Boston College? Brandeis? Tufts?

[lauras]

Like all schools in Boston, BC, Brandeis and Tufts are generally considered "good" schools (or rather they consider themselves a good school). What is there reputation in the English Lit community? They seem to be "ranked" around the 50s on the USNEWS rankings, whatever those mean and there seems to be a bunch of "public ivys" ranked far better.

Does anyone know how the professors or the climate are in these departments?

BU is also ranked about the same, in the mid 50s, but I've have heard bad things and encountered such snobbery, especially for a second rate department, that I'm really not going to bother to send them my $70 bucks.

[Minnesotan]

What is there reputation in the English Lit community?

Good enough that they won't admit people who cannot choose the correct form of there, their, and they're. =)

Seriously, though, I think your post displays an unhealthy obsession with rankings. What you should be looking for are the other traits you listed (atmosphere, etc.), as well as thinking seriously about your fit with the program and the school in general. Where can you stand to live for 4-8 years of your life? I know when I was applying, I did not apply to anywhere warmer than Pennsylvania, because I am realistic about my ability to withstand heat (I am, as you could guess from my name, from the Northland). In what direction is the department moving? Are they removing their Elizabethan drama emphasis to be replaced with post-feminist American lit.? With whom would you like to work? Is there a professor or two whose research interests closely match your own?

Rankings are overrated.

[rising_star]

In what direction is the department moving? Are they removing their Elizabethan drama emphasis to be replaced with post-feminist American lit.? With whom would you like to work? Is there a professor or two whose research interests closely match your own?

Rankings are overrated.

THIS. Seriously. The faculty and your fit matter so much more than rankings.