@chemmchimney : Yeah, I know, but I just wanted to add to what you said about the talent that the school draws in that area showing that it has a track record of success (one day, I actually met an international student who said he had heard about the creative writing program at Emory while doing a summer program elsewhere in America and that is what drew him). It is comforting to see that it continues. Also, attracting those types of students adds a flavor to Emory that would not exist otherwise as so many people are the purest of pre-professionals that stick to a specific comfort zone or goal. Having the language, visual, and performing arts scene brings some much needed intellectual balance (in a visible way…so not just people majoring in a variety of things, but enhancing intellectual life on campus in general) that does not exist as much at some similar tiered schools. Also, nice to see that the English program and the language arts scene is attracting sets of students who are very aware of the quality and reputation of the program. It makes a difference over those who are like: “I’m just at this random elite school majoring in English”. This is more along the lines of: “This specific program is among the elite programs and just so happens to be at a top ranked school”. I suspect it breeds a bigger sense of belonging and purpose to be part of such programs.