Over the last few days I have been in the dread despair having to choose between my favorite Lit program and my second favorite one (with the fundings). One teaches (I think) rather "canonical" literature and quite theory-heavy, while the other focuses more on the popular literature and (maybe) with less theory mentioned in the cirruclum. I consulted a few of my fellow scholars and friends about this, and I learned quite a lot! This is what I learned: whichever program you choose, if you wanted to be really good in this area, you have to learn the things your lectures and seminars do not cover on your own. The only difference here is which part of your effort will be praised, rated, and peer-reviewed. You can't expect to become a genius in literary studies by enrolling in a program. You may choose what kind of help you want to receive.