Website: Wesleyan English
Step 2: Tips for Becoming an English Department Superstar
Read Like You’re Being Paid to Do It
Start devouring books now. Classics, contemporary novels, poetry, plays—everything. Yes, even the weird stuff. It’ll make you a literary ninja when you hit college.
Pro Tip: Carry a book everywhere. You never know when you’ll need to flex on people with your deep analysis of Pride and Prejudice.
Write Like It’s Your Full-Time Job
Journals, short stories, bad poetry—just write. Every English department loves a student who can wordsmith like a champ.
Google College Tours Like a Detective
Most colleges have virtual tours and detailed info online. Spend an afternoon clicking through their English department pages (with snacks, obviously).
Step 3: How to Make Your College Life Epic
Join Writing Clubs: Be the next editor of your college’s literary magazine.
Attend Open Mic Nights: Read your poetry or short stories. Extra points if it makes someone cry (in a good way).
Make Friends With Professors: They’re nerdy like you and will geek out over your essays.
Step 4: Links for Extra Inspiration
The Princeton Review’s Best English Programs
US News Best Liberal Arts Colleges
Bethany, you’re a seventh-grader with a vision—this already makes you cooler than most. Keep chasing those literary dreams, and remember: an English major isn’t just about books; it’s about learning to communicate, think critically, and appreciate the beauty of words (even when it’s Chaucer in Middle English).
So, grab your quill (or pen, or laptop), and start preparing for your epic collegiate journey. You’ve got this! 📖✨
Jess Stamey
Project Manager
6
Answers
Macon, Georgia
Updated
Jess’s Answer
I personally went to Emerson College in Boston and had a great experience! I majored in Writing, Literature, & Publishing, which was a great degree to be able to explore multiple facets of English and related careers.