5 answers
kai
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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What colleges have the best creative writing programs? #fall24
I am a junior in highschool interested in creative writing.
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5 answers
Joanne Williams
Associate Professor
35
Answers
Olivet, Michigan
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
There are many fine schools out there, Kai- which is good news for you.
You get to pick - location, past students, types of writing, programs on and off campus that engage and enlighten.
VISIT, talk to current program students, and share your thoughts and writing. Research.
Find your fit. Often, where we think we should go is not where WE should be.
Because there are options, explore.
And, don't forget close by, too, as well as scholarship opportunities and fellowships.
What an exciting time for you. Joanne
You get to pick - location, past students, types of writing, programs on and off campus that engage and enlighten.
VISIT, talk to current program students, and share your thoughts and writing. Research.
Find your fit. Often, where we think we should go is not where WE should be.
Because there are options, explore.
And, don't forget close by, too, as well as scholarship opportunities and fellowships.
What an exciting time for you. Joanne
Ann-Marie Giglio
Freelance writer and author
13
Answers
Monterey, California
Updated
Ann-Marie’s Answer
Hi Kai,
Joanne is right. Visit. Talk. Share. You have a world of programs--even international programs--to choose from. And each option has its own pros and cons.
What I would add is spend some time deciding what you mean by creative writing.
Because the field of creative writing covers a tremendous amount of territory, from creating a piece of art for the sake of art to selling products, from poetry or screenplays to copywriting or SEO website design, ask yourself: What do I want to write and why do I want to write it?
What you will do with this training will tell you what you need to learn. Then you can look for the program that gives you those skills. Winnow down the possibilities to find the best fit for you and your goals.
You're very wise to start unwrapping the answers now. Best wishes for your success!
Joanne is right. Visit. Talk. Share. You have a world of programs--even international programs--to choose from. And each option has its own pros and cons.
What I would add is spend some time deciding what you mean by creative writing.
Because the field of creative writing covers a tremendous amount of territory, from creating a piece of art for the sake of art to selling products, from poetry or screenplays to copywriting or SEO website design, ask yourself: What do I want to write and why do I want to write it?
What you will do with this training will tell you what you need to learn. Then you can look for the program that gives you those skills. Winnow down the possibilities to find the best fit for you and your goals.
You're very wise to start unwrapping the answers now. Best wishes for your success!
Megan Sumpter
Writer
8
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Anyone can write creatively if they have the right character and skills. However, I would recommend the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN. It is not my alma mater; however, I know someone who majored in creative writing there and loved it. You would have to double-check that the university is not looking to defunct such a program--such happened at my alma mater with my department--before applying.
Here is a link to the school: https://www.evansville.edu/.
Many universities tout a Creative Writing EMPHASIS, which is not the same as a Creative Writing MAJOR. Recruiters will sometimes try to shuffle those looking to be creative writers into their Journalism or English majors since their school likely doesn't have a major devoted to Creative Writing. While the Creative Writing MAJOR may be in the Journalism or English DEPARTMENT, it's best to call the school to make certain they have what you're looking for. I would personally be wary of Creative Writing in Journalism, as this may entail more opinion writing or creative journalism than true fiction/novel writing.
If you are interested in Journalism, however, you have thousands of options! John Brown University, my alma mater, got me interested in some journalism even though I was not seeking to be in a newscast. It developed my skills as a writer and taught me style and voice.
Check out the University of Evansville! It sits in IN, just atop the IN-KY border. From the Southwest, it's about a 9hr drive.
I might also look into Oakland in CA.
For books on Creative Writing, try "Writing Tools" by Roy Peter Clark and "A Writer's Coach" by Jack Hart.
Try theatre--seriously. It's a good way to get a character's-eye-view of what an author created.
Ask questions, even if it feels like you're wasting time. Wasting four years and thousands of dollars at a school that does not have what you want is far worse than "wasting" a university representative's day.
Here is a link to the school: https://www.evansville.edu/.
Many universities tout a Creative Writing EMPHASIS, which is not the same as a Creative Writing MAJOR. Recruiters will sometimes try to shuffle those looking to be creative writers into their Journalism or English majors since their school likely doesn't have a major devoted to Creative Writing. While the Creative Writing MAJOR may be in the Journalism or English DEPARTMENT, it's best to call the school to make certain they have what you're looking for. I would personally be wary of Creative Writing in Journalism, as this may entail more opinion writing or creative journalism than true fiction/novel writing.
If you are interested in Journalism, however, you have thousands of options! John Brown University, my alma mater, got me interested in some journalism even though I was not seeking to be in a newscast. It developed my skills as a writer and taught me style and voice.
Megan recommends the following next steps:
Thomas Yanochko
Technical Writer/Editor
3
Answers
Blakely, Pennsylvania
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Aim high! If you're someone who thrives on creativity, you might be surprised where you can find yourself. I, for instance, ended up crafting technical manuals for the military, something I never thought I'd do. So, embrace your unique writing style, but remember to stay flexible. Many large corporations are constantly on the lookout for writers to handle a variety of tasks. These can range from creating technical manuals and company letters to drafting safety guidelines, instructional content for classes, coding, and much more. So, stay open to possibilities.
Mike Scarpiello M.S. HCI
User Experience Designer
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Mike’s Answer
According to most rankings, yes, Iowa is widely considered to have one of the best writing schools in the country, primarily due to its renowned "Iowa Writers' Workshop" program at the University of Iowa, which is often cited as a top-tier creative writing program nationally and internationally; many consider it the best writing school in the United States.
Key points about Iowa's writing program:
Reputation:
Iowa is often called "The Writing University" due to the prestige of its writing programs, particularly the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Rankings:
In recent US News & World Report rankings, Iowa is consistently ranked very high for writing, sometimes even surpassing prestigious private universities like Harvard and Princeton.
Graduate programs:
The Iowa Writers' Workshop is a highly selective graduate program known for producing successful authors.
https://now.uiowa.edu/news/2022/09/iowa-surpasses-harvard-princeton-no-2-writing
Key points about Iowa's writing program:
Reputation:
Iowa is often called "The Writing University" due to the prestige of its writing programs, particularly the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Rankings:
In recent US News & World Report rankings, Iowa is consistently ranked very high for writing, sometimes even surpassing prestigious private universities like Harvard and Princeton.
Graduate programs:
The Iowa Writers' Workshop is a highly selective graduate program known for producing successful authors.
https://now.uiowa.edu/news/2022/09/iowa-surpasses-harvard-princeton-no-2-writing