I"m applying early decision somewhere, and I need to decide soon. my gpa is 3.8, if that helps. Basically, I almost definitely want to minor in creative writing (so there needs to be a strong writing program), and as for the major, maybe something like environmental science or sociology. I definitely want to go to a well-rounded school so that I can explore different major options. For location, anywhere close to or in a big city, with plenty of activities to do. I like a student body that’s creative, social, hardworking (but not crazy competitive), and into the arts. I don’t want to go somewhere too focused on maths and sciences. Right now, I’m thinking about NYU, Northwestern, and maybe Johns Hopkins (not sure since they only offer an English minor). Could people offer me their thoughts and experiences, and maybe recommend other schools? Thanks!
What are your stats ( grades, class rank, AP classes taken, SAT/ACT scores, ECs, leadership positions) and what is your financial situation (need based aid? merit aid?)
3.81 gpa, 2250 sat (690 reading, 790 writing, 770 math), went to a creative writing summer program, journalism at school.
UPenn seems to have a strong creative writing program.
http://writing.upenn.edu/cw/welcome.php
And money is no constraint?
For further suggestions on schools recognized for their creative writing programs, these articles may be useful (available online):
“The 10 Best American Colleges for Writers” / USA Today
“The 10 Best Colleges for Creative Writers” / The Freelancer
“The 25 Most Literary Colleges In America” / Flavowire
I believe NYU and JHU are a of the couple of schools included.
What about finances? NYU is very expensive.
If you can afford it, add the University of Iowa as a low match – it has a great Creative Writing program and plenty of other majors and courses to peruse.
look into Northwestern if interested in humanities and/or writing
top of the field and great social life
There’s no such thing as a best college.
Are you referring to academic strength or the interests of students? That can make a big difference. Hopkins has some very strong humanities programs, but the STEM programs are dominant among undergraduates. I recently calculated that 53% of A&S students are science majors, and 72.5% of undergraduates with declared majors are either in the sciences or engineering.
I second the recommendation of Penn.
Syracuse certainly comes to mind, if it’s urban enough for you. It’s very strong in journalism and creative writing and offers cross-registration with SUNY ESF.
http://english.syr.edu/undergraduate/degree-requirements.html
http://earthsciences.syr.edu/Academics/UG_DegreePrograms_EAR.html
http://biology.syr.edu/undergrad/programs.html
Wash U is the urban university that immediately came to my mind for environmental science and writing. It’s very strong in organismal biology (particularly plant science), strong in geology, and has close ties to the St. Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden. Its English department boasts that “Our programs have been ranked 6th among the top 10 colleges for undergraduate writers by USA Today.” Wash U also has thriving programs in visual arts and dance.
http://artsci.wustl.edu/areas-of-study
It’s well-known for its laidback feel and high quality of life.