Hello, I am very interested in majoring in journalism, and I am just asking which colleges I should apply to.
My GPA is a 4.0 through two years (IB school, top 10 ranked public school in US), my ACT is a 33.
I have already looked into Northwestern, as that is my top choice, but I know it is extremely selective so I’m just wondering what my backup plans should be.
Also, since I live in Michigan I have been a big fan of the University of Michigan. If I don’t get into NU but I get into Michigan, I will likely go to U of M. However, I know U of M doesn’t have a journalism program but I know they have a great student-run newspaper that could help with journalism, so does anyone know what major I should consider there if I do end up attending Michigan?
Lastly, if I don’t get into NU or Michigan (which would be upsetting but I know both those are top schools), what backup schools should I consider? I would like a school with an actual journalism program (Michigan is the exception), and also some decent sports teams at the least that I can be a fan of for the rest of my life (For example, NU sports aren’t great but they’re at least OK). I’ve heard of Missouri, Texas, etc, but haven’t looked into them much, so I just want some opinions on these second tier journalism schools.
I love Michigan, but the reason it is not my number one choice is because it doesn’t have a journalism school and NU does. I wish it did, though. Anyways, I know I can still get a great education there without specifically majoring in journalism.
Boston University, Emerson, Georgia, NYU, and Syracuse are few others with great journalism schools. I agree with @insanedreamer on Missouri. You can get a great education at any of the top journalism programs. What you do at the college you attend is what matters.
Good luck.
Yeah, I think you have a pretty good shot at getting into UGA and possibly into the Honors program. (For Honors Program you have to fill out a separate application tho). And ofc, a great Journalism program is at UGA and a pretty good football team (I mean, I don’t know much about sports, but I live in Georgia and everyone’s always talking about it, so).
In my area, Syracuse is the place to go. Like others said, though, it’s really important what you do with it. My boyfriend is a journalist and he only majored in English.
For sure Mizzou, like others have been saying. Great sports culture (go Tigers!) and top j program. It’s really an awesome school. Many smart in-state students go precisely for the j program.
If you have any questions feel free to ask and I’ll see if I can answer.
You could take another path: choose the University based on the quality of its newspaper and major/double major in traditional disciplines (environmental science or science&society, and political science.)
yeah you’re right lol I’ll talk to her as well. I mean people here are pretty well informed about college programs as well including the people who have responded but of course i’ll talk with my counselor
yeah it was kind of premature of me to label them as second tier I’ve just heard so many great things about northwestern but yeah missouri is probably on that level as well
thats what I would do at Michigan I’ve heard the newspaper is great so I’d probably major in English and join the newspaper. But other than U of M I feel like I might as well go to a school with a journalism program…
Have you explored the Communications Studies major at UMich? I’m sure it would prepare you quite well for a career in journalism. And since journalism jobs are becoming harder and harder to come by, a broader-based degree would probably be wise in any case.
@MommaJ I am probably considering an English major. Do you think that would be just as good as communications? I also would like to hear your opinion on the idea that communications is a “bs major”. I know this may be a bad reason but that is probably why I would rather major in English which would have more so-called “respect” and would still prepare me for a journalism career @moooop I would like to hear your opinion on the reputation of communication majors as well
Many of the top communications programs are ACEJMC (Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications) members. ACEJMC schools require a lot of liberal arts credits that make taking a second major very achievable. You may want to look at this as an option for the colleges you are considering. You could take on a communications major as well as an English major among others. My DD is a senior dual major at Syracuse and was able to fit a third liberal arts major with no additional credits.
Below is from the ACEJMC website:
“The unit requires that students take a minimum of 72 semester credit hours (or 104 quarter credit hours) required for a baccalaureate degree outside of journalism and mass communications and meet the liberal arts and sciences-general education requirements of the institution. ACEJMC expects at least 95 percent of the graduating classes in the two academic years preceding an accreditation visit to meet these requirements.”
Goo luck with your college decision.
I agree with this. I think picking a school based on the strength of their major program often leads to disappointment because so many people adjust their career plans while in college. You can rack up a better resume with good internships and experience working on the paper.