The most common route for writing students
at Walnut Hill is to pursue a liberal arts degree, usually
at colleges with strong English and/or writing departments.
A small number have also pursued BFA degrees, which are offered
either in writing or in more specialized fields such as dramatic
writing.
Portfolios
If you apply to conservatory programs, you
will need to submit a portfolio of
writing, and often the requirements are quite specific. If
you are considering the BFA route, you should find out in
the spring of your junior year what is required. In this way,
you can begin thinking about and discussing matters with your
teacher. Most liberal arts colleges do not require portfolios
of writing, but it is to your advantage to submit your work
to the Admissions Office, unless the college has an actual
writing department, in which case you should submit two copies,
one to Admissions and one to the department.
Questions to Ask
These will vary depending on your particular needs and interests, but some questions which you might consider are listed below. If you pursue a liberal arts degree, look into the departments of English and Writing. Whenever possible, talk to students and faculty in the department(s) that interest you.
Is there a writing concentration?
Can students pursue independent work?
With whom do students work -- writers, professors, or graduate students?
Is the approach to literature and writing purely analytic?
What works have recent graduates published?
How many guest writers come to campus each year? Who?
Is there a special writing laboratory?
