Twain. Dickinson. Christie. Dickens. Hemingway. Vonnegut. You’ve read them all and maybe even have some hot takes. Some people like to act like being an English major is code for undeclared, but we vehemently disagree. If you can’t tell from our use of five-dollar words, we have great respect for the academics who navigate the written word. And English is a highly applicable major to other fields. Obviously, famous writers take the #1 spot in the major, but you’d be among astronauts, politicians, lawyers, scientists, actors, comedians, directors, CEOs, and doctors.
However, English is not only a popular major but a broad one. The best way to convince top-tier schools that you deserve a spot in their English department is by developing a niche within the field and exploring it diligently.
Reading
Are you making fun of us for suggesting that you, a potential English major, should read books? Stop it. We’re just being helpful. Not only should you read “the classics,” but you should explore genres and time periods beyond these. If Frankenstein was your favorite, you might like other horror or science fiction books. If you really enjoyed To Kill a Mockingbird, then check out other Southern Gothic or coming-of-age books. You can explore poetry, creative writing, non-fiction, or fiction, or go nuts on different time periods and cultures.
Online or In-person Classes
We love a writing class. Especially one that gives you feedback and can make you a better writer. Not only will these classes help you gain skills in English, but they can introduce you to the critique process. If you’re interested in deep diving into texts, you could try an online class on an author you’ve always wanted to explore or in a genre you haven’t been introduced to yet. By reading and taking classes, you’re well on your way to developing the niche you’ll use to market yourself.
Summer Programs
There are a wide variety of summer programs dedicated to the prospective English major. Pre-college programs at schools like Columbia, Harvard, Brown, UCLA, Tufts, and Boston University will have a wide variety of classes to choose from and bonus! they can give you college credit too. Summer programs will not only let you explore your major further, but it will give you a glimpse into college life and the rigor of the courses. Picking a summer program at a school you’re interested in might also help you with the pesky college list down the line.
Research
This may be the hardest thing on this list, but it is the most valuable. Becoming a research assistant to a professor is one of the best ways to spend your time and it packs a big punch on your application. This is also where that niche you’ve been developing will come in handy. When you cold-email professors, a general interest in English won’t get you far. But, if you’re a big Virginia Woolf fan and the professor you’re emailing is a preeminent scholar on To the Lighthouse, then that will make that email a lot more compelling.
Intern
Like we said before, there is a wide swath of careers that can benefit from an English degree. You’ll want an internship where you can actually do something worthwhile with your time. Think a little smaller, like a local paper, indie publishing house, or literary magazine. Maybe you want to intern for a copywriting department or the comms team at a large company. What you choose should be reflective of the niche you’re trying to build.
Get a Job
Freelance copywriter. Bookstore employee. English tutor. These are jobs that not only prove you’re exposing yourself to the written word, but they’ll also make you some money. Jobs are a great way to show colleges that you’ve taken on additional responsibilities, and jobs in your interest area push this even further.
Get Published
Okay, so maybe you’re not getting published by Oxford’s English Historical Review, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to get published at all. Submit articles, essays, short stories, poems, etc. to literary magazines and online platforms. Start a blog or a newsletter. Post your creative writing or book analysis to Medium. Pitch outlets your ideas, you have no idea which one will stick.
Majoring in English will help you become a better writer and critical thinker, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. We urge you to explore these interests now so that you’re not looking back in 10 years thinking “why did I major in this again??” It’s better to dive in now, so in case you realize this isn’t the path for you, you can change course without issue.
If you need help developing your extracurriculars and strategizing for college admissions, reach out to us today.