Emory University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Emory University know before they start?

Paulee'

The Law of Attraction states 'your expectations determine your reality.' Your college experience is what you make it. Some spend their time buried in books, while others devote their time to social activities. The key is an equal balance. Grades are important, but so is sanity. Devoting ALL of your time to studies will leave you book smart, but not happy or socially adept. The key to making the most of your college experience is to find a perfect balance. Finding the right college can be difficult, however it?s not impossible. To pick the college best for you involves a great deal of research. Start with colleges that offer the major(s) you are considering. Next, see what extracurriculars they offer, and finally, housing and financial aid. Of course you want a college you can afford; however it?s not about what you know, but who you know. Sometimes the school on your degree can help get your foot in the door faster than your credentials. Therefore, pick a college that is going to offer the path you want to take, but also one that will help to make it a little easier to take that path.

Samantha

I would tell them not to go to a school based on name, reputation and status. Find a school that has a good location as well as the type of person you would want to be friends with. Location is important because no matter what a positive, great environment will add to any experience. You will make whatever you make of college. If you go to a school thats not as known as Harvard you can still learn a lot. It is more about your experience and what you learn than the name of the school.

Lee-Lye

It is great to look into programs of the school and the quality of its enriching academic environment. Make sure the professors at the school are great teachers and ask questions about the college life to the students attending in that school. However the most important step in making the college experience a great life experience is to take chances with each day not being afraid of the impending grades or different people, but to have confidence in all things. Also grades are not everything so always keep in mind to take a breather for yourself and spend time with friends. Also have a greater dream to serve others and let that lead you to choose your classes and your major. Always keep your morals and keep your priorities in check constantly. Also do not let yourself be closed in or become isolated since that is very easy to do but reach out to others in confidence and always keep a good attitude about life.

Ryan

Invest a lot of time in researching college literature to narrow down your choices. Don't choose schools based primarily on reputation. I think most high-achieving college applicants underestimate the importance of finding a sense of place in college: I know people who have gone to my school and higher-ranked schools who do poorly despite their acuity because they aren't motivated in their environment. Find schools that seem stimulating and focused in your field of intended study, visit their campuses (but not for a tour -- investigate the campus yourself to get a realistic sense of what it's like), and decide based both on the basis of reputation as well as how the school feels.

Christine

I would let the students know that they have to consider all the different elements of a school before making the choice. Academics are gravely important because that is the reason you are seeking higher education, but your overall feelings and fit into the university count as well. You will be spending the four most important years of your life at the particular place and it will help determine what kind of human being you will be for the rest of your life. College is the time when you begin to take complete responsibility for your life. I would tell parents that they should help their children making decisions about college, but they must let their child make the final choice. We understand that parents only want what is best for their child, but students must be intelligent and mature enough to decide for themselves.

Carlos

Be differentt in your approach and open minded. I decided in 6th grade that I was going to attend Morehouse College and would have only appied there had someone not made me promise to visit other schools. I am at Emory because Emory fits me best. You have to find the school that's right for you. once you do get involved so that the school becomes your own. Join clubs or represent the school in some aspect. College is what you make of it, so enjoy yourself while you can in doing it.

Kara

When going on college tours, take the time to recognize the small differences between colleges. After a while, they can all blend together into an impressive collegiate mass of clubs, dorms, meal plans, and classes. However, very small traits of a school can make it perfect for an individual student. Ask your tour guide difficult questions (a challenge would probably make their day more exciting), and critically consider their answers. They are trying to sell you their school, so be aware that they will put a positive spin on anything they say. While thinking about colleges, it is sometimes difficult to know what you want or what would be that "perfect fit." Think about what you liked and did not like about your high school. How important are sports to you? School spirit? A strong reputation? People will ask you for a long time where you went to college, and how much you enjoyed it. Take the time to be confident that for years to come, you will be able to proudly wear your school sweatshirt and say, "Isn't it obvious?" and, "It was the best four years of my life." Remember, college is really all about you.

Bramwel

The college process can be extremely tiring, but do not give up. Take time to do thorough research and understand that not all schools are a perfect fit. Just because one school may hold a certain ranking does no mean that it is the best school for you. Eventhough it may seem like alot of information, in the end it will definaltey be worth it. Also, do not be descouraged if you do not get into the college of your choice, because anyone can succeed if you put the right mindset behind all your tasks. But when you do finally arrive to college, get ready for the real world. Eventhough you may have lots of free time, use it toward your advantage. College is a different level from highschool, but at the same time it can be the most enjoyable experience.

Catherine

Make sire to visit all colleges before you decide. You can feel the atmosphere of a school in terms of how comfortable you will be if you do this. It also allows you to see the size of the school and the transportation issues. Also talk to either current students or current grads that are not involved in the tour-giving process to get a better idea.

Adam

Any top university will provide a comparable education. The key is to find the school where you could see yourself. But wherever you end up, you get out the experience what you put into it.