Northwestern University’s Creative Writing major has a very unique application process. The majority of the class of 2021 will be the first in their families to go to college. For many, this may be their first exposure to the university environment. While many students may be anxious about their first day, the admissions office and university community are there to help. This article will discuss the application process for the Creative Writing major and the various scholarships and financial aid offered by Northwestern.
Curriculum
Northwestern’s Creative Writing major is designed for students who want to explore the art form in depth. To that end, the curriculum is structured around an individualized plan for each student. This plan is based on previous experience, interest, and goals. There is a lot of freedom within the curriculum to create the perfect plan for each student’s individual needs and interests. The curriculum focuses on various aspects of creative writing including composition, literature, and publishing. One of the distinguishing features of the major is the optional intermediate writing workshop offered in the fall. The intermediate writing workshop allows students to develop and polish their writing. It is a great opportunity to establish a professional network while developing and expanding your creative writing skills. The final milestone of the curriculum is the capstone project. This project is a culmination of the students’ learning and is usually a polished and published piece of work. The capstone project gives students the opportunity to show off their creative and critical thinking skills as well as their writing to prospective employers or graduate schools.
Admissions
Northwestern’s Creative Writing major is generally open to applicants with a high school GPA of 3.0 or better, ACT composite score of 19 or better, and a writing sample of 300 words or less. The class of 2021 is currently the largest group of applicants to ever apply to Northwestern. There were 4,900 applicants for 200 slots in the class of 2021. Out of those 4,900 applicants, 2,600 were accepted. That’s a little over one-third of the class.
Northwestern’s Creative Writing major offers many financial aid packages to help students cover their costs of attendance. There is also a range of scholarships, fellowships, and grants available to support creative writing students. Some examples include the Wallace Stegall Creative Writing Scholarship, which provides up to $20,000 per year in competitive funds to offset the cost of attendance. The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Fund for Creative Writing provides up to $5,000 per year for up to three years of graduate study. The Vera Miro Creative Writing Scholarship offers up to $20,000 per year in grant money to offset tuition costs as well as provide living expenses while in Chicago.
Resources For Students
Northwestern University’s Creative Writing major is a large enough class that it maintains a strong network of contacts. The department and university actively seek to support and provide resources for their students. The various services and resources available to creative writing students include:
- The Writing Center – provides one-on-one academic help to students in both the university and high school levels
- The BizEaze Business Plan Competition – encourages and supports entrepreneurial spirit in every student through annual business plan pitching competitions
- The Undergraduate Publishing Initiative (UPI) – supports and publishes the creative work of undergraduate students. This includes all levels of students from high school to undergraduates
- Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism provides opportunities for news and media students to learn first hand about breaking news and multimedia story creation
- Chaotic Moon Comics – produces and distributes the comic book Chaotic Moon to readers of all ages and interests
- Northwestern’s School of Music maintains a vibrant arts community. The various music stores in Chicago offer a diverse range of courses, concerts, and competitions for students to get involved in
- Northwestern’s School of Law provides students with opportunities for career exploration, as well as access to an extensive learning community. The university maintains a high-quality and diverse staff of lawyers, paralegals, law students, and faculty. The law school also offers valuable clinics and educational opportunities for students to gain practical legal experience
- Northwestern’s DeLuca School of Music offers a variety of degrees and courses in music including music therapy, music business, and even jazz history. The university also maintains a strong community of musicians and performers who offer individualized mentorship to students looking to get involved in music. Many top-tier music stores, such as Stein Mart, allow students to work for a portion of their education. This is also true for the Goodman Theatre, which is part of the Drama Dept. at Northwestern University. The Goodman Theatre is one of the largest and most prestigious theaters in the country. Students can work on set for a year, get a degree in drama, and earn money for their fees. This is also true for other departmental theaters such as the Joseph Jefferson and Miele Barrett-Biggins Theatres. In addition to these opportunities, music students can get involved with Northwestern’s Graduate School of Music’s Semester in Paris. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that lets students immerse themselves in the music culture of Paris. Students participate in open mikes, go to concerts, and gain firsthand experience in the working world of music.
Scholarships And Financial Aid
Many students who apply to Northwestern’s Creative Writing major are not blessed with a limitless pool of funds. That’s where the various scholarships and financial aid packages come in. Northwestern provides numerous scholarships, grants, and fellowships to creative writing students. Some examples of these scholarships and financial aid include: