Majoring in Creative Writing: The Pros and Cons (From a University of Michigan Graduate)

As of last December, I’m a college graduate! It was a long four years, but I made it. In my newfound freedom, I’ve reflected not only on my University of Michigan experience, but also on my experience studying creative writing and literature.

Truth be told, it wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t always fun. Sometimes the workload was too much when paired with my other classes, or I spiraled into a pit of doubt and insecurity because I kept comparing myself to others (that’s hard NOT to do at UofM). I would feel like every ounce of creativity had been drained from me, and I’d never write anything good ever again (yes, I was that dramatic).

But it wasn’t all bad! I’m not trying to be the creative writing boogeyman.

Dedicating myself to the CW major provided critical insight into my writing and transformed my style, attitude, and work overall. I collaborated closely with professors and peers, and I was even published twice with my University’s library! I wouldn’t have had these opportunities if it weren’t for my major and the advantages that came with it.

However, that’s only my experience, and at one university out of thousands. In many instances, your major is what you make of it, but, nevertheless, here’s an insightful pros and cons list to consider!

PRO: You’ll get to write all. the. time.

If you’re like me, then there are plenty of times when you wish you were at home writing. As a CW major, writing is pretty much your life. At UofM, I wrote 5-7 pages of polished prose each week. For some, that’s nothing. For others, it’s a struggle.

PRO: You'll work with professionals

Many (if not all) CW major programs require you to work one-on-one with professors who are professional writers educated in their craft. They offer you the most invaluable feedback and can give you insight into the professional world of writing. They also ask you the tough questions, making you challenge yourself in order to grow.

PRO: You'll be part of a writing community

At my university, the CW major was relatively small compared to more popular majors, but this resulted in a tight-knit community of writers who knew each other’s names, faces, and passion projects. As a CW major, you’ll form a community with whom you can write, struggle, and share your stories!

PRO: You'll grow closer to your craft

As I mentioned before, challenging yourself is key to making a CW major meaningful. In my final semester, I challenged myself to write new prose for my master’s applications. With every draft, tossed scene, and shredded plot line, I continued onward, inspired by the results of my efforts. I never felt closer to my craft than I did then.

CON: You're going to write A LOT

This is both a pro and a con. Writing frequently is important for building stamina and improving your craft, but always having to write and have your creative work critiqued can be mentally exhausting. You’re going to be humbled, realize your limits, and question yourself countless times, but all of that is necessary to grow as a writer.

CON: Writing will consume your life

This relates heavily to the previous point, but it’s important to say again: you’re going to write a lot and all the time. For that reason, it’s important to have good writing habits and a writing schedule. I didn’t. That’s why I stayed up writing past midnight too often.

CON: The cost may be more than the reward

College isn’t cheap, and pursuing a CW major might not be practical for most. With my financial aid, I was able to choose the degree I wanted without worrying about money, but for many, that’s just not an option. Additionally, you don’t need a CW degree to become a writer. This is just one path of many. The price tag might be what determines your decision.

CON: You may feel estranged from your craft

This seems contradictory to my final “pro,” but as a writer, connection can occur one week, and estrangement can take over the next. You might start writing for the deadline, not for yourself. It’s important to center your joy and inspiration as much as you can and remember why you started writing in the first place.

Choosing to be a CW major came with its pros and cons, some of which were out of my control or due to my own actions. No college major is perfect, but as I said, it’s what you make of it. I certainly don’t regret my decision, and I know my experiences will be crucial in my professional career (once I figure that out...).

Thank you for sticking around and reading my advice! Whether you’re thinking about going to college or were just curious about my perspective, I hope this post was insightful. Send me a DM if you have more questions about majoring in CW, or if you’re curious about attending UofM!