Trying to decide on where to study fall 2024 and wanted to get people’s immediate thoughts without knowing my opinions and exact financial aid. Of course, I plan to visit (and will know better financial aid after the FAFSA is released), but I thought this would be a fun way to get some perspectives on my schools!
Accepted: Denison, Oberlin, Bennington, University of Iowa
Wait-listed: Columbia, Kenyon, University of Michigan, Emory
I plan to study English with a focus in creative writing and would love to minor in Italian if possible. I received the highest merit scholarships at the schools I was accepted to. I worked very hard in high school, so I would love to go to a college that somehow recognized and celebrated that, as well as helped my hard work feel “worth it,” if that makes sense.
Have no schools released aid to you after submitting the CSS?
So you have a huge public with a renowned English department, two - I don’t want to say suburban - but close enough to city schools in Ohio - with someone different bents - and a more rural LAC (although I suppose it too is within range of Albany).
Have you visited all? If you like a Michigan best, then go to Iowa. If you like an LAC, these three are different - so where can you afford that you would prefer to be.
As for WL, they did not accept you (aka a rejection). Sorry. But they are using you as an insurance policy - for them, not you - in case not enough kids commit. So if you have interest - do what you need to do - sign their form, LOCI, etc. But then get them out of your mind and focus on the four you have.
I would think of those four, you would know the answer after visiting.
Best of luck.
Congrats! I think a lot of what you describe is Oberlin! Wonderful writing and Italian programs! My daughter just graduated this past May and your interests sound very similar! It’s a fantastic school with a beautiful campus and a very inclusive, creative student body. Oberlin has a great reputation and is filled with bright, hard-working students like yourself!
Agree that you should only consider the coleges which have accepted you (you have some great options) AND you need to focus on which of those colleges will be comfortably affordable for your family. After that, go with your preference - if you can visit the top choices that would likely help you to decide.
Not sure you intend a major or minor creative writing at Oberlin, but note for the major one must apply and be accepted to that major after taking a certain set of pre-reqs. It can be difficult to get these pre-req classes. I don’t know the major acceptance rate, but something for you to contact the school and ask if this is important to you.
If you are ok with a large university, I would go with Iowa. IC is a fabulous college town and the creative writing program is world-renowned. If not, I’d go Oberlin. I think of Oberlin as being more artistic and creative than Denison.
Sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Good to know! Thanks!
You’ve got some great options! I agree with those who have highlighted the large public vs LAC. If you have a preference about the student experience feel free to focus on the type of school.
For what it is worth, I’d look seriously at Oberlin because it is pretty strong for your area of interest. Do look at the creative writing entry program requirements mentioned above and formulate some questions for admissions or a department head.
Iowa is super for writing because of its grad program, but not sure what access an undergrad would get to that content.
Denison’s writing program encompasses a lot of forms and shines in long form narrative non fiction (think Literature Nobel Svetlana Alexievitch). It’s also closest to Kenyon in terms of culture. Lots of international students and the Eisner center has succeeded in attracting lots of artistic students using many media.
For adults remembering Denison from the 90s or even the early 2000s, it’s changed a lot compared to 15 years ago.
For creative writing? It HAS to be Iowa. It’s the number 2 program in the country!
You are likely referring to Iowa’s graduate program. With respect to its undergraduate program, Iowa may or may not appear in articles on top colleges for creative writing.
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