Best schools for pursuing journalism?

Hey all, I'm super into journalism and looking forward to turning it into my major. What should be my top choices if I want to focus on journalism?

Several schools are well-regarded for their journalism programs, offering excellent curricula, experienced faculty, and opportunities for hands-on experience:

1. Northwestern University: The Medill School of Journalism here offers a robust undergraduate program with opportunities to specialize in various types of journalism such as broadcast, print, and digital. You’ll also have the chance to gain practical experience in newsrooms and can take advantage of the school's comprehensive network.

2. University of Missouri: Known as the home of the world's first journalism school, this University provides a rich curriculum focusing on hands-on experience and provides students access to their own network-affiliate television station.

3. Columbia University: Columbia doesn't offer an undergraduate journalism major, but it does have a Special Concentration in Journalism for students majoring in other disciplines. Post-graduate, Columbia is revered for its Journalism School which offers a Master of Science in Journalism.

4. Syracuse University: The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications offers an array of journalism specialties that cover print, online, and broadcast journalism.

5. University of Southern California: Their Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism has a strong undergraduate program with a range of concentrations such as broadcast and digital journalism as well as print and digital journalism.

6. University of Maryland: The Philip Merrill College of Journalism offers a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with tracks in multi-platform or broadcast.

It's worth noting that these schools can be quite competitive. Therefore, developing a strong portfolio with samples of your journalistic work, maintaining a high GPA, and showcasing your passion for journalism in your application essays would be very beneficial. You'll also want to consider the culture of the school, location, cost, financial aid options, and other factors that are important to you when making your decision.