Emory University Top Questions

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

Debarati

When deciding on your undergraduate education, reputation matters, but above all, consider how well you can do within your concentration. While graduating from a Top Ten University is always impressive, it may be more so if you graduate at the top of your class from a smaller college or one that is less competitive. Also, be sure to look at other resources the university has to offer. I know you have always wanted to be a physician, so make sure you pick a college that will provide you with additional resources that you need to succeed in that field. However, definitely have a backup plan if you change your mind. Lastly, if you haven't learned already, you will learn that college is one of the few opportunities where you are expected to make mistakes. Use these mistakes to learn and improve your understanding or experiences. Do not allow yourself to give up on your dreams or ambitions because of a mistake you may have made, and learn to overcome any academic obstacles. Learn to have fun, and deviate from your plans every now and then. You never know what new passion you may discover.

Paige

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give myself the following advice, make the best of the opportunities available by being involved with groups or organizations that would assist in demonstrating qualities or skills such as leadership, innovation, volunteer spirit, etc. in addition to mastering the classroom educational skills. I have now come to the realization that universities look not only at academics, but they seek well rounded individuals with the capacity to excel both in and out of the classroom. Colleges are in pursuit of students that are consistent in their behaviour be it through involvement with a particular interest group, accomplishments in the classroom by means of examinations and grades to produce citizens that can make valuabe contributions to both the university and society. In addition, I would embrace every opportunity to participate in school trips and activities to gain the exposure while developing a sense of independence. These qualities and attributes combined would assist in good time management while preparng me to function and make sound decisions on my own.

Erica

I remember the feeling I experienced when I read my acceptance letter into Emory; that confusing mixture of excitement and apprehension. As Icompleted my senior year of high school, it became more difficult to distinguish the more potent emotion. I would be casted into a new community, without the familiar faces I had grown up with or the simple routine I was accustomed to. Although the prospect of freedom was alluring, I believed it would be accompanied by anxiety and even loneliness. What made the uncertainty of college?s new andchallenging environment was my fear that I would be doing it alone. Now, after surviving and enjoying almost two years of college, I wish I could have assured my high school self that by utilizing the resources available, thetransition would be more of an adventurous journey than an arduousfeat. Along with programs geared specifically towards creating a wonderful freshman year experience, the students and administration at this school show a genuine effort in helping students excel in all aspect of campus life. The biggest piece ofadvice I would offer, however, is to trust in my own strength, because too often what we think we need, we?ve had all along.

Abigail

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to apply early decision to a college. When I was not accepted to my first-choice school, I was absolutely devastated. I reluctantly filled out the rest of my applications and decided to apply to Emory as an afterthough, and only because my two aunts had attended the school. After I was accepted, I came to visit and immediately fell in love with Emory. I knew this would be the perfect school for me and could not be happier with my choice. I now know that my first-choice school would have been a terrible fit and cannot believe how upset I was when I was not accepted. The truth is, people can find a way to be happy at whatever college they choose to attend, all that really matters is keeping a positive attitude. The message I would like to send to high school seniors is not to get caught up in the craziness of the college application process and to know that you will end up at the right school for you.

Amadu

Explore. That is all I would have to say to my high school self who was entering college. Explore new oppurtunities, explore new relationships, explore the world. As a senior I was a shy, timid and reserved child. I still am in many respects, but I think with a little push my younger self would have been more exploring. By explore I am urging my younger self to immerse themselves into the college experience and all it has to offer, meet more people, take an odd class, join a cool extracurricular Anything, really. I just wish I had been less reserved and shy upon entering college, but they say hindsight is 20/20. With the right push I might have has a different first semester experience at college,, and I, like everyone else, like to think that it could have turned out better.

Kevin

To think twice about acting on impulses, and to think twice about watching TV before working on your academics. Also, to reach out to your professors for help since they really do care about your best interests

Sara

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self not to worry about the name of a school and to trust that everything would work out in the end, although I probably wouldn't have believed myself (after all, that was exactly what every adult had been telling me all year). I ended up at the last school I thought I'd attend and I could not be happier. There were many times where I stressed out and even cried over making my final college decision, and I wish I had relaxed a bit more so that I could have enjoyed myself more and made the college process much less stressful. Usually, I am a very laid-back person and I tend not to get upset easily and I wish this normal aspect of my personality had translated into my college applications and decision. However, I have now learned (albeit the hard way) to trust in myself that things will work out the way they're supposed to.

Amanda

When you are first trying to make decisions about college, find out as much as you can before committing yourself. Attend as many information sessions, open houses, and tours as you possibly can. There is nothing wrong with being excited about college. Even if you do not necessarily like the university they are presenting about, you can usually find some helpful tips about college life in general. Like when you hear people tell you that college will be hard, and you can?t simply cruise along as you may have done in high school, they aren?t simply trying to scare you. Turns out most of that stuff is true. Yes college is meant to be fun, and there?s nothing wrong with enjoying your new found freedom and going completely nuts the moment you get there. Try new things and explore all you can, because you never know when a great opportunity will disappear. Make sure that no matter what you do, however, you never lose sight of your real goal. You are here for an education, and in the end, all that will matter is that you learned something of worth.

Alexandria

As a college freshman I find myself wondering what kind of person I would have been if I knew certain information whilst I was a high school senior. For example, I made the wrong choice in college. If I had known then how vital the college decision was I would have spent more time during the decision process in order to find which college suited me best. Also, I would have bought the car that I promised myself for graduation before I applied for FAFSA, because I would have known that if I waited then I would end up spending that money on the first year of college after maxing out the amount of federal loans I could take for that year. The final thing I would advise myself on is to relax and pay attention to small details because time goes by so quickly and if I do not cherish the many minute moments within it I would deeply regret not making the time for happiness. I would tell myself that the key to success is happiness. If I am happy then all accomplishments that I make result in pride and with that comes success.

Lara

Congratulations on being accepted into the college of your dreams! You must be enjoying your senior year with a feeling of relief, but just make sure not to get too lazy with your schoolwork. College schoolwork is on a completely different level than high school, and you have to really focus and work hard. It might be a little overwhelming at first, with all the new friends, environment, opportunities, and professors that you are surrounded by, but remember that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. You may feel pressured to get great grades in such a competitive school, but you also have to focus on your personal well being. College is all about a balance between school, work, and social life, and you cannot allow one of those aspects to overpower the others. Work hard in school but also make sure to save a little bit of time for some fun for yourself! Work to the very best of your ability and put 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort in everything you do, and you will be amazed with what you will achieve.