<p>I'm looking for some of the best undergraduate creative writing programs. I am already well aware of the University of Iowa, and as wonderful as the program is, I'm not exactly looking for that environment. I want a small school with a "small program" (meaning it will be more workshop focused), a tree-filled campus, a liberal student body, and one which is highly selective (not most selective). The part of the country does not matter, although I have a slight aversion to the southern states. I know that these are very specific requirements, but to excel at writing, you need to know exactly the type of environment you will grow in. </p>
<p>Oh, and I am a transfer student. My high school stats are 3.5 unweighted GPA with a 33 ACT, and my college GPA is a 4.0 with honors and 200 level courses. </p>
<p>Thank you for such a prompt reply! Well, financial aid is something I obviously consider, but thanks to a very generous family member, tuition is one of the last factors I look at when choosing a college. </p>
<p>I have heard Kenyon is in the middle of nowhere, though. Do you know if students are generally satisfied there?</p>
<p>Knox College meets all your criteria. They have one of the strongest undergrad creative writing programs in the country, and creative writing is one of the most popular majors on campus.</p>
<p>Grinnell College (which is also in Iowa, and takes advantage of its proximity to U of Iowa by bringing in writing faculty for short courses and other events, as noted below)</p>
<p>Oh, and Grinnell’s campus is definitely “tree-filled.” While it is known for being “in the middle of the cornfields,” the reality is, that you can’t see any cornfields from campus. It is two blocks from the historical town center. The surrounding countryside is beautiful: rolling farmlands, wide open blue sky.</p>
<p>Student body is definitely liberal. It has a unique culture with a “self-governance” system, and this year it is awarding its first annual Social Justice prize, which will involve a variety of activities to incorporate student learning into this process.</p>
<p>I’ll look into Bard College and Grinnell more extensively. Does anyone know how the writing programs compare at the sister colleges? Barnard is not really on my radar, but between Smith, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, and Wellesley?</p>
<p>I’d also suggest Bard. Middlebury seems good for creative writing too.</p>
<p>As for seven sisters: Barnard actually has a great creative writing program, but if you want to be out of the city around trees, not so good! I think Smith also has a really good program, as well as a “Poetry Center” that brings renowned poets to campus; I know someone who went there who now does slam poetry tours, etc.</p>
<p>One thing I would check at any college that you are considering is whether the creative writing courses require writing samples to get into, and if so, what happens if your work is not accepted; how easy it is to get into the creative writing classes, particularly at schools that are “known” for good writing programs – these classes might fill up quite quickly. At Oberlin for example, which is known for its creative writing also, the upper level courses are all restricted, so the opportunities are not really widely available. </p>
<p>You can ask this directly on the subforums here, but I would also email a professor at each college. If it were me, I would also ask the professor what they consider the strengths of their program. Perhaps you can tell the professor what you don’t like about your current school (or what you’re looking for instead), and see how they respond to see if that school is a better fit.</p>
<p>I am actually looking for the same thing and right now I have my sights set on Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. They have a hands-on approach to their Undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts Creative Writing Program. It is a full-time 32 month Program with writers workshops and helps you use the professional tools to get you out there in the industry. If your looking for a low key, hands on, fine arts creative university in a nice southern fun city then this would be a good choice. Google the school and let me know what you think. maybe i will see you around next semester :)</p>
<p>THis post is over a month old, so you may have made decisions by now; but I recently visited Kenyon with my S who is also interested in creative writing and I can report while it is in the middle of nowhere Ohio (but not far from Columbus), it is an AMAZINGLY beautiful campus and appeared to be full of engaged happy students. Don’t miss looking at it.</p>