Emerson College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Emerson College know before they start?

allison

I would say visiting the college is a really important factor when trying to pick the right one because it is important to get a feel for the students already there and the vibe the school gives off to see if it suits you. In order to make the best of your college experience, be prepared for major changes and be open to trying new things. Also, find a way to balance your social life and schoolwork, making sure one or the other doesn't become too important.

Maria

I would advise parent's to be supportive of their children through the good times and bad times. College is a learning process about getting into the real world. Students don't be afraid of new surrounding. Pick a school that FEELS right for you.

Ilana

The best advice I can give someone would be to trust your gut. You'll know when a college is right for you, its more then just classes and academics its a whole enviornment and when its right its right. College is all about what you make of it, if you want to be active- be active, never stop pursuing what you want the most!

Mackenzie

Try not to think about how close to home you'll be or if anyone you know is going to that school, but think about how you choice will shape you future. Think about the connections you can make and the connotation of havin a degree from a ceertain school. Also think about how your chosen school can help you, both while you're in school and after graduation. Also, as hard as it might be, try not to look at the tuition rates of schools, but rather the value of attending. Once you're there, get involved with anything and e verything you can. For most schools, most of your education comes from outside the classroom.

Cait

Finding the right college can go either way. Some kids really struggle to find the right school and others click with one right away. Although it can be a really stressful process finding the right school changes your life and everyone should have that opportunity. Struggle through until you find where you fit into the puzzle, it will be worth it.

Lily

The most important would be to visit the schools and find out how well the advising system works with students to help them in deciding the classes that would best help them in their careers.

Christopher

Visit the college, and then trust your instincts. You can read up as much as you want on the class sizes and campus life, but none of that really tells you whether or not that school will feel like home. Ninety percent of the people who I've spoken to have agreed with me that that first college tour/overnight/interview was all that was needed to tell if we would fit in. The sense of community and the bond you form with your college and classmates, which are strongly emphasized on our campus, are intangible; you won't find them on the website or in a brochure. Go. See. Feel. Then decide.

Eric

My advice is to find a school that satisfies your interests. Every school, I've found, has it's own personality and the students at the school illustrate that personality. Do some reasearch and find out what types of classes are offered, what are the most popular classes, where do students hang out, and how diverse is the campus in terms of ethnic background, socio-economic status, religion, and political offiliation. All of these answers will give a sense of what type of school it is. Pick a school with classes not only related to the subject you want to major in, but also the subjects you are somewhat interested in. A good number of college kids change their minds once they start taking classes. Many of my older friends who have graduated are still deciding what they really want to do. Keep that in mind when you make your choice. Lastly, don't worry to much about picking the wrong school. Every school has some pros and cons. Once you arrive on your first day, you'll find something that will make you feel at home.

Bijal

Someone once asked, "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" For me, I started listing instantly in my head. Slowly, but surely it is happening. I try everything I can with prays and hopes that odds come out to be in my favor. Recent years have shown me that my luck isn't the greatest, it's actually just down right terrible and very unfortunate. Even with this I still try. I am head strong, driven and focused. This is exactly how students need to be when picking a college that is right for them. Choose wisely, remember it is your future. Now, to my point..."Which college would you choose if you knew none could reject you?" Exactly. Think of the school(s) you dream of and drive yourself towards them. Don't sell yourself short. Make sure to have back up school just in case, but also make sure those back up school are where you see yourself also. As for the college experience, you'll definitely learn your important life lessons here. Good memories, bad memories are all apart of growing up. Remember be wise and think of the quote. Take it easy. :)

Hilary

I think when parents and students are making a choice about college they should make sure they know the school beyond it's stereotypes. Most schools have a certain image and sometimes that does accurately portray the school's atmosphere, but not always. I think that most of the time you have to look beyond that to see what is most important to you. Emerson College is more than just a school for actors/ filmmakers and hipster kids who smoke (categories that I don't personally fit into.) Emerson has knowledgeable faculty who are experienced in what they teach, and care enough to take time to share what they know. If you are looking to choose a college, know what the faculty and classes are like, and explore the social activity on and off campus as much as you can. Mostly know that you can find happiness and satisfaction with more than one school. There are plenty out there that fit your academic and social expectations. You may not know exactly what a school is like until you get there and experience it for yourself, but you can always make it work or move on to somewhere new.

Matthew

It is important that both student and partents work together to select a college that give sthe best fit . In today's economy , money is tight and a student needs to get the best education possible while being fiscally practical. Yesterday's rules about college are gone. Students will have to be creative when financing their eduaction. They may have to take time off and work in order to complete school. Yet depite the obstacles, continuing higher education is vital. Reseach schools that are reasonably priced on the internet, talk to friends about their experiences, and work with your college concelors to help you find the right place. I don't believe that there is only one right school for a student to attend. I believe you have to keep an open mind to many different possibilities and create your world around what presents itself to you. While you at at college, make the most of every day. Get out of your safety zone and meet people. DIscover new interests. Be open to meeting diverse people. Expand your world. This does not cost a cent. It is what life gives free to those smart enough to partake.

Samuel

In applying for colleges, and doing academic work, it is crucial to establish steady work habits for yourself. The environment you'll be living in will offer many opportunities for fun. Yet, taking time to struggle with the challenges you've chosen will be rewarding, and will make life richer. Observe what things you have a real passion for, and commit to achieving something that you personally think is beautiful or worthwhile in those areas. I stress the importance of finding inspiring professors. Talk to alumni and find professor ratings to make sure that the men and women that are going to be teaching you will be able to impart some real knowledge. I've found that the classes I really excel in have a teacher that became a real mentor for me, and that is invaluable. Throughout our lives, our ideas and passion for learning are shaped by figures that inspire us to think freely and creatively about our passions. These people are worth any amount of tuition.

Leah

Don't get stuck on one school, there are tons out there that can be compatible with you.

Lynette

Start looking early. Talk with students who are in the major of study you want to pursue. Ask them for the good and the bad. If they don't tell you anything bad, find someone who will. Every school has its negatives. What is key is knowing what those negatives are and comparing them to the negatives of the other school(s). What can you tolerate? What is a deal-breaker? Find that out. Request to shadow someone for a day. See everything from the view of an actual student attending there. Once you're enrolled at a school, get involved immediately. It will be the best way to meet new people and make friends. Try something that you've never done before. College is the time to explore and be adventurous. Go to class and be respectful of professors. Not only is it the nice thing to do, it can also mean a better chance of a favorable response if you run into an issue with your schoolwork and need help. Maintain a good reputation for being a good student and being responsible.

Lauren

I would say to be willing to meet and love new and different types of people. If you aren't willing to do that then you should find a school that has clones of youself, which I do know that they exist. Also, there is not one right college for everyone, it's what you make of the one you are at. College is great! Live it up and don't waste any time worrying about what else you could be doing. Also, make sure to work an appropriate amount while you're at school because you don't want to not be able to do something all your friends are doing do to work, however, you also don't want to not be able to just because you are broke.

Andrew

For both parents and students, the path to finding the right college and making the most of the college experience lies in taking a close look at both what the student sees themselves doing wit their adult life and what they would enjoy doing. As the saying goes, if you find a job that you like, you were never work a day in your life! Students and parents should look at schools that provide the most opportunities with regards to education in the desired fields. In addition, take a look at the area surrounding any potential school and find out what opportunities exist for work and professional experience as well as what options there are for leisure and cultural enlightenment.

Kacey

The first college that I attended for my freshman year was not my first choice. I did well there, but it wasn't focused to what I am passionate about, and the setting just wasn't right for me. Transfering to my first choice school was the best thing that I have ever done. It is so important to be in a place that you enjoy and can thrive in, or else the college experience will not be everything you want it to be. So, I suggest that you take the time to research schools and find one that you're enthusiastic about, and if you arn't accepted the first time, keep trying! College isn't just about getting a degree, it's about making the most of an oustanding education and life-changing experience.

Rachel

Talk to students on campus. I was admitted to my two top schools and I almost made the wrong decision. However, I visited both campuses for a second time, and went out of my way to get to know some of the students. Without a doubt, this cleared up my decision. I knew where I wanted to go because I got along with everyone. They seemed to have the same ambitions as me and enjoyed the same activities. If at all possible, try to stay over at your top schools for a night or two. You will know where to go by the end.

Michael

Tour the school before you even consider applying. Also - thanks to social networking (Facebook, MySpace) it is easy to get a hold of already enrolled students. Ask them their opinions (outside of the "tour guide" setting) to get a true feel for the school.

Heather

Try to find a balance between what is financially best and a place you really love. Because you don't want to hate your school, but you also don't want to spend every day worrying about money. To make the most of the college experience, get involved in anything and everything. Find your niche by trying different things and don't be afraid to try something new. And remember that college isn't just about studying, it's about finding yourself and learning things that classes can't teach you. I've learned more doing extracurricular programs and studying abroad than I have from books, but at the same time I love the classes I'm taking because they make me think. Balance is important.