The University of Illinois - Springfield

Date: Mar 06 2017
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
I've read a lot of negative comments about this university, and I agree that the social life is weak and the bureaucracy is stupid, but it is getting better, and I agree that the students with whom I'm surrounded aren't the most intellectually gifted. Some wallow in their ignorance and are defiant about being challenged at all. Still, though, there is a lot of diverse perspectives here, and that's worthy too. And, maybe you just need to be careful which major to choose. There are crazy good opportunities to work closely with mentors here. You can be a big fish in a small pond (and serve on the campus senate or get access to special scholarships) here, where you are literally just a number somewhere else. If you don't like professors and students challenging you or your beliefs, then no, you shouldn't come here.

Some of the reviews were very negative about the CAP program, and I don't think that is justified these days. It is an honors program that challenges you to think more broadly. It was a good prep for being an English major. CAP honors classes can transfer, but you will have to write an argument for them to be considered humanities classes at another university. Most are really political philosophy approached from a bunch of different disciplinary perspectives.

If you are a prospective English major, then you need to know that you will have to take some online classes, but that all your teachers are onground, so you can talk with them in their offices with no problem. So, you can get special help with your writing from people who really, really know how to push you to be a better writer. If you think you are great to begin with, that's fine, but they'll push you to be better—creatively and critically. If you put in the effort, so will the English professors.

I'm happy with the education I've received here, but you only get out of it what you put into it.