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.

esther

do what makes u happy. it will work out really

Nina

Do your research and make your preparations, but do not stress too much over it. There is only so much to consider before you just have to make your choice and jump right in. College is important, but do not give it too much weight in your mind, for there is much more yet in store for you in life. Go to college, meet people, study hard but make time for your friends, stay close to the people you value (near and far), fall into activites that you enjoy and which are good for others and the world, and be sure to find yourself and when you do, stay true to yourself. It sounds like a lot but it's not too hard.

Deborah

When one is a senior in high school, I would first look into onself in order to see what kind of campus environment one desires, what kind of academic environment one wants (competitive or not as competitive), the georgraphical location, and types of available social activities. After making a list of possible schools, I would visit the campuses and sit in one of the classes. If you are interested in a chemistry major, I would ask the school if you can sit in one of their chemistry lectures. After probing into the schools, I would apply to the top 3-5 schools. After arriving at the college of your choice, I would get involved with service clubs and any other extra curricular activities in order to make friends and make social connections. Also, when you are in a class, actively seek out the professors no matter how responsive he or she may be. Always actively seek what you need and want because your actions will contribute not only to your academic and social life, your actions probably will benefit the university in improving itself.

Mark

My first two years of school were at Berry College. I was very focused on soccer and dedicated myself to playing the game in school. I enjoyed Berry, and I made many close friends. I ended up transferring to Emory because Berry's location was a little remote for me. I wanted to be apart of a college town. Berry and Emory have both shaped me, but in different ways. The key to finding the right school is being able to find the place where you can meet people, enjoy school, and make close friends. These are all essential to a college life, because they are the things that get you through the rough times and help keep you going. Not all times in college are fun and exciting. Yes, college is a great thing. Yes, college is a learning experience. By visiting a campus, you are able to actually see the students interact with eachother. By simply observing you can tell if the students enjoy their time at their school and can see if their happy. Typically, if you join a campus with a lot of happy students who like eachother, you'll be happy, too. Balance is key.

Aeisha

I would suggest that parents allow their students to come up with what environment best suits them instead of trying to force a certain college on their student. When the student is the most comfortable, the grades will reflect that. Parents should also give their students freedom with just a bit of structure because it allows them to begin to think as an adult.

Gabriela

To find the perfect college, the prospective student should be able to spend a good amount of time in the school. Maybe pick up the school's newspaper, eat a meal at one of the cafeterias, go on a tour. But the most important I believe is to talk to a random current student and ask about what they like or dislike, to get an opinion different from what the admissions office tries to convey. Making the most of the college experience involves balacing out the academics and social life, Knowing when to focus on the future and when to take a break from all the stress involved with school.

Tiffany

The best advice is to search yourself first. What are you looking for academically? Private schools are more academically strenuous but often offer more resources/finances while public schools generally offer more free time for fun. What kind of people do you want to be around? Each campus has a unique feel: diverse, sports oriented, academically focused, party animals etc. Choosing a student body will determine if you go to football games, the theatre, the library or into the city on a Saturday afternoon. What do you want out of your location: sunny weather, family nearby, a coastline, a big city, the capital, the mountains? Do you want to know everyone on campus or is it ?the more the merrier?? Find out what kinds of activities the school offers. TALK TO CURRENT STUDENTS!!!!!! Do they find students and faculty active or apathetic? Intelligent or underachieving? Friendly or cliquish? WHEN you visit, ask students about the best and worst things about life as a student there. Lastly, take a deep breath. THIS IS EXCITING! Don?t stress out. Enjoy the process : ) When you get there, try EVERYTHING you ever wanted to try before you leave!

Sonia

Finding the right college for you is not about what school is ranked highest or has the best football team, although these are ways to narrow them down, these are not reasons you make your ultimate decision around. To find the place that fits you best, your personal needs should be assessed first. Do you need to be near a city? In which field do you plan to study? Does cold or hot weather suit you? Do you plan on being active in extracirriculars, ndulging in academics, or both? I think these questions can help highlight what you're looking for. I suggest making a priority list and rank these questions about what is most important to you to have in a school. Then, find the school that accomodates these needs. As for making the most of college, I would say meet and learn from people. Whether they are professors, advisors or peers, find ones to challange you: the way you think and act and force you to grow, because thats what college is, a growing experience. Also, study hard so you can use your knowledge towards a career and hey, maybe even kick butt in Jeopardy one day.

Scott

Make sure you visit the school and find a place that you really love, and parents let the kids decided that.

Eric

Parents, as well as students, should not become enamored with college rankings, as they only compare certain aspects of the school. It is important to find a school that is a match with you and your career goals. Do plenty of research about anything that may interest you outside of class: internships on and off campus, volunteer opportunities, potential research opportunities, etc. Finding things to do outside of class is vital towards providing a balance to studying. Look up special academic programs that may help fulfill your goals. Educate yourself about the schools as much as you can, as this will allow you to make a more informed decision when it is time to send in your deposit. In addition, visit the school while it is in session. Schedule an official tour! Speak to as many students as you can about academics and student life so you have adequate information to imagine yourself as a student at the school. This helps you to envision not only what to expect from the college you could be living on, but also the type of individuals that you will be working alongside and collaborating with for the next few years of your life.