etherdome

My son is waiting for a reply from the admissions department. While we wait, I thought that I would ask a question or two about IU.

My son wants to major in English and would like to concentrate on Creative Writing. His plan is eventually attend graduate Film school for screenwriting. He likes theater and has been a member of an improv comedy troupe for four years. He also plans to try his hand at stand up comedy at a nearby club this year.

Does anyone have any first hand opinions about the English department? Are there plenty of theater and improv kids on campus?

If he is fortunate enough to be accepted, we plan to visit the campus during the winter. We have to visit IU in the winter because he has to decide whether he will be able to handle the cold weather. (We are from Florida)

I appreciate any comments.

rrah

IU continues to be committed to the fine arts. This link might be of interest to you and your son.

IU to break ground for IU Cinema, University Theater renovation: IU News Room: Indiana University

There are certainly theater students around. If he attends IU and is concerned about finding his place, I would recommend one of the Thematic Communities. Two that might interest him are the Writing Community and the Performing Arts community. He would be certain to find some like minded students there.

My daughter is still considering an English major although that seems less and less likely given some new interests. My husband's English degree from IU has taken him to unexpected places professionally, but the key was that he was able to use the communication and writing skills he acquired at IU. His employers respected IU and didn't necessarily care about the quality of the English department.

Just a helpful reminder of your earlier thread as I know with all the college research it's easy to forget these things.

Floridian starting to look at IU-B

etherdome

thanks rrah.

R124687

I can't speak to English. But IU is one of very few schools who now have a musical theatre BFA. I know of many kids who were actively involved in a fabulous theatre program in high school and they chose IU, and many are in the "Performing Arts" area of campus (SE). It's a HUGE school (you already know that). There is nothing you can't find. The cold weather. Eh, probably good to decide to come in Winter. It's not Minnesota, but it's maybe worse. Because they have so much snow they know how to handle it. They all drive 4WD and own big boots and clear their roads! Indiana is "in the middle" and sometimes gets caught unawares! But, on campus he obviously won't have any driving issues. I went a couple of weeks ago and came to the conclusion that all female students must have been issued a pair of Uggs at orientation. The boys (and girls) are wearing the hat that has ear flaps. Not just because they're "useful"...they seem to be a fashion trend, sold at Urban Outfitters, etc. So...warm winter coat (not waistlength...brrrrr), boots, good gloves, a hat or two...and a SCARF or two. That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger!