Best colleges for majoring in English?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and I'm beginning my college search. I'm really passionate about English and want to major in it. Can anyone recommend good colleges for English programs? Also, any info on what to expect from an English major would be awesome.

Hi there! It's great to hear that you're passionate about English and looking to major in it. Here are a few colleges known for their strong English programs:

1. Yale University

2. Harvard University

3. Princeton University

4. Columbia University

5. University of Chicago

6. Stanford University

7. Brown University

8. Dartmouth College

9. University of California, Berkeley

10. University of Michigan

Of course, there are plenty of other schools with fantastic English programs as well. Don't forget that on top of looking into various program strengths, it's essential to consider factors such as campus culture, location, size, and overall fit when selecting a college.

English majors typically study various literature forms, styles, and genres from different time periods and cultural perspectives. You'll often engage in close-reading and analysis of texts, as well as work on developing your own writing skills. As an English major, you can expect to read and critically respond to a wide variety of texts, participate in discussion-heavy classes, and improve your critical thinking and writing abilities.

In addition to studying the works of famous authors like Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Jane Austen, you might also explore contemporary literature, postcolonial writings, and global texts. Classes may be organized by genre (e.g., poetry, drama, prose), time period (e.g., Renaissance, Modernism), cultural theme (e.g., African American literature, women's writing), or critical approach (e.g., poststructuralism, ecocriticism).

Finally, remember that extracurricular involvement can also be important for English majors—joining literary clubs, participating in creative writing workshops or student publications, and attending guest speaker events can help enrich your college experience and hone your skills in your field. Best of luck with your college search!