Emerson College Top Questions

Emerson is good for two reasons: the connections and the opportunities. Emerson is basically a trade school for the industry, so there's a lot of hands-on learning. You don't talk about making a film, you make a film. The administration is a beuracratic nightmare that lives to screw the students over--say goodbye to your money, for the moment it enters the Emerson coffers it is sucked up by the president or the board members to pay for their condos, cars, etc. This parlays into the most frequent student complaint, that we pay a lot of money yet barely see any return.

I absolutely adore Emerson College. I'm so glad that I didn't end up at another school - this place has really become a home to me and I don't think I would have nearly as many opportunities for success in the future at any other school. Compared to a lot of other schools, Emerson is kind of small, but I've found that to be a good thing. It's not ridiculously small, it's just small enough that you can recognize most of the faces you see while walking around campus, but big enough that you can meet new people anytime you want. Most people seem fairly impressed when I tell them I go to Emerson - I think this school has established a solid reputation as a communications/arts college, and most people in that field would recognize that students who come out of Emerson know their stuff. What I really like about Emerson is that it allows you to take your education into your own hands. When I applied, I applied for the film program, and was placed in TV/Video instead. When I got here, I was a little disappointed about not being able to learn about film, but instead of being upset about it, I took matters into my own hands. While I was learning about TV in the classroom, I was learning about film through a handful of different extracurriculars. In fact, I'd say that right now I probably know more about film than TV because I was able to experience being on shoots right away and learn from hands on experience and other students advice. It's a real community here, and everyone is willing to share their knowledge. It's a really great thing. As far as controversy and complaints go...I don't know. I personally think it's ridiculous that Emerson doesn't provide on campus housing for all four years. I know they are working on that (the Paramount opens in 2009...just in time for me to graduate haha, GRRREAT.) but with the high prices of apartments in the city, it's just unrealistic to ask half the student body (who, by the way, is competing with students from about 100 other colleges in the area for apartments) to find their own off-campus housing. I also think this school is way too expensive, but I don't really know if there's a legitimate way to fix that. If we didn't pay so much god damn money we probably wouldn't have access to all this cool equipment. You get what you give I suppose.

The administration can be difficult to say the least. Sometimes it seems harder to deal with all the loopholes than it is to take and pass a class. But everytime I am in the classroom, I am happy with the professors that teach there, and the students opinions and enthusiasm. I think overall it is a friendly campus enviornment. Small enough that you get to at least know everyone's face, but big enough that you can find your own niche.

Emerson is very, very different from other colleges. The biggest thing is that there really isn't a campus. It is a totally urban school, based along the Boston Common. While there are definite downsides to not having a campus, Emerson could not be in a better location. Emerson is a great school if you know exactly what you want to do with your life, and do not plan on ever changing your mind. If you do change your mind, the options available to switch into are very specific and limited. For a school that emphasizes communications and the arts, many students have found it odd that Emerson offers very limited language and technical art classes. Photo classes are offered, but there are no other art classes available, which is clearly an area of interest within the student body. Emerson also only offers Spanish 1-2, French 1-2, and American Sign Language 1-4. I find this to reflect very negatively on the college, as languages seem to be of great importance to almost all majors the school offers.

I love coming into the city to have class everyday. There are so many things that someone could get involved with. I love how the classes are for the most part small and intimate so you get a lot of one on one time with the instructors. My favorite thing about Emerson though would have to be the access to the top of the line equipment. There are not many schools that can say they have Avid editing suites or a professional television studio! Also, the external programs are unbeatable. If you want to live in Los Angeles, they'll place you there for a semester with an internship, or if you want to study in the Netherlands, go ahead!

There is a lot of drama at Emerson but you don't have to be involved in drama to be involved.

Emerson is awesome because we are right downtown Boston which is THE college town. Not only are we in the middle of the city, but we get to be hands on within our majors right away. Because Emerson is basically a liberal arts school, you need to know what you want to do when you come here. It's not a school for someone who may want to try science or math on top of something more arts based. Emerson has let me get my hands dirty which is the best way to learn. Emerson doesn't really have a campus so we typically flow out into the Boston Common during nice weather or spend time in the various editing suites/doing extracurricular activities. Emerson is very small and artsy so if you're looking for that big college experience, this is not the place. Overall it's been a wonderful experience and a wouldn't go anywhere else.

Emerson is a very concentrated school. The class sizes are great because they are pretty intimate and you get a lot of attention. For the most part the teachers are brilliant and care about their students. But sometimes the small size of the school can get a little annoying. The good thing is you see a lot of same people everyday, which is good because you see your friends and people you like very often so they become familiar and you get close with them. The bad thing is you see the same people everyday even the ones you don't ever want to see. The students don't necessarily gossip that much, but since it is small, people find out about things. Sometimes it can be like a high school in that respect, but the people are really great. They are interesting and cool and, for the most part, very open and welcoming. Don't come to Emerson if you don't know what you want to do. If you already know what you want to do in life and know what you want your major to be, Emerson is perfect because the programs for all the majors are really great, but not if you don't know what major you want to be. The school isn't good for trying things out. It is specialized and trains you from the beginning. The campus is smack dab in the middle of Boston, which is amazing. We are right by the Boston Common and Public Gardens, so on nice days, there are people from all over walking around and playing frisbee which is so much fun. Almost everything is within walking distance, but if not, the T(subway) is right there. I LOVE the T. The only thing I hate is that it stops running at 12:30, which really blows. A lot. But there are always cabs and sharing a cab will usually cost like $4 a person if you get 4 people. Overall, the people are fantastic, the programs are fun and interesting, and the campus is beautiful. But there is virtually no diversity and people dress really individually, but they are all variations of the same style. But being different is encouraged. That's why the people are so interesting. But I love it.

The size of Emerson is just right, although some facilities need to be updated due to our growing population. The one big thing I would change is the library- cramped, under-resourced, and LOUD. Emersonians are for the most part academic, but unfortunately the small percentage that isn't is also the percentage that uses the library as a social gathering place. Complaints: Library, not enough language courses offered, the Administration I think people are proud to go to Emerson, but we're not super into school pride. Let's put it this way-- I really enjoyed my first year and a half but because of things like limited on-campus study space for off campus students, an elitism that seems to surround the greek life and SGA, and not enough non-major classes (language, history, etc.) I spent my senior year away from the Emerson Campus student teaching and doing an internship. ALSO- I'm not emo and don't mean to put down any organizations, but I was just over the drama by senior year.

Emerson is amazing - if you know exactly what you want to do for your career. If you think you might want to change, or get a broader educational experience, you should probably go to BU or something. The classes are extremely hands-on and interactive, and we don't like to waste time on math, science and all those other nonsense subjects. We're artists, dammit! Career services is great, they really know about the industries and try to get you emplyed as soon as you graduate. Some common complaints: students don't tend to be very friendly or outgoing; the school can be hesitant to upgrade equipment; the classes are competitive, both to get into and in their projects and curriculum; don't tell the athletes, but the Emerson "Lions" are kind of a joke; campus life tries to be social, but unless you're very outgoing and willing to go looking for people, there's not much going on socially at the school. But you're in the middle of the city, so who cares?

As a journalism major, Emerson has so far provided me with a great education. I'm learning about so much, more than I would at other schools. One thing I'd change is the campus. Although this campus is what initially drew me in to this college, now that I'm here, I wish there was more of a campus to bring the school closer together. Our school is really small, but I like it that way. When I say I go to Emerson, I almost ALWAYS get the response, "wow that's a really good school". I live in the little building at Emerson, which is where most of my time is spent. Boston is a college city holding roughly 50,000 college students, so it's not weird to be going to college here. Emerson's administration is pretty laid back and understanding. They cater to their students. Teachers here are pretty laid back as well. You just have to be a good student, and they'll most likely understand any problems of yours. School pride? hah. Well, we're not really into sports nor do we have a homecoming or anything, so there's not much school pride here. I mean, not that students aren't happy to go here, but there's not that many ways to show it. However, student groups and such are huge here, so I guess when it comes to school pride you can see it there. Emerson is an unusual school in itself. People here are weird, but very smart and creative. They know what they want.

Frist off Emerson has a student body of about 3,000 and that's it. There are a very few select people who belong here. Everyone who gets into emerson, belongs here, they fit into the intellectul hard working atmosphere. I am a transfer student into emerson and I have found it extremely hard to intergate with the already existing student body. The closest friends I have made, I made at orientation. (Almost every student will tell you that they still talk to their friends from orientation). I suggest paying very close attention to the groups you join during this one week period. I will say that emerson's transfer system is not a good one. They do not intergate their transfers very well. No clubs can be joined second semester, but yet they allow students to enter in during the januray semester. If entering the college this semester is an option, the clubs should be open to these students as well. Clubs on campus will give you real world experience, help get you published, and get into grad school... use them wisely. Emerson is a lot of work, so if you want to come here expect to do the work. Not including my workshop class, I had 3 12-20 page papers due, 2 finals, and over 7 short essays, a typical short essay is 3-7 pages long. Now to keep ahead in readings, in workshop classes, in essays, and still write three 12 page papers is alot and a headache, the thing is it's challenging (and stressful) but worth it. If you want to fly by college this is not the place for you. I came here because I was ready for this work load and craved it, my advice is if you don't crave a challenge, stay away! There is definitely a ceryain stigma that comes along with being an emersonain. My mom tells just about everyone back home that I go to emerson, and they reaction is always the same , "oh wow, that's a really good school." When I tell people I go to emerson I always get, "Wow". The unintellecutal though have no clue what the heck or who the heck emerson is. "Where?", "Where's that?", "Oh i've heard of it" but those who have kids in school or appericate learning and high standards are ALWAYS impressed by the school. THIS IS NOT A REASON TO COME HERE! The faculty and staff will think it's sweet that it was your dream, but they will not care that it was, they're not there to care about the dream of being there. They are there to care about pushing the dream you have that brought you to emerson. (Tho many of the faculty members can be uninspiring, and I have yet to meet one that will inspire me, I know there are many of them here just by the stories I hear). Emerson is a place that so resignate in your heart, and if it doesn't find a place that does. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, I have no question that this is the place for me. i worked 3 1/2 years to get here, and it was worth all of it. When you come to visit ignore the parents, they will make you and your family feel small. Pay attention to what the school actually offers. IGNORE YOUR PARENTS.... pay attention to what the school actually offers. Many parents just want their kids to go to EMERSON, it's sad and sickening. They school be focused on you, your goals, and what you want. Fight for what you want. And if that's something else, FIGHT FOR IT! I love this place, and it make it so much better knowing that everyone else does here too. Do not take away from other students by coming to this place half heartly.

I think the small setting is just right. A lot of people in my highschool hadn't heard of Emerson, and a lot of family friends etc. hadn't heard of it either - but it's known in certain fields. Boston is fantastic, and Emerson is in the perfect place.

Emerson gives you hands on experience right off the bat. I could've gone to any school in CA, but I choose Emerson because I knew I would be able to do things with my major from the first year. If I could change one thing it would be to enforce a smoking rule. Most kids here smoke right outside the buildings and it's so annoying. It's a smaller school, but the classes and teachers are great. No one is setting you up to fail, everyone wants the best for you. When I'm on campus I usually hang out in my suite living room, it's great but there is really no campus which is good and bad. Bad because there is nowhere we can all just hang out but really cool because Boston is our campus and it's a great city. Also, the sports are alright. We have good teams, but they go unnoticed, but taht is changing with time.

I like that emerson has many extra curricular activiteis.. and that you can experience what your career would actually be like by getting involved in those.. The journalism department has very good technology,..

Emerson is great about getting experience in the field you hope to work in. Although it is a small school, Boston is so big that it doesn't even matter. It is a very overtly friendly school.

If you go to Emerson, you are guaranteed to meet extremely ambitious people who are (for the most part) passionate about their work/major. Everyone says that the most important and valuable thing to do here is social networking, since it will get you up the chain. If that's what you're into.

Lacks a cohesive campus which makes for odd or difficult opportunities to socialize. Recent efforts towards adding sports programs and a business concentration fly in the face of the "little-liberal-arts-school" mentality. A lot of really wonderful and creative people go to school here. Generally, the common theme among students (despite their major) is their desire (and sometimes) to create interesting creative works.

The best thing about Emerson is the environment. For me, it was a very fertile and intimate place to grow and learn in. All of the classes are within a few blocks of each other and they are small so you can really get to know your peers and teachers. Even though we are in a communication school, the communication isn't so great. The offices and different departments don't collaborate and some of the more beaurocratic elements are messy and a pain to go through as a student. For example, the class and housing selection processes are long, involved and confusing and every adult I asked had a different solution to my problems. Emerson is growing, which I don't agree with. The size that it is now, in my opinion, is just perfect. I don't feel like a number, but I can really get to know my peers. When I tell people that I go to Emerson, they usually say "Ahhh, I wish I could have gone there!" or "Oh, I heard about that school? Do you like it?" I spend most of my time in my dorm building or in the neighboring classroom buildings. The library is in the same building as several of my classes so I go there to chill a lot- especially when I have work to do. When the weather is nice, I spend a lot of time out in the Commons or the Gardens. It's so beautiful when all the trees are blooming and you can just sit in the sun on the grass and get your homework done. There is a lost of school pride. I have become aware that the Emerson kids dislike the Suffolk (a neighboring school) kids because "They are smaller and in our shadow and trying to copy us!" I don't get it, but there's Emerson for you! We can insult and make fun of ourselves, but if a student from another school tries to insult Emerson kids, they're in for it!

Everyone at Emerson is passionate about their major. It's a very creative and committed student body. It's nice to be around people that won't let you down. When I tell people I go to Emerson, they're either impressed because they know Emerson's a good school, or they've never even heard of it before. Those who know Emerson know it's a great school that's hard to get into. I love being right in the heart of Boston. It's always strange when I go to big campuses like University of Illinois, where the campus is isolated from the city itself. All the class buildings and dorms are clumped together, then the city surrounds it. In schools like that, all the action happens on campus. At Emerson, our buildings are scattered around the city. There's no separation between the city and the campus. Sometimes, I like that Emerson student's are right in the center of the hustle and bustle of the city, but sometimes, I wish there was a feeling of community on campus. Emerson's administration is so knowledgeable and friendly. They treat you as equals. We can call them by their first names and many of them will come out to Emerson events and support the school. They're really cool people.