I want to apply as an English/creative writing major! Not sure where I want to ED to so please drop some advice/experience! Is there a larger advantage applying to ED to one school than another? Thanks!
ED to the school you would prefer to attend. Both are reaches for any unhooked applicant.
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Based on your intended major, some of these schools may be of interest for your greater college list:
Unless you have a decided preference for an urban setting, also consider Kenyon.
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Brown notes there’s no advantage or little to ED while Penn clearly has one.
But ED is not a game - and needn’t be used - no one has to ED.
But you should never ED to a school if another is your #1.
Why not visit both and see the better fit for you.
Brownstrong text****Please do not assume that your admission chances are improved by applying under the Early Decision plan. The Board of Admission makes the same decisions under Early Decision that it would under the Regular Decision plan.
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I agree you should only ED to your top choice, and only if it is affordable and you don’t want to compare financial offers.
In terms of Creative Writing, Brown has a very well-regarded program, which they call Literary Arts:
I don’t think of Penn as having quite as famous of a program, but they do offer a robust Creative Writing concentration within their English major:
https://creative.writing.upenn.edu/major-minor/creative-writing-major
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I studied English as a dual degree at Penn many years ago before the Kelly Writers House existed, but I did manage to take advantage of their affiliated King’s College London year long program.
Over three semesters I completed nine courses, which furthered my interests in poetry and playwriting specifically. Many choices in other areas were available, of course, and the seminars and tutorials KCL employed provided unmatched mentorship. Grades, scholarship, and financial aid all transferred seamlessly.
I also appreciated the freedom to attend unlimited lectures across different periods and topics, the exposure to London theatre with an integrated literary criticism option, and the opportunity to live amongst British students.
The English professors I had at Penn were superb too, though with my second degree in Wharton, my ability to experience many graduate level English courses was limited…and quite some time ago.
Presently, and more specifically for creative writing, Al Filreis is a dedicated and strong mentor as Faculty Director of the Kelly Writers House and Director of the Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing. The Kelly Writers House provides a great community for students within the university and sponsors many literary events.
Filreis’ ModPo (Modern Poetry) is one of the most popular MOOCs on Coursera. It is well organized, collaborative, and creative…and he actively seeks to expand Penn’s development of creative writers and poets.
It might be useful to reach out to him to learn more about Penn’s English major and creative writing program in particular—if you have any questions.
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What do you want from your undergraduate experience, because these campuses have different cultures. Although there are exceptions to the stereotypes, the overall vibes are observable: Penn is more work-hard/play hard and careerist/pre-professional; while Brown’s open curriculum attracts a more creative, activist and laid back student body. Have you visited either or both of these places?
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