Creative Writing at Princeton University

Hello everyone, I'm seriously considering applying to Princeton because of my passion for creative writing. Does anyone here know what the creative writing program at Princeton is like? What are the classes, professors, and overall environment like? How competitive is it? Thanks a bunch!

Princeton University indeed has a solid program in creative writing. It's part of the Lewis Center for the Arts, which is a well-respected hub for multiple creative disciplines at Princeton. The creative writing program is organized into workshops, where you'll have the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of peers and mentors to gain a broader perspective on your writing.

The faculty at Princeton is quite impressive, with a mix of established authors and up-and-coming writers who have had their works published and reviewed widely. You'll find that the professors are not just highly educated and experienced but also very passionate about fostering creativity and helping students develop their craft.

As for the academic environment, it's certainly competitive but also collaborative. Classes are typically small and designed to be interactive. You may find yourself, for instance, sharing your work in a workshop setting, which provides valuable opportunities for critique and discussion. This helps students improve their writing while also teaching them to critically analyze and offer feedback on their peers' work.

The program also has a wide range of course offerings. Tracks are available in various genres such as fiction, poetry, and screenplay writing, among others. You might also explore translating and adapting different forms of writing, playing with genre conventions, and so forth.

In terms of admission to the creative writing program specifically, you'll need to submit a writing sample after you've been accepted to Princeton. This is evaluated by faculty for originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

Overall, creative writing at Princeton tends to strike a balance between cultivating individual creative expression and pushing for rigorous intellectual inquiry within a supportive community. It's competitive, of course, but it's this challenging environment that often stimulates growth and breakthroughs.

Remember, it's important to visit the university's website and, if possible, connect with current students or alumni to get a more personalized picture of what your experience might be like. High school and college experiences can vary greatly.

Best of luck with your applications!