What's the University of Virginia's English program like?

Hey guys! I've been researching the University of Virginia's English program and I'm curious about the coursework, class sizes, and faculty. Anyone with any experience in the program or knowledge about its quality? Thanks!

The University of Virginia (UVA) has an excellent English program with a strong focus on both British and American literature. The coursework within the program covers a wide range of topics, which allows you to explore literary periods, genres, and authors. In addition to the foundational classes in literary analysis and critical theory, you'll find courses on more specific topics like modernism, Shakespeare, global literatures, creative writing, and even film studies.

Class sizes at UVA's English program vary depending on your course level and the specific class you're taking. In general, introductory and larger lecture-style classes can have anywhere from 50-100 students. However, as you progress through the program and take more specialized courses, you'll find that class sizes become smaller, with seminars typically having around 15-20 students.

Smaller class sizes allow for more in-depth discussions, personalized feedback, and stronger relationships with faculty members. Speaking of faculty, the UVA English program is known for having a diverse and accomplished faculty with expertise in various literary fields. Many professors are widely published, and some have even received prestigious awards for their work in literature.

Engaging with faculty members, including during their office hours, can be an invaluable opportunity to learn more deeply from their expertise and gain personalized insights about future career paths or graduate study. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for research through independent study or working as a research assistant with a faculty member.

Overall, UVA's English program is highly regarded for its comprehensive coursework, talented faculty members, and the opportunities it provides for students to deeply engage with literature. To get a better understanding of the program, I'd recommend looking up the faculty list and their areas of research, and exploring the course catalog to see what specific classes are offered.

If you do end up applying to UVA and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-virginia-essays. Good luck with your college search!