What are the top five CSUs for an English major? I plan to go to graduate school for my masters once I graduate from a CSU.
This based on other people’s recommendations: Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Sonoma State, San Diego State and SLO. I would check each school’s specific program to make sure they have the courses you are interested in pursuing.
Most of the CSUs have fine English departments - truthfully, one won’t open a grad school door the others won’t. Since Grad school is on your radar, you need solid grades, test scores and (depending what you plan to study) some experience. You’ll spend far more hours outside the classroom than in. So, rather than look for the ‘best’ in the abstract, look for the one where you can excel.
What are your qualifications and interests outside school?
Are you looking for a big school or small? Urban setting or college town? Do you want a college with D1 football or basketball program?
@NCalRent thank your to your help. I’m a bit confused on one statement you made, “one won’t open a grad school door the others won’t” are you stating that there is no particular CSU that is better for getting into grad school? (Sorry I think I’m just over thinking this).
You do have a point on which CSU will allow me to excel and I will definitely have to do more research on that.
I come from a small town and haven’t really done much outside my family circle, so I would really like to go to a somewhat big school where I can go out. D1 football or basketball is not really that important to me because I don’t go out to those things, but it would be nice to check it out once. I am going off to college and I want to take it seriously, so I don’t want to be to distracted but a little fun here and there won’t hurt.
@Gumbymom and @NCalRent Do you think that going to a CSU and then a UC for grad school is possible? I’ve been reading that UCs don’t take students that have gone to a CSU seriously.
@NCalRent thank your to your help. I’m a bit confused on one statement you made, “one won’t open a grad school door the others won’t” are you stating that there is no particular CSU that is better for getting into grad school? (Sorry I think I’m just over thinking this).
You do have a point on which CSU will allow me to excel and I will definitely have to do more research on that.
I come from a small town and haven’t really done much outside my family circle, so I would really like to go to a somewhat big school where I can go out. D1 football or basketball is not really that important to me because I don’t go out to those things, but it would be nice to check it out once. I am going off to college and I want to take it seriously, so I don’t want to be to distracted but a little fun here and there won’t hurt.
@Gumbymom and @NCalRent Do you think that going to a CSU and then a UC for grad school is possible? I’ve been reading that UCs don’t take students that have gone to a CSU seriously.
If you do well at a CSU, then you should have no problem going to a UC for grad school. I know several friends that attended a CSU (Cal Poly Pomona/CSU Fullerton and Long Beach) and all went on to a UC (UCI/UCLA) for grad school. Do not let anyone discourage you.
@Gumbymom Thank you for your help! That definitely makes me feel better 
For most grad programs I am familiar with, the school you earn you bs/ba at has little impact on admissions at the MA/MS or PHD level. (As long as it is accredited) Your stats GPA and GRE (or which ever you need) and in some cases your experience are what opens the door. A 3.6 from CSU CI, MB OR SB beats a 3.3 from CP SLO or even UCB.
I am not suggesting you go to a school that won’t challenge you. In fact, the curriculum and expectations for English majors is pretty comparable at most CSUs. Your experience as a student, however, is quite different.
A student who feels comfortable at SDSU would probably hate Sonoma, let alone Humboldt.
Each campus has its own vibe/feel. Tour several, Find a few that appeal to you and apply to them(if you are qualified).
I don’t know your stats but, several CSUs have Honors programs that may be worth a look too.
CSU LB, Chico, Sac are 3 I am familiar with. I think Sonoma has one as well. There is a separate application process for each.
@NCalRent Thank you for your help! I feel much better knowing that the CSU I go to should not effect my admissions to a UC for graduate school. You have a good point about what CSU makes me feel comfortable and gives me a great college experience. I have a few colleges in mind (Fullerton, SLO, Sacramento, and Sonoma) that I really need to check out. I wasn’t aware of Honors programs, so I thank you for bringing that up! That’s something that can definitely help with making a final decision. Thanks for the help!
I live about 20 mins from CSU Sonoma. It’s a small campus, lots of trees, newer dorm rooms. The town of Rohnert Park is small and a commuter town. It has a Costco, a big movie theater, and a Scandia Fun Center… If you’re looking for exciting night life tho, you’ll need to go to SF… And that’s about an hour south , longer during commute time.
UC English departments accept students from CSUs for graduate school. I know of one UC that has accepted students from Fullerton, LA and Northridge in recent years. Assuming that you have top grades and a decent GRE, the most important part of the application is the writing sample, which you would develop late in your undergraduate studies. (Letters of rec can help also.)
I do think that where you go to school matters for graduate admissions, but I am not sure that one CSU stands above others for English in terms of reputation. But you should inquire after you get in whether a particular department has sent students to graduate school and where. I agree that you should go to a campus where you feel comfortable and where you can do your best studying. The CSUs can be very different.
@ambar_ :
If you qualify for sdsu and Long Beach, how about you look into ucm and ucsc? UC’s may offer you better financial aid covering room and board and since you 'll be going away for college, having r/b covered may be useful.
What are your stats? Your parents ’ budget?