ASU v. FSU v. TCU Rhet/Comp

[dvbz67]

I have been researching rhet/comp programs, and three schools that really strike me are Arizona State, Florida State, and Texas Christian University. Because I am new to the world of doctoral programs (and the world of rhet/comp, for that matter), I am curious if any of these schools are leaps and bounds better than any other. That is, does the strength/prestige/reputation of any of these schools make it a sure choice?

I know that ASU is a pretty large program requiring self-sufficiency as a graduate student, and that TCU is relatively small. But, other than "fit," would any of these schools automatically be the best choice? Would any put a graduate in a better position for a tenure-track job?

Thanks to any posters for your thoughts on this matter. I have appreciated reading through this forum. Thanks to all for your insightful discussions.

[radcradick]

  On 4/20/2010 at 2:41 PM, dvbz67 said:

I have been researching rhet/comp programs, and three schools that really strike me are Arizona State, Florida State, and Texas Christian University. Because I am new to the world of doctoral programs (and the world of rhet/comp, for that matter), I am curious if any of these schools are leaps and bounds better than any other. That is, does the strength/prestige/reputation of any of these schools make it a sure choice?

I know that ASU is a pretty large program requiring self-sufficiency as a graduate student, and that TCU is relatively small. But, other than "fit," would any of these schools automatically be the best choice? Would any put a graduate in a better position for a tenure-track job?

Thanks to any posters for your thoughts on this matter. I have appreciated reading through this forum. Thanks to all for your insightful discussions.

Have you looked into University of Arizona - its RCTE program (as they abbreviate it) is one of the top programs in the country. And CERTAINLY better than ASU!

[theboynamedblue]

  On 4/20/2010 at 2:41 PM, dvbz67 said:

I have been researching rhet/comp programs, and three schools that really strike me are Arizona State, Florida State, and Texas Christian University. Because I am new to the world of doctoral programs (and the world of rhet/comp, for that matter), I am curious if any of these schools are leaps and bounds better than any other. That is, does the strength/prestige/reputation of any of these schools make it a sure choice?

I know that ASU is a pretty large program requiring self-sufficiency as a graduate student, and that TCU is relatively small. But, other than "fit," would any of these schools automatically be the best choice? Would any put a graduate in a better position for a tenure-track job?

Thanks to any posters for your thoughts on this matter. I have appreciated reading through this forum. Thanks to all for your insightful discussions.

I'm not familiar with TCU's program, but I did apply to ASU and FSU for their rhet/comp programs this year. I ended up receiving funded offers from both schools. My general impression of FSU was that they had a very active department with lots of opportunity for collaboration, but I was concerned about the lack of variety in their course offerings. I ended up choosing ASU because I think there's a lot of exciting work coming out of the program right now, and I feel confident that I can hold my own in a large program. Leaps and bounds better? I don't think so, but I don't pay attention to rankings, so others might have different opinions. Bottom line, if you've narrowed it down to these three schools, I would consider visiting them and talking with faculty and current students to get a good impression.