Best Comparative Literature Program?

[deciding]

Of the following, which Comparative Literature program do you think has the best reputation and prestige? Which university has the best reputation overall in literature or the humanities? I don't care about quality of life or the town. I just want the school that has the best reputation so I can find a job easily afterward (I'll most likely find a job abroad as an English or Comparative Literature asst. prof. after I finish my Comp Lit PhD). Thanks so much for your help! Decisions decisions...

 

Maryland; Austin Texas; Chapel Hill; Indiana-Bloomington; Illinois-Urbana Champaign; UC-Davis

 

Best wishes in your studies

[ghijklmn]

This is all very subjective and of course depends on what your field of interest is. For example, UT Austin has one of the best Near Eastern Studies programs in the world, so if that's your field, I would say go there. UNC and Indiana also have great programs -- the others I'm not so familiar with. Have you been admitted to all of them? Have you been able to visit?

[deciding]

Thanks for your comment, ghijklm. I'm on the wait list for Austin and I've been accepted to the rest. I'm most interested in English Lit. I can't visit right now so I have to make my decisions without seeing the schools first-hand. Congrats on Northwestern, that's fantastic (I saw your post on another thread)! I applied there but was rejected. Very nice   

[smellybug]

The only answer: It depends. 

 

A slightly more helpful suggestion: I would talk to profs and current students via email or phone. Ask if they keep track of placement rates and what they are. Also ask where they place people and how long it takes. I'd also acclimate yourself to the idea that job-finding will not be "easy" no matter where you go. 

 

Good luck!

Edited April 4, 2013 by smellybug

[deciding]

Thanks Smellybug. I got accepted to Austin today. I'm going to choose between Austin and Chapel Hill, but it's a hard decision... I appreciate the input   

[smellybug]

Thanks Smellybug. I got accepted to Austin today. I'm going to choose between Austin and Chapel Hill, but it's a hard decision... I appreciate the input  

 

Congrats! That's an excellent program and I know a lot of great grad cafe folks are going to be there. What a wonderful decision to be in the position to make.