<p>My D wants to be a writer. She noted that while BC’s English Department has a sub-concentration in creative writing (and it really has very little in terms of special or different courses than the “regular” English major), CC has a major in CW itself. If she attends BC can she do CC’s CW major or can only CC students do so? She likes BCs culture, but this is a major issue for her.</p>
<p>She can take as many creative writing courses at Columbia and/or Barnard as she can get admitted into (and fit into her schedule). I did a quick search and noted that admission to all CW courses at Barnard is contingent upon the instructor’s approval of a sample of the student’s writing. They also suggest strongly that students should only take one creative writing course per semester.</p>
<p>I don’t know if your d could technically enroll as a Creative Writing “major” or not, but I don’t really get the difference. Seems to me that if she wants to attend Barnard and is an English major with the Creative Writing concentration; and if she can take as many of the creative writing offerings of both campuses as she can fit into her schedule…then what her major is called really does not matter. </p>
<p>I do know that I am very, very impressed with the “culture” of writing across all academic disciplines at Barnard. My D was a neuroscience major, and the emphasis upon excellence in writing was fantastic…and has really benefitted her in her graduate studies. And the list of successful writers who are Barnard Alumnae speaks for itself!</p>
<p>Hope that helps some…</p>
<p>You can’t major in a Columbia major that is not a Barnard major. Your daughter, like churchmusicmom said, can take as many Columbia creative writing classes as she can, but she’ll still be required to fulfill the Barnard English major requirements. Barnard College creative writing courses are by application only and difficult to get into. </p>
<p>Your daughter doesn’t need to major in English or Creative Writing to be a writer. Creative writing is what I want to do with my life, but I’m majoring in something completely different. I know she probably really wants to focus on her writing, so the school she applies to/decides to go to will be her choice. But once she gets to Barnard she may discover something she never realized she loved.</p>
<p>Barnard might just have a “concentration” in CW, and not a major, but it’s very well respected and the professors are excellent. Two of my closest friends did the CW concentration - it isn’t easy, and you have to apply to get in, as well as apply for all the classes - and they loved it. All of their professors were respected published authors: Barnard has a great number of excellent writers on its faculty, but they also bring in adjuncts who are full-time writers. Barnard has an incredible list of alumnae writers, from Zora Neale Hurston to Ann Brashares. </p>
<p>I don’t know much about the Columbia creative writing major, and what I do know is generally heresay, but from what I’ve heard, I’d take Barnard’s concentration any day. The Barnard classes are hard and require a lot of writing, but they’re application-based for a reason - they’re small and they really give you an opportunity to grow as a writer. They definitely have a reputation for being the best on campus.</p>
<p>But I also agree with what’s been said above - concentrating in CW won’t make you a writer no more than it can keep you from being one. And taking other general English classes is still an excellent way to learn about literature and study what other authors did right.</p>
<p>She just came away from spending a day at both CC and BC and she fell in love with BC. It is delightful to watch one’s D just SMILE as she walked around (she had her interview so was dressed up and the first thing the Dean (and the young woman who lead the tour as well) said was “great color blocking” She beamed (fashion has also been important to her). She said that she and the Dean spoke about writing–and she was floating when she came out of the interview. </p>
<p>I so hope she is admitted because it is clear she fell in love today. </p>
<p>Thank everyone for their replies–I am sure if she is fortunate enough to attend she will have an extraordinary experience with extraordinary women.</p>
<p>That is great news, etondad! Glad your D had such a good day. We will all be rooting for her to get admitted…keep us posted!</p>
<p>Best to you and your daughter!!</p>
<p>churchmusicmom-- we have our fingers crossed. The coach who seems to be recruiting her (nothing final until the LL comes!) asked her whether BC or CC-- and she said: BC–which made the coach smile. Also, it seems as if BC is interested in increasing their athletic presence on Columbia varsity teams, so potential athletes you can have your cake and eat it too-- a LAC with D1 sports-- how can you top that? I’m glad my child is a woman so she can do both.</p>