<p>I do love them both–Yale is among my first choices, but obviously a reach. I held a bit of an anti-Ivy bias when I visited, because I think the prestige overrates things, but I truly felt at home on the campus (I’ve visited a lot of other top schools, and I haven’t replicated that feeling). The size is one issue as I prefer small liberal arts colleges but I haven’t found one that “clicks” yet.</p>
<p>Beloit I haven’t visited yet, because it’s in Wisconsin, but it sounds great–quirky but not too out there, great creative writing, and the BSFFA (Beloit Science Fiction and Fantasy Association) even has its own theme housing. It’s also an admissions safety that offers limited full-tuition scholarships (merit match).</p>
<p>I wouldn’t go so far to say that the schools are -radically- different. Both are strong academically in the humanities, for instance, especially creative writing (and Yale’s English department is famous while I really like the course offerings and more flexible curriculum at Beloit).</p>
<p>Keilexandra,
My D is currently taking one of the CW workshops at Y, she’s turned in 2 pieces of fiction so far and is really enjoying it. She’s going to try to get into Daily Themes next semester, you write 250-300 words (non-fiction) per day. Her dream is to take the Verse writing course from Louise Gluck, but she’s on sabbatical right now.</p>
<p>Louise Gluck was a big draw for my son when he was applying to Williams. Then – after commuting for many years between Williamstown and civilization – she decamped to Yale! The consensus was that she was a much better poet than a teacher but still, a the opportunity to rub off a little stardust is always appealing.</p>
<p>Interesting momrath! D did go to a reading by Gluck this semester. Unfortunately she missed Jonathan Safran Foer last year. Her workshop teacher is not a big name, but my D likes her and if she’s volunteered to do an independent study my D next semester if she doesn’t get into one of the workshops.</p>