Emory University

Date: Mar 31 2008
Major: Philosophy (This Major's Salary over time)
I think Emory is a great university. However, there are some things one should definitely consider before applying:

First, Emory requires 72 hours worth of General Education Requirements, which is absolutely insane, especially for a Liberal Arts School. So make sure you come in with lots of AP credit. There is talk however, that they are going to lower the number of GERs.

Second, Emory is incredibly diverse, which is wonderful. I have only been here for a semester and a half, but I have met people from all over the world. Diversity is by far one of the most underplayed aspects-to-consider when applying to schools. I have learned so much about other people's cultures, traditions, etc. However, Emory is a very socially divided university; people tend to stick with their friends that they meet within the first couple months or who they have some sort of ethnic/cultural/religious connection with.

Third, everyone I have met is friendly and most are approachable. There is really no general personality trait that could describe all Emory kids. Yes, a lot of kids are from Korea and even more from Long Island, but there is great diversity even amongst them.

However, most kids tend to have their futures planned/goals set and I find there predetermined aspirations to be praiseworthy, but equally close-minded. Many have decided that they want to be doctors, successful businessmen, or that they just want to make lots of money post graduation. This is the only common quality that I have found among almost all Emory students and I do not think the college educational experience should be pursued in such a manner or should success be defined in such a way.

Fourth, no matter what they tell you, the Greek life dominates all. Not that this is necessarily a negative, but the school will tell you that only 30% of the student body is Greek. This may be true, but it is an extremely deceptive fact. Although only a third of the students are members, most of their non-Greek friends will be on Frat row come Friday night. Nonetheless, the frats are pretty mellow and are not nearly as cutthroat as State schools or exciting as in the movies (I envisioned frat life to be completely wild i.e. Animal House).

Lastly, the word that best describes Emory as a whole is indifference. Nobody seems to really care about anything, nothing really excites people on campus. Nobody cares about school sports or school functions. Nobody cares about world issues or national politics. Nobody even really cares too much about partying well. Now these are fairly sweeping statements, but it is quite fitting for Emory as a whole.

I like Emory and if I do remain here I think I can make a good experience out of it. It seems like a good choice in a school if you are sure business or pre-medicine is your calling. Also, if you really don't care about political/intellectual/social activism and sports/school functions don't excite you, you will not be disappointed with Emory's lack of school spirit. Overall, the people here are genuinely good people, most just lack intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn for the sake of learning.

A few remaining thoughts: the campus is beautiful. The school is NOT in the city and is difficult to get to, and the dining food is horrible.